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Temporary Preschool Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Roxbury Day Care Center

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 ...

Compass Group

COOK

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$16.50/hr

Location : Saginaw ISD Preschool - 3200 Perkins Street, Saginaw, MI 48601. Note: online ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Oncall Sub

Childcare Staffing Employment

Mcdonough, GA · On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

... preschools, nanny service, summer camps, and before and after school care programs. We are now ... sitters, cooks, drivers and center directors to accommodate all staffing needs. -Staff that is ...

Oncall Sub

Childcare Staffing Employment

Mcdonough, GA · On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

... preschools, nanny service, summer camps, and before and after school care programs. We are now ... sitters, cooks, drivers and center directors to accommodate all staffing needs. -Staff that is ...

Save the children

Program Aide On-Call

Concord, NC · On-site

$15/hr

... preschool-aged children to foster growth and development in all developmental domains. This ... Serve as a temporary substitute in the periodic absence of the Assistant Teacher or Teacher.

Save the children

Program Aide On-Call

Belpre, OH · On-site

... preschool-aged children to foster growth and development in all developmental domains. This ... Serve as a temporary substitute in the periodic absence of the Assistant Teacher or Teacher.

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Temporary Preschool Cook information

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How much do temporary preschool cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary preschool 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 temporary preschool cook do?

A Temporary Preschool Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks for children at a preschool on a short-term or substitute basis. They follow specific menus and dietary guidelines to ensure the meals meet health and safety standards for young children. Duties may also include maintaining a clean kitchen, ordering supplies, and adhering to food safety regulations. This role is essential for supporting the daily operations of a preschool, especially when the regular cook is unavailable.

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

A Temporary Preschool Cook should have experience in food preparation, basic nutrition knowledge, and a food handler’s permit or equivalent certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and compliance with food safety standards are crucial for this role. Attention to detail, time management, and effective communication with staff help ensure smooth meal service and adherence to dietary needs. These skills and qualities are vital for providing safe, nutritious meals that support children’s well-being and meet regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by a temporary preschool cook and how can I prepare for them?

As a Temporary Preschool Cook, you may encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to new kitchen environments, meeting diverse dietary restrictions, and maintaining health and safety standards under tight schedules. Being flexible and organized will help you manage varying menus and last-minute changes. It's also important to communicate effectively with teaching staff to ensure meals align with classroom activities and children's needs. Familiarity with safe food handling and child nutrition guidelines is essential to thrive in this role.

What is the difference between Temporary Preschool Cook vs Permanent Preschool Cook?

AspectTemporary Preschool CookPermanent Preschool Cook
CredentialsFood handler’s permit, basic cooking certificationsFood handler’s permit, basic cooking certifications
Work EnvironmentShort-term, seasonal or substitute basis in preschool settingsLong-term employment in preschool kitchens
Employment DurationTemporary, often for specific periods or needsOngoing, full-time or part-time position
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing meals, following menus, limited supervisionMeal prep, menu planning, supervising kitchen staff

In summary, a Temporary Preschool Cook works on a short-term basis, focusing on meal preparation and following established menus, while a Permanent Preschool Cook holds a long-term position with additional responsibilities like menu planning and supervising staff. Both roles require similar certifications and work in preschool environments, but differ mainly in employment duration and scope of duties.

What cities are hiring for Temporary Preschool Cook jobs?

Cities with the most Temporary Preschool Cook job openings:

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

The most popular types of Preschool Cook jobs are:

What states have the most Temporary Preschool Cook jobs?

States with the most job openings for Temporary Preschool Cook jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Temporary Preschool Cook jobs?

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

Temporary Preschool Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Preschool Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.

Preschool Cook - Meal Prep

Jersey City, NJ • On-site

smart start academy
See more jobs at smart start academyexternal

$16 - $16.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Vision insurance

Company Overview
Smart Start Academy (S.S.A.) is offering an amazing opportunity to become a part of the family. Smart Start Academy is dedicated to bringing the best environment for learning and creativity to each student. Our full day programs have a curriculum that works to meet every learning style in a way that nurtures every aspect of a child- the physical, emotional, intellectual and social. 
Job Summary
The cook position entails preparing the food for the children within the school. The cook will make and serve the food for the children, be responsible for cleaning the kitchen area and may be asked to step into the classroom to cover staff breaks and supervise the children if needed. 
Qualifications and Skills:
  • Must be able to work within the hours of 8:30am - 6:30 pm, Monday - Friday.
  • Basic cooking skills plus experience in food service and volume meal preparation. 
  • Must be able to read and follow a recipe and a cycle menu. 
  • Must be able to relate well to parents, children and other staff members. 
  • Must communicate effectively and be functionally literate in English. 
  • Must possess organizational skills, time management skills, and the ability to prioritize
  • Keeps the kitchen, including appliances, cabinets and all inventory, organized and clean.
  • Ensures that all state and local health department, licensing, safety and nutritional requirements are met; follows standards of personal hygiene, safety, and sanitation and ensures that other staff in the kitchen do the same
  • Attends and participates in staff meetings, training sessions, and academy events as requested.
  • Accepts temporary work assignments in the event regularly scheduled personnel are not available
Physical Requirements:
  • Physical ability to remain on feet for extended periods of time.
  • Position requires fine motor repetitive motion. 
  • Physical ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds. 
  • Physical agility to bend, stoop, walk, reach overhead, push/pull, squat, twist, and turn. 
  • Must successfully complete a health screening and provide proof of the absence of TB no later than 21 days following the date of hire.  
Benefits and Perks:
  • Paid vacation policy 
  • Paid bonus days
  • Flexible Schedules
  • 401k
  • Competitive compensation package with generous benefits
  • Opportunity for growth with the fastest growing preschool in Hudson County

Smart Start Academy aims to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to promoting equal opportunities regardless of religious belief, age, colour, race, creed, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, ethnic origin, family status or any disability you may have (subject to the exceptions contained in the Human rights Act 1993.