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Temporary Preschool Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... 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.

... 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.

... 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.

... 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.

... 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.

... 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.

Program Aide

Portland, IN · On-site

$31K - $35K/yr

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

Program Aide

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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$8

$16

$22

How much do temporary preschool cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 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, and why are they important?

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 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 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.
More about Temporary Preschool Cook jobs
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 job categories do people searching Temporary Preschool Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Temporary Preschool Cook jobs are:
Infographic showing various Temporary Preschool Cook job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.
Program Aide On-Call

$15/hr

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago


Save The Children rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

233rd of 682 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Position Title:               Program Aide on call/Substitutes         

Employee Type:            Part-Time/Full-Time Regular

Supervisor Title:           Manager, Education & Inclusion or Center Director

Division:                          Head Start, U.S. Programs

Save the Children

For over 100 years, Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children. The right to a healthy start in life. To have access to education. To be in a safe environment, protected from harm. We work in some of the world’s hardest-to-reach places – over 100 countries, including the U.S. No matter what your role is, when you join Save the Children, you’re creating positive, irreversible change for children, and the future we all share.

The Role

Program Aides On-Call are generalists, responsible for providing educational, relational and social experiences for infants, toddlers and/or preschool-aged children to foster growth and development in all developmental domains. This position reports to the Education and Inclusion Manager or Center Director and may be expected to travel to the various program sites and/or home visits. 

You may be assigned to various classrooms/centers/bus routes/cafeterias/kitchens as deemed necessary for the functioning of the program operations and will also assist with daily classroom management and other duties and may be assigned to various classrooms/centers as deemed necessary for program operations.

As a frontline representative of Save the Children, Program Aides are required to ensure the safety and security of children and families that he/she comes in contact with and adhere to the agency’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity and Integrity.

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)
*not inclusive of all role responsibilities. May be subject to change

  • Application of clear practice and procedure in day-to-day execution of job.
  • Organize self and manage time to get things done.
  • Keep manager informed of important issues.
  • Build effective relationships within workgroup and with children/families.
  • Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Classroom Assistance

  • Assist classroom staff in all classroom activities.
  • Assist the Teacher in any aspect of the program as the need arises (e.g., at Family Nights, copying newsletters, cutting out classroom materials, making phone calls, etc.).
  • Serve as a temporary substitute in the periodic absence of the Assistant Teacher or Teacher.

Janitorial Assistance

  • Provide custodial support as needed; this could include but is not limited to picking up trash, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming or using industrial cleaning equipment to clean floors, clean and stock bathrooms, ensure buildings are secure, clean windows and minor building maintenance and repairs.
  • May serve as custodian in the absence of the regular custodian on a periodic basis.

Kitchen Assistance

  • Complete routine kitchen/dining room/food chores as assigned (e.g. dishwashing, portioning foods, taking and logging temperature of foods received from vendors, etc.).
  • Prepare food and serve items for service prior to or after use. These duties may include the preparation of food to meet the needs of children with special needs or disabilities.
  • Participate in food service clean up, inventory, and other food service tasks as requested.
  • Substitute for regular Cook or Assistant Cook as needed.
  • May be asked to assist Cook and or Assistant Cook to fulfill kitchen duties, in any capacity.
  • Responsible for complying with all local, state, and federal standards regarding hygiene and sanitation.

Other General Job Duties

  • May be required to serve as a Bus Monitor.
  • Attend all workshops and meetings as necessary.
  • Attend required staff and parent meetings and activities.
  • Responsible for gaining understanding of Head Start Program Performance Standards and local childcare licensing regulations.
  • Expected to be knowledgeable of the regulations associated with prevention of occupational disease and injury, including the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination.
  • Positively promote Head Start in the community.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start/Early Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  • Become thoroughly familiar with Save the Children Head Start Employee Handbook, Save the Children Head Start Human Resources Policies and Procedures, manuals and resources and adhere to them.

Required Qualifications

  • Must be at minimum 18 years of age.
  • Minimum high school diploma or G.E.D.
  • Certification as applicable by federal, state or local Head Start or childcare regulations, now or as amended in the future.
  • Within 90 days of employment, must obtain and continually maintain basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification (or sooner if required by local/state regulations).
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the basics of working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
  • Professional proficiency in spoken and written English
  • Demonstrated ability to relate sensitively with children and to work well and communicate effectively with staff, parents and families.
  • Proven ability to follow directions and take initiative.
  • Demonstrated ability to keep all information on families strictly confidential.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with children with disabilities.

