Childcare Cook

childdevelopmentschoolsexternal; Arkansas; On-site; USD 15,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k)

PTO and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

PerkSpot discounts

Professional development

Job summary

Child Development Schools is seeking a dedicated Childcare Cook to nourish children in our care. In a fast-paced yet purposeful kitchen, you will prepare nutritious meals and snacks in line with CACFP guidelines, supporting daily classroom activities and healthy growth.

This role requires a high school diploma or GED and a food handler's permit. You will maintain safety, manage meal timing, handle inventory, and collaborate with staff to create a positive, nurturing environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to pass a background check and obtain a food handler's permit.
• Experience in food preparation, kitchen operations, or food service.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage meal timing for multiple classrooms.
• Physical ability to stand for long periods, lift, and work with heat.
• Genuine care for the wellbeing of children and a positive, team-oriented attitude.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks per menus and CACFP guidelines.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and storage procedures for a clean kitchen.
• Accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, and special needs for enrolled children.
• Track meal counts, food inventory, and supply needs; communicate with center leadership.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and report maintenance needs promptly.
• Support classroom staff during non-kitchen hours and assist with activities.

Skills

Food preparation

Kitchen operations

Food service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Food handler permit

Job description

Your role

As a Childcare Cook at Child Development Schools, you will play an important role in the health and wellbeing of the children in our care. Every meal and snack you prepare is a direct investment in a child's growth, energy, and development. You will work in a fast-paced but purposeful kitchen environment, preparing nutritious food that meets the needs of young children and the standards of our program.

What your day looks like:

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks for children in accordance with menu plans and CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) guidelines
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and storage procedures to maintain a clean and compliant kitchen
• Accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, and special needs as documented for enrolled children
• Track meal counts, food inventory, and supply needs and communicate with center leadership
• Maintain kitchen equipment and report any maintenance needs promptly
• Support classroom staff during non-kitchen hours as needed, assisting with activities and supervision

Pay and benefits

Pay: $11-$14 per hour, based on experience.

Full-time employees receive:

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability
• 401(k)
• 9 company-paid holidays and 8 days of PTO
• 50% discount for your own children enrolled at a CDS center
• Up to $5,250 in annual tuition reimbursement for continued education
• Access to PerkSpot for discounts on major brands and services
• Coaching, mentoring, and ongoing professional development

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to pass a background checkValid food handler's permit (or ability to obtain one prior to start)
• Experience in food preparation, kitchen operations, or food service
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage meal timing for multiple classrooms
• Physical ability to meet the demands of a kitchen environment including standing for extended periods, lifting, and working with heat
• Genuine care for the wellbeing of children and a positive, team-oriented attitude

Prior experience cooking for children or in an institutional food service setting is a plus.

About Child Development Schools

Child Development Schools is a childcare and early education provider with 270+ centers across 11 states, serving over 30,000 children ages six weeks to twelve years. We are committed to providing high-quality developmental education and supporting the families and communities we serve.

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace. Child Development Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.