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Kindergarten Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cook, Part-Time

Hershey, PA · On-site

$33.54/hr

Description Milton Hershey School (MHS) is one of the world's best pre-K through 12th grade private ... MHS is seeking a part-time Cook to join the team. We have a unique opportunity in which you would ...

Food Services Milton Hershey School (MHS) is one of the worlds best pre-K through 12th grade ... MHS is seeking a part-time Cook to join the team. We have a unique opportunity in which you would ...

Cook, Part-Time

Hershey, PA · On-site

$33.54/hr

Food Services Milton Hershey School (MHS) is one of the worlds best pre-K through 12th grade ... MHS is seeking a part-time Cook to join the team. We have a unique opportunity in which you would ...

Temporary Cook

Succasunna, NJ · On-site

$15.92 - $17/hr

What You'll Do The cook is responsible for: * Preparing menus in compliance with Child Care Food ... Setting tables in the multi-purpose room for Purple and Pre-k teams, ensuring a clean and inviting ...

Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$19 - $21.49/hr

Cooks connect their work to the health of a child and their family, so that they can be successful in Kindergarten and in life. They support the center in meeting and exceeding Head Start Program ...

Cook

Vancouver, WA

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

... kindergarten readiness and school success for all children. We work in partnership with the ... Cook Employment Status: Full Time FLSA Status : Non-Exempt Reports to: Center Director Supervises:

Cook

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$18.96 - $19.40/hr

... kindergarten readiness and school success for all children. We work in partnership with the ... Cook Employment Status: Full Time FLSA Status : Non-Exempt Reports to: Center Director Supervises:

Showing results 21-40

Kindergarten Cook information

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$8

$16

$22

How much do kindergarten cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for kindergarten cook in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a kindergarten cook do?

A Kindergarten Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks to young children in a kindergarten setting. They plan menus that meet dietary guidelines and accommodate allergies or special requirements. In addition to cooking, they maintain a clean and safe kitchen, follow food safety regulations, and sometimes involve children in simple food-related activities to promote healthy eating habits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kindergarten cook?

To thrive as a Kindergarten Cook, you need knowledge of nutrition, food safety, and meal preparation, often supported by a food handler’s certificate or similar qualification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and adherence to state or local health regulations is essential. Attention to detail, organization, and a caring attitude towards young children make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure the safe preparation of nutritious meals and contribute to the overall well-being and development of children in a school setting.

What are the main challenges a kindergarten cook faces when preparing meals for young children?

One of the main challenges for a Kindergarten Cook is accommodating a variety of dietary restrictions and allergies while ensuring meals are nutritious and appealing to young children. It also requires careful menu planning to meet both regulatory guidelines and children's taste preferences. Additionally, maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and food safety in a busy kitchen environment is crucial. Strong organization and communication skills are essential, as the cook often collaborates closely with teachers and staff to coordinate meal times and address any special dietary needs.

What is the difference between Kindergarten Cook vs Preschool Cook?

AspectKindergarten CookPreschool Cook
CredentialsFood handler’s permit, basic culinary skillsFood handler’s permit, basic culinary skills
Work EnvironmentKindergarten classrooms, school cafeteriasPreschools, daycare centers, early childhood education facilities
Employer & IndustryPublic/private schools, educational institutionsPreschools, daycare centers, early childhood programs
Job FocusPreparing nutritious meals for kindergarten childrenPreparing meals/snacks for preschool children

Both Kindergarten Cooks and Preschool Cooks prepare meals for young children in educational settings. The main difference lies in the age group served: Kindergarten Cooks focus on children in kindergarten, while Preschool Cooks serve preschool-aged children. Their credentials, work environments, and employer types are similar, making the roles closely related but tailored to different age groups.

What cities are hiring for Kindergarten Cook jobs?

Cities with the most Kindergarten Cook job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Kindergarten Cook jobs?

For Kindergarten Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Kindergarten Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.

Cook, Part-Time

Hershey, PA • On-site

Milton Hershey School
Education • 1 - 5K employees

$33.54/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 16 hours ago


Milton Hershey School rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description
Milton Hershey School (MHS) is one of the world's best pre-K through 12th grade private schools, where approximately 2,200 students from disadvantaged backgrounds are provided with a cost-free home and a top-notch education. Thanks to the generosity of Milton and Catherine Hershey in 1909, the school is fully endowed today, with the resources to ensure students can thrive. The school has prepared over 12,000 graduates to lead fulfilling and productive lives and is expanding to serve more students.
MHS is seeking a part-time Cook to join the team. We have a unique opportunity in which you would cook healthy dishes, interact with a diverse population of adults and students, and assist with a variety of responsibilities to help keep the Food Service Department operating smoothly. Each day is different! This is a service-orientated position that provides the best menu for students and staff at the dining halls, residences, health center, catered events & special events. It provides support to meet the school's food service programs, such as preparing appealing and nutritious meals, fulfillment of menu orders, and maintaining a food safe work environment (cleaning & sanitation) to enhance the well-being of the students and staff.
The work schedule is considered flex Monday - Thursday with hours between 6:30 am - 8:00 pm and will not exceed 29 hours per week. Hours of operation may change due to seasonal or department needs. This is a year-round position and it's part of the Bargaining Local Union 464. Hourly pay rate: $33.54. Part-time employees are eligible for a retirement savings plan, an employee assistance program (EAP), free lunches when on duty, and Hershey area discounts.
Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED Required.
  • Prior experience as a cook in a commercial kitchen environment with knowledge of modern methods of food preparation, health codes, sanitation principles & catering events.
  • Culinary/catering and operation of large commercial kitchen equipment required.
  • Valid NSF Serv-Safe Certification or ability to obtain upon hire within six months.
  • Valid PA Driver's License in good standing.
  • HACCP training.
  • Physically capable of lifting and/or carrying up to 50+ pounds on a frequent basis.
  • Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations and convert recipes.
  • Ability to operate and care for institutional kitchen equipment.
  • Strong communication skills (verbal & written) and ability to maintain accurate records, understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
  • Demonstrated exceptional organizational and planning skills.
  • High level of integrity and willingness to actively engage with students beyond core job duties.

What Milton Hershey School employees say

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About Milton Hershey School

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1909 by chocolate maker Milton Hershey and his wife Catherine, Milton Hershey School transforms the lives of lower-income children through a cost-free, high-quality education and structured home life.Married houseparent couples are the schools heartbeat and are vital to students success. Couples reside with eight-12 students in their student homes and provide caring homes away from home. The school provides extensive resources to support houseparents so they can focus on their students.

Industry

Education

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hershey, PA, US