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Preschool Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Alexandria, VA

$16 - $21.38/hr

As a Cook at Bright Horizons , you will plan and prepare nutritious, familystyle meals that support ... If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide food ...

Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$16 - $21.38/hr

As a Cook at Bright Horizons , you will plan and prepare nutritious, family-style meals that ... If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide food ...

Childcare Cook

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$16.45 - $21.38/hr

As a Cook at Bright Horizons , you will plan and prepare nutritious, familystyle meals that support ... If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide food ...

New

Childcare Cook

Reston, VA · On-site

$16.45 - $21.38/hr

As a Cook at Bright Horizons , you will plan and prepare nutritious, family-style meals that ... If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide food ...

Childcare Cook

Ashburn, VA

$16.45 - $21.38/hr

As a Cook at Bright Horizons , you will plan and prepare nutritious, familystyle meals that support ... If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide food ...

Childcare Cook

Reston, VA · On-site

$16.45 - $21.38/hr

As a Cook at Bright Horizons , you will plan and prepare nutritious, familystyle meals that support ... If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide food ...

Childcare Cook

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$16.45 - $21.38/hr

As a Cook at Bright Horizons , you will plan and prepare nutritious, family-style meals that ... If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide food ...

Childcare Cook

Reston, VA

$16.45 - $21.38/hr

As a Cook at Bright Horizons , you will plan and prepare nutritious, familystyle meals that support ... If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide food ...

Showing results 21-40

Preschool Cook information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do preschool cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for preschool cook in Virginia is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a preschool cook?

Preschool Cooks are professionals responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks to young children in a preschool setting. They plan menus that meet dietary guidelines and accommodate allergies or special needs, ensuring food safety and cleanliness in the kitchen. Additionally, Preschool Cooks often work closely with teachers and administrators to support the overall health and well-being of children by providing balanced meals that aid in their growth and development.

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

To thrive as a Preschool Cook, you need knowledge of child nutrition, safe food handling, and menu planning, often supported by a food safety certification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and compliance with health and dietary regulations is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to communicate effectively with staff are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure that meals are nutritious, safe, and served efficiently to support the health and development of young children.

What are some common challenges faced by preschool cooks, and how can they be managed?

Preschool cooks often face challenges such as accommodating a variety of dietary restrictions, managing food allergies, and preparing nutritious meals within tight schedules. Managing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with teachers and parents to ensure all children's needs are met. Developing a set meal plan, staying informed about food safety standards, and collaborating closely with the childcare team can help preschool cooks maintain a safe and positive dining experience for all students.

What is the difference between Preschool Cook vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectPreschool CookKitchen Assistant
CredentialsFood handler’s permit, basic cooking skillsFood handler’s permit, basic kitchen skills
Work EnvironmentPreschools, daycare centersSchools, cafeterias, daycare centers
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, childcare providersEducational institutions, food service providers
Job FocusPreparing child-friendly meals, menu planningAssisting with meal prep, cleaning, and kitchen maintenance

While both roles involve food preparation in educational settings, a Preschool Cook focuses on preparing nutritious, child-friendly meals and menu planning, whereas a Kitchen Assistant supports meal prep, cleaning, and kitchen organization. Both roles require food safety certifications and work in similar environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Preschool Cook jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Preschool Cook jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Preschool Cook jobs in Virginia?

For Preschool Cook jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Preschool Cook jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Preschool Cook jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Preschool Cook job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,054 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

$16 - $21.38/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Plan and prepare balanced, familystyle meals and snacks following approved menus, nutritional guidelines, and daily attendance counts.

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen by following food safety, allergymanagement, sanitation, and health procedures.

  • Manage food and supply inventory, place orders through approved vendors, and partner with center staff to support smooth daily meal service.


Bright Horizons rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 297 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

105th of 225 rated education and training


Job description

As a Cook at Bright Horizons, you will plan and prepare nutritious, familystyle meals that support children's health, growth, and learning. Each day, your care in the kitchen will create a warm, predictable routine for children, educators, and center staff. From simmering soups to perfectly portioned plates, your work will fuel growing minds.

Join a team where your contributions matter and where you are supported to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference each day.

Responsibilities:

  • Plan and prepare balanced, familystyle meals and snacks following approved menus, nutritional guidelines, and daily attendance counts.

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen by following food safety, allergymanagement, sanitation, and health procedures.

  • Manage food and supply inventory, place orders through approved vendors, and partner with center staff to support smooth daily meal service.

Qualifications:

Candidates must pass required state and company background checks and meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements:

  • 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GEDis required

  • Having or obtaining a food handler certification within 30 days of hire is required

  • Course work or certification in Nutrition is preferred

  • Food service experience in a childcare center, school cafeteria, commercial kitchen, or highvolume food service setting is preferred

  • Schedule/Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 1:00 pm

Be part of a community where people grow, futures are shaped, and lives are changed. We offer the rewards, opportunities, and support you deserve because making a difference goes both ways. We're changing the world of work and family, and it starts with you. At Bright Horizons, you're the difference.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Bright Horizons', and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training. If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide food service per Bright Horizons' policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure safety of children in Bright Horizons

care and the employee.

Physical demands include lifting and carrying food and supplies (typically 10 to 40 pounds, occasionally up to 50 pounds), standing for extended periods, bending, reaching, pushing carts, and performing repetitive kitchen and cleaning tasks. Employees must maintain mental and physical alertness and be able to respond immediately and appropriately to unexpected situations or emergencies.

The full set of physical requirements for this role can be reviewed at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/job-descriptions. Bright Horizons complies with all laws that require reasonable accommodations for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations.

This position requires in-person work in the Alexandria, VA area.

Compensation:

The hourly rate for this position is between $16.00 - $21.38 per hour. The pay range listed here is what Bright Horizons in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education and training, certifications, geography, and other relevant business or organizational factors

Benefits:

Bright Horizons offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid vacation, sick, holiday, and parental bonding leave

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • Long-term and short-term disability insurance

  • Life insurance

  • Money-saving discounts and financial planning tools

  • Career development opportunities and free college degrees through our Horizons CDA & Degree Program

  • Caregiving support and resources for the children and adults in your family

  • Learn more at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/us/en/health-and-wellness

Life at Bright Horizons:

At Bright Horizons, you're more than your job title -you're the difference. Whether you're nurturing a child's first steps or supporting the systems behind the scenes, your work creates real impact. We're a community that celebrates individuality, invests in your growth, and supports your whole self. Because when you thrive, so do the children, families, and clients we serve. Join us and help build a brighter future - for yourself and for others.

Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations described in the following federal government resources: Know Your Rights, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing these application materials or any aspect of the application and hiring process, please contact the recruitment helpdesk at 855-877-6866 or bhrecruit@brighthorizons.com. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.


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