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Daycare Kitchen Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

930-Johnston

Preschool Cook

Johnston, IA

$16.94 - $19.50/hr

Maintain a clean, efficient kitchen, handling dishes and systems like a pro. * Tackle extra duties ... If you're passionate about kids and bring experience from childcare, daycare, or early childhood ...

Cadence Education

Preschool Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$16.94 - $19.50/hr

If you're passionate about kids and bring experience from childcare, daycare, or early childhood ... Keep the kitchen organized, managing food and supply storage like a pro. * Serve meals to ...

Panorama Daycare Center

Be Seen First

Childcare Teaching Assistant

Panora, IA · On-site

$13 - $20/hr

Also have a part time position open in our kitchen. Hours flexible. Part time and full time positions available. Must be 16 years or older to apply. All training is done on site and you are paid for ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Grimes, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every ... At home in the kitchen! Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Grimes, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every ... At home in the kitchen! Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$11.25 - $15/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every ... At home in the kitchen! Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$11.25 - $15/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every ... At home in the kitchen! Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every ... At home in the kitchen! Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every ... At home in the kitchen! Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every ... At home in the kitchen! Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every ... At home in the kitchen! Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every ... At home in the kitchen! Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every ... At home in the kitchen! Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every ... At home in the kitchen. Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Grimes, IA

$12.75 - $17/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every ... At home in the kitchen. Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every ... At home in the kitchen. Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every ... At home in the kitchen. Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsDaycare Kitchen JobsDaycare Kitchen Jobs in Iowa

Daycare Kitchen information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$14

$18

How much do daycare kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for daycare kitchen in Iowa is $14.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $16.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the daily responsibilities of a daycare kitchen worker?

In a daycare kitchen, daily responsibilities often include preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks that meet child nutrition guidelines, maintaining a clean and sanitized cooking environment, and accommodating any food allergies or special dietary needs. Staff also manage food inventory, ensure proper food storage, and may interact with teachers or caregivers to coordinate meal times and special events. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills are essential to maintain both safety and efficiency in this role.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work in a daycare kitchen?

To thrive as a Daycare Kitchen staff member, you need knowledge of food safety, nutrition, and basic culinary skills, often supported by a food handler’s permit or certification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and sanitation protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and a caring attitude toward children are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure that nutritious, safe meals are prepared efficiently while meeting the dietary needs and safety standards necessary for young children.

What is the difference between Daycare Kitchen vs Daycare Cook?

AspectDaycare KitchenDaycare Cook
CertificationsFood Handler’s Permit, Basic Food SafetyFood Handler’s Permit, Basic Food Safety
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchen within daycare facilitiesPreparing and cooking meals in daycare kitchens
Job ResponsibilitiesOverseeing meal prep, maintaining kitchen safetyCooking, portioning, and serving meals
Industry UsageCommonly used in daycare settings for meal managementOften used interchangeably with Daycare Kitchen, focusing on meal preparation

While both roles involve working in daycare food services, the Daycare Kitchen typically refers to the overall food management and safety oversight, whereas the Daycare Cook focuses specifically on preparing and cooking meals for children. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same environment, often overlapping in daily tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Daycare Kitchen jobs in Iowa?

For Daycare Kitchen jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Daycare Kitchen jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Daycare Kitchen jobs in Iowa are:

Daycare Kitchen jobs near you
Infographic showing various Daycare Kitchen job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $30,049 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Cook - Full or Part-Time Available

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN HOME

Washington, IA • On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

At the United Presbyterian Home, the cook prepares food for residents in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations with established policies and procedures and ensures quality food service is provided at all times.  This position is responsible for both batch prepared meals as well as short-order cooking.  The hours for this position will be from 5:30a-1:30p or 5:00a-2:00p and will require every other weekend.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Prepares high-quality food items according to standardized recipes and instructions.
  • Serves meals or prepares for delivery by using correct portioning, meeting outlined standards, ensuring that food is at the correct temperature and is attractive and tasty. Tastes all prepared food items.
  • Uses established ticket collection procedures during service. Responsible for records from area worked during service periods.
  • Cleans kitchen after preparation and serving, maintaining high standards of cleanliness. Stores or discards excess food in accordance with safe food-handling procedures.
  • Keeps refrigerators and storerooms clean and neat. Ensures food and supply items are stored per standards.
  • Operates and maintains kitchen equipment as instructed.
  • Reports needed maintenance, faulty equipment or accidents to the supervisor immediately.
  • Attends in-service and safety meetings.
  • Maintains good working relationships with coworkers, customers, administrators and managers.
  • Performs job safely while maintaining a clean, safe work environment.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits Include:

  • Health, dental and vision insurance (Full-Time Only)
  • Retirement savings plans 
  • Life insurance (Full-Time Only)
  • Fitness center and personal training
  • A daycare on campus for employees children
  • Free meal during your shift

The ideal candidate will have food preparation experience with a ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain).  If you have excellent customer service skills, a hospitality mindset, attention to detail and a desire to produce a high quality product this rewarding position may be right for you!

Apply