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Preschool Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Preschool Cook information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do preschool cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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.

Assistant Director at Herndon KinderCare

KINDERCARE

Herndon, VA

$23.95 - $27.95/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


KinderCare Learning Centers rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 836 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

179th of 225 rated education and training


Job description

Futures start here. Where first steps, new friendships, and confident learners are born. At KinderCare Learning Companies, the first and only early childhood education provider recognized with the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, we offer a variety of early education and child care options for families. Whether it's KinderCare Learning Centers, Champions, or Creme de la Creme, we build confidence for kids, families, and the future we share. And we want you to join us in shaping it-in neighborhoods, at work, and in schools nationwide.

Our teachers, center staff, and field leaders are the heart and soul of our business. When you join us, you'll be directly supporting children and their education every day and experiencing the trials and triumphs that come with that responsibility. But you'll never be alone. You'll do it all with a village of dedicated and passionate humans who care as much about helping kids reach their highest potential as you do. The best part? Seeing the positive impact you're making on the lives of young learners and their families-and knowing that your work matters.

If you're passionate about positively impacting the lives of others and making waves in the world of early childhood education, the Assistant Director role might be for you! Assistant Directors play an integral role in leading our centers to success. With KinderCare's world-class curriculum, center accreditation process, and passionate teaching staff, together, our Assistant Directors and Center Directors are changing the world one achievement at a time. As an Assistant Director, you will educate parents, teachers, and leaders on the value of early childhood education and make that value come to life for the children in your center.

When you join our team as an Assistant Center Director, you will:

  • Assist the Center Director in leading teaching staff, supporting families, and achieving enrollment, accreditation, and operational objectives
  • Partner with parents with a shared desire to provide the best care and education for their children
  • Cultivate positive relationships with families, teachers, state licensing authorities, community contacts, and corporate partners
  • Serve in various roles throughout the center as needed, including teacher, cook, and/or driver.

Skills, Education, and Experience:

  • At least two years of early childhood education experience required, with an understanding of developmentally appropriate practices and the ability to ensure its use in the classroom
  • Excellent administrative, organizational, verbal, listening, and communication skills required
  • CPR and First Aid Certification or willingness to obtain
  • Meet state specific guidelines for the role
  • Physically able to use a computer with basic proficiency, lift a minimum of 40 pounds, and work indoors or outdoors
  • Able to assume postures in low levels to allow physical and visual contact with children, see and hear well enough to keep children safe, and engage in physical activity
  • Read, write, understand, and speak English to communicate with children and their parents in English
  • Please indicate if you require reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job

In the state of Minnesota, we currently provide an additional $3.00 per hour premium on all classroom hours worked in addition to the range of pay listed. This premium is funded through the Minnesota Great Start Grant Compensation Support Program.


Range of pay $23.95 - $27.95 Hourly

Our benefits meet you where you are. We're here to help our employees navigate the integration of work and life:
- Know your whole family is supported with discounted child care benefits. - Breathe easy with medical, dental, and vision benefits for your family (and pets, too!).
- Feel supported in your mental health and personal growth with employee assistance programs.
- Feel great and thrive with access to health and wellness programs, paid time off and discounts for work necessities, such as cell phones.
- ... and much more.


We operate research-backed, accredited, and customizable programs in more than 2,000 sites and centers across 40 states and the District of Columbia. As we expand, we're matching the needs of more and more families, dynamic work environments, and diverse communities from coast to coast. Because we believe every family deserves access to high-quality child care, no matter who they are or where they live. Every day, you'll help bring this mission to life by building community and delivering exceptional experiences. And if you're anything like us, you'll come for the work, and stay for the people.


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KinderCare Learning Companies is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.


Job Posting End Date : 2026-11-25Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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