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Preschool Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kiddie Academy

Preschool Chef

Murrieta, CA

$16 - $18/hr

The Preschool Chef will be responsible for creating nutritious, high-quality meals for our young students that meet dietary restrictions and standards. They will be expected to remain on budget by ...

Kiddie Academy

Preschool Chef

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

The Preschool Chef will be responsible for creating nutritious, high-quality meals for our young students that meet dietary restrictions and standards. They will be expected to remain on budget by ...

Kiddie Academy

Preschool Chef

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

The Preschool Chef will be responsible for creating nutritious, high-quality meals for our young students that meet dietary restrictions and standards. They will be expected to remain on budget by ...

The Goddard School

Preschool Chef

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Training & development Preschool Chef About Us: The Goddard School of San Antonio- Potranco is a nurturing early childhood education center dedicated to providing a safe, healthy, and engaging ...

The Goddard School

Preschool Chef

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

We are looking for a Preschool Chef to join our team today. If you have food experience and enjoy working with children, we'd love to talk to you! Click apply now to jumpstart your career today!

Little Sunshine's Playhouse

Preschool Chef

Lakeway, TX · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

We are seeking a Daycare Chef to plan and prepare well-balanced breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for our students at Little Sunshine's Playhouse and Preschool of Lakeway, TX. All applicants must:

Little Sunshine's Playhouse

Preschool Chef

Lakeway, TX · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Description We are seeking a Daycare Chef to plan and prepare well-balanced breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for our students at Little Sunshine's Playhouse and Preschool of Lakeway, TX. All ...

Endeavor Schools

Preschool Chef

Cypress, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $18/hr

Build a Career with Meaning and Enhance Your Future Come join us at Silverline Montessori-Cypress as Preschool Chef! At Silverline, our staff brighten children's lives every day while creating a ...

Little Sunshine's Playhouse

Preschool Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Description We are seeking a Daycare Chef to plan and prepare well-balanced breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for our students at Little Sunshine's Playhouse and Preschool of West Omaha, NE. All ...

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Preschool Chef information

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$10

$24

$44

How much do preschool chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for preschool chef in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a preschool chef?

Preschool chefs are culinary professionals who prepare healthy and nutritious meals and snacks for children in a preschool setting. They are responsible for planning menus that adhere to dietary guidelines, managing food allergies, and ensuring food safety. Preschool chefs also work closely with staff to accommodate special dietary needs and to create a positive mealtime environment for young children. Their goal is to provide meals that support the growth and development of preschool-aged kids.

What is the difference between Preschool Chef vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectPreschool ChefKitchen Assistant
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary trainingBasic food handling certification, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentPreschools, daycare centers, early childhood education facilitiesCommercial kitchens, cafeterias, school dining areas
Employer & IndustryPreschools, childcare providersSchools, catering services, food service companies
Job FocusPreparing nutritious meals for preschool childrenAssisting with food prep, cleaning, and kitchen maintenance

The main difference between a Preschool Chef and a Kitchen Assistant is that the Preschool Chef is responsible for planning and preparing nutritious meals specifically for preschool children, requiring culinary skills and food safety certifications. In contrast, the Kitchen Assistant supports kitchen operations through food prep and cleaning tasks, often with less formal culinary training. Both roles are essential in early childhood food service environments but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a preschool chef?

To thrive as a Preschool Chef, you need a background in food preparation, nutrition, and food safety, often supported by a food handler’s permit or culinary certificate. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and allergy management systems is typically required. Patience, creativity, and effective communication are important soft skills for engaging with young children and collaborating with staff. These skills ensure the safe preparation of nutritious and appealing meals, supporting the health and well-being of preschoolers in a regulated environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a preschool chef when preparing meals for young children?

A Preschool Chef often faces the challenge of accommodating a wide variety of dietary restrictions, allergies, and picky eating habits among children. They must ensure meals are not only nutritious and appealing but also meet strict food safety standards tailored for young kids. Balancing creativity with regulations and working closely with teachers and caregivers to understand children's needs are key aspects of the role. Additionally, managing time efficiently during busy meal periods and maintaining a clean, organized kitchen environment are daily priorities.
More about Preschool Chef jobs
What states have the most Preschool Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Preschool Chef jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Preschool Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Preschool Chef jobs are:
Preschool Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Preschool Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Preschool Chef

Kiddie Academy

Murrieta, CA

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
Kiddie Academy in Murrieta, California is searching for an organized and experienced Preschool Chef to oversee the day-to-day operations of our kitchen. The Preschool Chef will be responsible for creating nutritious, high-quality meals for our young students that meet dietary restrictions and standards. They will be expected to remain on budget by creating a food and supply purchase plans and adhering to them while maintaining freshness and flavor in every dish served.
Compensation & Benefits
The Preschool Chef is an hourly Education position with a salary of $16 to $18 per hour, depending on education, experience, and qualifications. Additional benefits include, health and dental insurance, 401K. 
Responsibilities
• Manage and coordinate all aspects of the kitchen on a daily basis, including ordering supplies, creating menus, and preparing meals for our young students
• Create menus and dishes that are high in nutritional value, in balance with dietary restrictions, and within budget
• Monitor food quality, inventory, storage, and rotation of food in order to ensure all safety and health code standards
• Train staff and oversee food preparation to ensure quality and consistency
• Plan special dietary menus and modify existing recipes to suit dietary needs
• Monitor food temperatures and portion sizes for accurate service
• Maintain kitchen organization and cleanliness
Requirements
• culinary arts or related field education, training or hands on experience is preferred
• 3+ years’ experience in food service preparation is preferred
• Proven knowledge of menu planning, food program, nutrition, food ordering, health code and safety regulations
• Organized and detail-oriented with the ability to multitask efficiently
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Must possess a pleasant and customer-focused attitude