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Temporary Preschool Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Roxbury Day Care Center

Temporary Cook

Succasunna, NJ

$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

$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 ...

Compass Group

COOK (PART TIME)

Saginaw, MI

$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 ...

Compass Group

COOK (PART TIME)

Saginaw, MI

$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 ...

Save the children

Program Aide On-Call

Moscow, TN · 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

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

Ripley, TN · 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

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

Troy, 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.

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Temporary Preschool Cook information

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How much do temporary preschool cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 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:

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.

Temporary Cook

Roxbury Day Care Center

Succasunna, NJ

$15.92 - $17/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description


About This Role

Familiarity with child nutrition and menu planning principles is essential for success in this role.

Maintaining inventory of supplies and food, and taking prompt action when necessary, is a crucial aspect of the position.

The ability to work collaboratively with other staff members, supervisors, and vendors is vital to the success of our team.

In the kitchen, it's essential to maintain a safe, clean, and sanitary environment, adhering to proper sanitizing requirements as outlined by the Board of Health and the Child Care Food Program guidelines.


What You'll Do

The cook is responsible for:

  • Preparing menus in compliance with Child Care Food Program regulations, ensuring timely and accurate completion.
  • Conducting a weekly inventory of food and consumables to ensure stock levels and ordering requirements are met.
  • Preparing order sheets for food and consumables on a weekly basis, including all necessary details for vendors.
  • Placing orders for food, bread, and consumables on a weekly basis when necessary, and creating a list of items to share with admin staff.
  • Organizing and maintaining the pantry and food cabinets in an efficient and accessible manner.
  • Receiving milk deliveries, washing and refrigerating the bottles, and restocking supplies as needed.
  • Cleaning and maintaining the refrigerator, rotating food stock as necessary to ensure freshness and safety.
  • Preparing and serving meals to all enrolled children, adhering to dietary requirements and nutritional standards.
  • Obtaining headcounts from each team for lunch and snacks each day, ensuring accurate meal preparation and service.
  • Setting up tables for breakfast and lunch, creating a welcoming and organized dining environment.
  • Preparing PM snacks for designated teams, presenting them in labeled boxes on the table in the multi-purpose room.
  • Cooking and preparing lunch for all children, adhering to menu planning and nutrition guidelines.
  • Setting tables in the multi-purpose room for Purple and Pre-k teams, ensuring a clean and inviting space for meals.
  • Delivering lunch to Yellow, Green, and Orange team rooms, and serving meals in the multi-purpose room for Purple and Pre-k teachers.
  • Cleaning up after meals, washing dishes, putting away food, cleaning and sanitizing counters and worktables.
  • Cleaning tables in the multi-purpose room after lunch, and washing dishes used for classroom activities as part of lunch or breakfast clean-up.
  • Inventorying deliveries of food and consumables as they arrive, comparing them against the order list to ensure accuracy.
  • Storing all deliveries of food and consumables in their designated areas: food in the pantry and refrigerator, and consumables in the hall closet.
  • Shopping as needed for any items not available from delivery companies, including supplies required for staff use in classroom activities.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent

Prior experience in the food service industry

Experience or coursework in menu planning and/or child nutrition

Good physical and mental health, as confirmed by a physician's statement

Proof of completion of a Mantoux tuberculin skin test

Two written references from individuals who can attest to suitability to work with children

Completion of a Child Abuse Record Information background check (CARI)

Able to lift 50 pounds and lift and carry cases as needed

Able to perform duties with physical stamina and flexibility, as required

Able to read, write, and speak English, and communicate clearly and effectively with children, staff, and vendors