Child Care Center Cook

Learning Care; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% childcare discount

Immediate access to benefits

Health programs

401(k) company match

Tuition reimbursement

Credential assistance

Master Teacher Program

Flexible schedules

Paid time off

Bring your children to work

Job summary

Learning Care is hiring a Food Specialist to oversee meal preparation for our school’s enrolled children. This role focuses on home-style, nutritious meals aligned with the school menu and budget, while meeting state and federal requirements.

You will follow the director-provided daily menu, ensure health and safety standards, manage food inventory, and support classrooms as needed. We offer a supportive team, opportunities for growth, and a community that values care for children and families.

Qualifications

• Experience cooking for groups in childcare setting preferred.
• Willingness to learn and follow state/local regulations.
• Flexible hours and schedule.

Responsibilities

• Create home-style, nutritious meals and snacks within menu and budget.
• Follow daily menu and regulatory requirements (USDA, licensing, health dept).
• Maintain inventory and order supplies as needed.
• Assist in classrooms as needed.

Skills

Cook/food preparation

Willingness to learn

Flexible hours

Job description

Join a strong community where all we do is care-for the children and families we serve every day, as well as for our dedicated team members. Our people are our best asset. We listen and we know what you're looking for:

• You want benefits. We support you with a minimum 50% childcare discount, immediate access to benefits, innovative health programs, 401(k) company match, and much more.
• You want balance. We offer flexible schedules that work for you, no nights or weekends, the ability to bring your children to work with you, and paid time off.
• You want opportunity. We invest in your future with ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, credential assistance, and our unique Master Teacher Program.
• You want recognition. We provide a positive, fun workplace where employees are appreciated.

This is more than just a daycare job. It’s a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive—and play—every day. Working at a childcare center is something special.

The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is responsible for overall food preparation for the school’s enrolled children. This role should be able to adapt to menu changes and meet meal and snack schedules.

As a Food Specialist, you will be:

• At home in the kitchen! Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school\'s menu and budget, as well as state and federal requirements. Prepare meals/snacks for children and staff and distribute food to the classrooms.
• Focused on health and safety! Follow the daily menu provided by the Director which incorporates USDA, licensing, and/or health department regulations.
• Organized! Maintain inventory of food and supplies and order more when needed.
• Helpful! Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater.

Job Requirements:

• Work experience in cooking and/or food preparation for multiple individuals in a childcare facility, preferred.
• A willingness to learn and adhere to all current state and local regulations.
• Flexibility as to the hours and schedule of work.

Learning Care is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against an employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.