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Daycare Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Unitech Training Academy

Daycare Cook/Janitor

Alexandria, LA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Cook/Janitor Schedule: Full-time Hourly Position For My Child Learning Center is a skills-based and center-structured early learning environment guided by developmentally appropriate practices. The ...

Unitech Training Academy

Daycare Cook/Janitor

Alexandria, LA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Cook/Janitor Schedule: Full-time Hourly Position For My Child Learning Center is a skills-based and center-structured early learning environment guided by developmentally appropriate practices. The ...

Unitech Training Academy

Daycare Cook/Janitor

Alexandria, LA

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Cook/Janitor Schedule: Full-time Hourly Position For My Child Learning Center is a skills-based and center-structured early learning environment guided by developmentally appropriate practices. The ...

The Learning Experience

Preschool Cook

Bordentown, NJ · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

As a daycare cook with us, you'll play a key role in making a difference in the lives of children, their families, and communities by cooking daily nutritious meals. Your role may also require some ...

Precious Possessions Preschool & Daycare

Cook

Dalton, GA · On-site

$12/hr

DESCRIPTION At Precious Possessions Daycare, our Cook plays an important role in supporting the health, safety, and daily care of our children. This position is responsible for planning and preparing ...

Precious Possessions Preschool & Daycare

Cook

Dalton, GA · On-site

$12/hr

At Precious Possessions Daycare, our Cook plays an important role in supporting the health, safety, and daily care of our children. This position is responsible for planning and preparing nutritious ...

Three Little Kittens Daycare

Be Seen First

Daycare Assistant

Canajoharie, NY · On-site

$16/hr

Help with potty training * Assist in keeping the daycare area clean ... Cooking meals (when needed)

Fort Healthcare Inc

Cook

Fort Atkinson, WI

$12.75 - $17/hr

The cook prepares cooked and baked food items for patients, cafeteria, daycare and special functions. Responsibilities of this position include: * Prepares cooked and baked food items for patients ...

Fort HealthCare

Cook

Fort Atkinson, WI · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

The cook prepares cooked and baked food items for patients, cafeteria, daycare and special functions. Responsibilities of this position include: * Prepares cooked and baked food items for patients ...

RIGHT STEPS CHILDCARE AND ACADEMY

Cook

Houston, TX · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Cook needed for a daycare center. Must be able to cook, clean, and keep the kitchen organized. Mus be able to work a flexible shift. We are seeking to hire as soon as possible for this position. A ...

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Daycare Cook information

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$11

$19

$25

How much do daycare cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for daycare cook in the United States is $19.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Daycare Cooks?

Daycare Cooks are responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks for children at a daycare facility. They plan menus that meet dietary guidelines and accommodate food allergies or special needs. Daycare Cooks also ensure that the kitchen area is clean and compliant with health and safety regulations, and they often work closely with daycare staff to support children's well-being. Their role is vital in providing healthy food choices to promote children's growth and development while at daycare.

What are some common challenges faced by a Daycare Cook and how can they be managed?

Daycare Cooks often face the challenge of preparing nutritious meals that meet strict dietary guidelines and accommodate various allergies and preferences among children. Managing time efficiently to serve meals on schedule while maintaining food safety and cleanliness standards is essential. Effective communication with daycare staff is crucial to stay informed about children's needs and any last-minute changes. Staying organized and planning menus in advance can help streamline meal preparation and reduce stress during busy times.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Daycare Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Daycare Cook, you need knowledge of nutrition, safe food handling, and meal preparation, often backed by a food handler's permit or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and compliance with health department regulations are typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and effective communication with staff and children are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the preparation of healthy, safe meals that support children's well-being and meet regulatory standards.

What Does a Daycare Cook Do?

Daycare cooks plan, prepare, and clean up meals at a daycare facility. As a daycare cook, you prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for children. You must have knowledge of healthy, complete meals and use budgeting skills to make food purchases for a given period of time. Your responsibilities include ensuring enough food is available each day and that each meal is USDA food guide compliant. Other duties involve maintaining a clean kitchen workspace, storing food according to local health unit guidelines, and serving food hygienically. You also interact with children and model appropriate food handling and eating etiquette.

What is the difference between Daycare Cook vs School Lunch Cook?

AspectDaycare CookSchool Lunch Cook
CredentialsFood handler’s permit, basic cooking skillsFood handler’s permit, food safety certification
Work EnvironmentChildcare centers, daycare facilitiesSchools, educational institutions
Employer & IndustryChildcare providers, daycare industrySchool districts, education sector
Job FocusPreparing nutritious meals for young childrenPreparing meals for students, adhering to school menus

While both roles involve preparing meals for children, a Daycare Cook focuses on creating nutritious, age-appropriate food in daycare settings, whereas a School Lunch Cook prepares meals for larger groups of students in school cafeterias, often following strict nutritional guidelines and menus.

More about Daycare Cook jobs
What cities are hiring for Daycare Cook jobs? Cities with the most Daycare Cook job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Daycare Cook jobs? The most popular types of Daycare Cook jobs are:
What states have the most Daycare Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Daycare Cook jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Daycare Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Daycare Cook jobs are:
Daycare Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Daycare Cook job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 31% Full Time, and 69% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,979 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Daycare Cook/Janitor

Unitech Training Academy

Alexandria, LA • On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Title: Cook/Janitor
Schedule: Full-time
Hourly Position
For My Child Learning Center is a skills-based and center-structured early learning environment guided by developmentally appropriate practices. The Center exists both to enrich and to expand a child's learning experience while meeting parent's needs for high-quality childcare. The Center is, in a sense, an extension of the home: teachers, children, and parents working together to provide a quality early learning environment. With this, we are searching for the perfect infant and toddler educator! Apply now if you interested in sharing your nurturing and developmentally appropriate talents with those that matter most- our early learners.
JOB DESCRIPTION
  • Full time Cook in food preparation, stocking the kitchen, washing dishes, cleaning kitchen, taking out trash etc.
  • Janitorial duties which are including but not limited to: Sweeping, mopping, toilets, sinks, windows, floors, throw up, spills, feces, etc.
  • Must be able to follow directions and work well with others.
  • Must have a positive attitude and be flexible. Will be expected to change diapers and give lunch breaks to other teachers when necessary.
  • Provide a safe, nurturing and responsive environment that stimulates the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of infants and toddlers.
  • Will perform all head cook duties when head cook is out.
  • Provide high-quality interactions that maximize child development and involvement.
  • Communicate daily with Supervisors.
  • Report any safety hazards observed indoors or outdoors.
  • Participate in monthly staff meetings.
  • Ensure that personal care needs are met for all infants and toddlers (i.e. feeding, diapering, toileting, rest, etc).
  • Other duties, as assigned by Center Director or Assistant Director/Instructional Coach.

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