Additional Qualifications

  • Physical Requirements related to essential functions: Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently and up to 5-10 pounds constantly, performing such activities as sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting and grasping. This also includes some duties that require repetitive action and motion skills, keyboarding and computer use.
  • Clear pre-employment background check requirements, including local, state, and national criminal records check, sex offender registries, employment, and education verifications (including child abuse registry check if required by state regulations) and pass all state and local health requirements required post job offer and prior to employment.
  • This position will require the incumbent to operate a motor vehicle to fulfill certain essential functions of the job. The incumbent should maintain a valid driver's license and remain in compliance with any Save the Children policies pertaining to the safe operation of motor vehicles.
  • Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

Position Title:               Program Aide on call/Substitutes         

Employee Type:            Part-Time/Full-Time Regular

Supervisor Title:           Manager, Education & Inclusion or Center Director

Division:                          Head Start, U.S. Programs

(Create your job description by downloading this template and “save as” a new file)

Save the Children

For over 100 years, Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children. The right to a healthy start in life. To have access to education. To be in a safe environment, protected from harm. We work in some of the world’s hardest-to-reach places – over 100 countries, including the U.S. No matter what your role is, when you join Save the Children, you’re creating positive, irreversible change for children, and the future we all share.

The Role

Program Aides On-Call are generalists, responsible for providing educational, relational and social experiences for infants, toddlers and/or preschool-aged children to foster growth and development in all developmental domains. This position reports to the Education and Inclusion Manager or Center Director and may be expected to travel to the various program sites and/or home visits. 

You may be assigned to various classrooms/centers/bus routes/cafeterias/kitchens as deemed necessary for the functioning of the program operations and will also assist with daily classroom management and other duties and may be assigned to various classrooms/centers as deemed necessary for program operations.

As a frontline representative of Save the Children, Program Aides are required to ensure the safety and security of children and families that he/she comes in contact with and adhere to the agency’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity and Integrity.

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)
*not inclusive of all role responsibilities. May be subject to change

  • Application of clear practice and procedure in day-to-day execution of job.
  • Organize self and manage time to get things done.
  • Keep manager informed of important issues.
  • Build effective relationships within workgroup and with children/families.
  • Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Classroom Assistance

  • Assist classroom staff in all classroom activities.
  • Assist the Teacher in any aspect of the program as the need arises (e.g., at Family Nights, copying newsletters, cutting out classroom materials, making phone calls, etc.).
  • Serve as a temporary substitute in the periodic absence of the Assistant Teacher or Teacher.

Janitorial Assistance

  • Provide custodial support as needed; this could include but is not limited to picking up trash, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming or using industrial cleaning equipment to clean floors, clean and stock bathrooms, ensure buildings are secure, clean windows and minor building maintenance and repairs.
  • May serve as custodian in the absence of the regular custodian on a periodic basis.

Kitchen Assistance

  • Complete routine kitchen/dining room/food chores as assigned (e.g. dishwashing, portioning foods, taking and logging temperature of foods received from vendors, etc.).
  • Prepare food and serve items for service prior to or after use. These duties may include the preparation of food to meet the needs of children with special needs or disabilities.
  • Participate in food service clean up, inventory, and other food service tasks as requested.
  • Substitute for regular Cook or Assistant Cook as needed.
  • May be asked to assist Cook and or Assistant Cook to fulfill kitchen duties, in any capacity.
  • Responsible for complying with all local, state, and federal standards regarding hygiene and sanitation.

Other General Job Duties

  • May be required to serve as a Bus Monitor.
  • Attend all workshops and meetings as necessary.
  • Attend required staff and parent meetings and activities.
  • Responsible for gaining understanding of Head Start Program Performance Standards and local childcare licensing regulations.
  • Expected to be knowledgeable of the regulations associated with prevention of occupational disease and injury, including the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination.
  • Positively promote Head Start in the community.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start/Early Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  • Become thoroughly familiar with Save the Children Head Start Employee Handbook, Save the Children Head Start Human Resources Policies and Procedures, manuals and resources and adhere to them.

Required Qualifications

  • Must be at minimum 18 years of age.
  • Minimum high school diploma or G.E.D.
  • Certification as applicable by federal, state or local Head Start or childcare regulations, now or as amended in the future.
  • Within 90 days of employment, must obtain and continually maintain basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification (or sooner if required by local/state regulations).
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the basics of working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
  • Professional proficiency in spoken and written English
  • Demonstrated ability to relate sensitively with children and to work well and communicate effectively with staff, parents and families.
  • Proven ability to follow directions and take initiative.
  • Demonstrated ability to keep all information on families strictly confidential.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with children with disabilities.

Additional Qualifications

 

  • Physical Requirements related to essential functions: Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently and up to 5-10 pounds constantly, performing such activities as sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting and grasping. This also includes some duties that require repetitive action and motion skills, keyboarding and computer use.
  • Clear pre-employment background check requirements, including local, state, and national criminal records check, sex offender registries, employment, and education verifications (including child abuse registry check if required by state regulations) and pass all state and local health requirements required post job offer and prior to employment.
  • This position will require the incumbent to operate a motor vehicle to fulfill certain essential functions of the job. The incumbent should maintain a valid driver's license and remain in compliance with any Save the Children policies pertaining to the safe operation of motor vehicles.
  • Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

Compensation

The base pay for this position starts at $15/hour. Actual base salary ma...