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Full Time Daycare Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sunshine House

Daycare Cook

Columbia, SC · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Daycare Cook & Driver | Full Time Love making a difference? You'll fit right in. There's something truly special about knowing you're shaping a child's future. When you join The Sunshine House family ...

Sunshine House

Daycare Cook

Columbia, SC · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Daycare Cook & Driver Full Time Love making a difference? You'll fit right in. There's something truly special about knowing you're shaping a child's future. When you join The Sunshine House family ...

Sunshine House

Daycare Cook & Driver

Columbia, SC · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Daycare Cook & Driver | Full Time Love making a difference? You'll fit right in. There's something truly special about knowing you're shaping a child's future. When you join The Sunshine House family ...

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 ...

Fort Healthcare Inc

Cook

Fort Atkinson, WI · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Shift: Full time 80 hours per bi-weekly pay period Fort HealthCare is proud to be named a 16-time ... The cook prepares cooked and baked food items for patients, cafeteria, daycare and special ...

Fort HealthCare

Cook

Fort Atkinson, WI · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Shift: Full time 80 hours per bi-weekly pay period Fort HealthCare is proud to be named a 16-time ... The cook prepares cooked and baked food items for patients, cafeteria, daycare and special ...

Cadence Academy Preschool

Cook

Norwalk, CT

$14 - $18.75/hr

If you love working with children and bring experience from childcare, daycare, or early childhood ... Incredible Benefits (Full-Time Employees): * Competitive pay + on-demand pay with UKG Wallet.

Winning Wheels

Cook

Prophetstown, IL · On-site

$16.50/hr

Positions available: 1 Full time day shift 5a-130p 1 Full time night shift 11a-730p All positions ... Child daycare as low as $37.50 per week * Vacation * Sick pay * Tuition reimbursement * Paid time ...

Winning Wheels

Cook

Prophetstown, IL

$13.50 - $18/hr

Positions available: 1 Full time day shift 5a-130p 1 Full time night shift 11a-730p All positions ... Child daycare as low as $37.50 per week * Vacation * Sick pay * Tuition reimbursement * Paid time ...

Winning Wheels

Cook

Prophetstown, IL · On-site

Positions available: 1 Full time day shift 5a-130p 1 Full time night shift 11a-730p All positions ... Child daycare as low as $37.50 per week * Vacation * Sick pay * Tuition reimbursement * Paid time ...

Cadence Academy Preschool

Cook

Norwalk, CT · On-site

$18.75 - $22.75/hr

If you love working with children and bring experience from childcare, daycare, or early childhood ... Incredible Benefits (Full-Time Employees): * Competitive pay + on-demand pay with UKG Wallet.

Cadence Education

Cook

Norwalk, CT

$18.75 - $22.75/hr

If you love working with children and bring experience from childcare, daycare, or early childhood ... Incredible Benefits (Full-Time Employees): * Competitive pay + on-demand pay with UKG Wallet.

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All JobsFull Time Daycare Cook Jobs

Full Time Daycare Cook information

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$19

$25

How much do full time daycare cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time 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 does a Full Time Daycare Cook do?

A Full Time Daycare Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks to children in a daycare setting. Their duties include planning menus that meet dietary guidelines, accommodating food allergies or special needs, and maintaining clean and safe kitchen areas. They also ensure that food is stored properly and that all meals comply with health and safety regulations. In some cases, they may also help with ordering supplies and managing kitchen inventory. The goal of a daycare cook is to provide healthy, appealing meals that support children's growth and development.

What is the difference between Full Time Daycare Cook vs Part Time Daycare Cook?

AspectFull Time Daycare CookPart Time Daycare Cook
Work HoursTypically 35-40 hours per weekFewer than 30 hours per week
CertificationsFood handler’s permit, basic cooking certificationsSame certifications as full-time, but may vary
Work EnvironmentFull kitchen responsibilities in daycare settingsSimilar environment, fewer hours
Employer UsageDaycare centers hiring full-time staffCenters needing part-time kitchen support

Full Time Daycare Cooks work more hours and often have a broader set of responsibilities compared to Part Time Daycare Cooks. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but the main difference lies in hours worked and scheduling flexibility.

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

A Full Time Daycare Cook often faces challenges such as accommodating various dietary restrictions, preparing meals on tight schedules, and maintaining high safety and cleanliness standards. Managing these challenges involves careful menu planning, strong time management, and close communication with childcare staff about children's needs and allergies. Additionally, staying organized in the kitchen and following established protocols for food safety help ensure a smooth workflow and the wellbeing of all children.

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

To thrive as a Full Time Daycare Cook, you need knowledge of nutrition, food safety, and menu planning, often supported by a food handler’s certification or similar credential. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and compliance with health regulations is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating with staff and accommodating dietary needs. These skills ensure that children receive safe, nutritious meals in a well-managed, hygienic environment.
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Full Time Daycare Cook jobs near you
Daycare Cook

Daycare Cook

Foundations Early Learning Center

Wilmington, NC • On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Daycare Cook | Full Time

Join a Team That's Making a Difference!

Are you passionate about early childhood education and looking for more than just a job? Come grow with us at Foundations Early Learning Center! We're a fast-growing, top-rated preschool company looking for dedicated, enthusiastic teachers to join our team.
At Foundations, we do things differently - our classrooms are alive with hands-on, STEAM-focused learning, and we invest just as much in our staff as we do in our students -- with generous PTO, birthday holiday, paid training, professional development, and tuition reimbursement.

 With innovative new schools opening and continued expansion, now is the perfect time to join our team. Be part of a supportive, purpose-driven workplace where your passion and talent help shape young minds every day.

Position Available At: 5408 Watergrass Drive Wilmington, NC 28412

Hourly Pay Range: $16-$18 per hour

Pay is determined by the level of education and years of experience. Pay increases with continued education, performance and years of service.

Cook Responsibilities:

  • Prepares and distributes meals/snacks for children and staff according to guidelines and provided menus.
  • Follows daily menu that incorporates USDA, licensing and/or health department regulations.
  • Ensures safe food preparations and proper sanitation methods are used and maintains a safe kitchen/pantry area.
  • Maintains inventory of food and supplies.
  • Must be willing to work in the classroom to cover breaks.

Requirements

  • Work experience in cooking and/or food preparation for large group food service, preferably in a childcare center, preferred. ServSafe certification preferred.
  • At least 18-years-old for cook position. At least 21 years old to drive the bus.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Previous experience working in licensed childcare a plus.
  • Ability to pass background checks & health assessments.
  • Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

Benefits

Highlights From Our Stellar Benefits:

Competitive Pay: 

  • Regular pay increases
  • Same day pay available

Insurance Package: 

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield medical, dental & vision
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • 401K retirement plan
  • Employee wellness program
  • Optional programs like Aflac and short-term disability insurance

Education Support: 

  • Paid trainings & professional development
  • Up to 95% FREE tuition for CDA, associate's, bachelor's or master's programs with the TEACH program. Eligible bonuses could push the amount of funding to over 100%.

Additional Perks: 

  • Discounted childcare
  • Paid time off
  • Birthday holiday
  • Monday-Friday schedule
  • Additional paid time off with years of service
  • Employee discounts on major brands like Verizon
  • Unlimited growth opportunities 


Build your future with Foundations-apply today!

www.foundationselc.com

About Foundations Early Learning Center:

We help children reach their full potential, with school readiness, socialization, literacy, problem-solving, self-esteem and other life skills at the center of our focus. Foundations provides premier infant, toddler, preschool, Pre-K, school-age, and summer camp programs for children 6 weeks to 12 years. Our programs utilize the nationally-recognized, award-winning Creative Curriculum with a focus on STEAM in our classrooms.

Our Vision: Empowering children to realize their full potential.

Our Mission: To enrich children's lives through meaningful, innovative early learning experiences.

 Foundations is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Foundations follows state and federal labor laws. Follow the links below to learn about Discrimination, FMLA, and Polygraph protections. Information on additional employee rights can be found posted at each school.

Discrimination Information

FMLA Information

Polygraph Test Information

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