Childcare Cook

Child Development Schools Arkansas; Edgewood (AR); 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)

9 paid holidays

8 days PTO

Child tuition discount

Tuition reimbursement

PerkSpot discounts

Professional development

Job summary

Child Development Schools seeks a Childcare Cook to prepare nutritious meals for children in a center-based program. You will follow CACFP guidelines, ensure food safety, and accommodate dietary needs while supporting classroom staff as needed.

We offer a benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), paid holidays, PTO, and tuition assistance. Prior kitchen experience with children is a strong plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Background check must be passed.
• Valid food handler's permit or ability to obtain one before start.
• Experience in food preparation, kitchen operations, or food service.
• Ability to manage meals for multiple classrooms in a fast-paced setting.
• Physical ability for standing, lifting, and working with heat.
• Genuine care for children's wellbeing and a team attitude.
• Prior experience cooking for children is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks following menus and CACFP guidelines.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and storage procedures.
• Accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies for enrolled children.
• Track meal counts, inventory, and supply needs; communicate with leadership.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and report maintenance needs.
• Support classroom staff during non-kitchen hours as needed.

Skills

Teamwork

Adaptable in fast-paced environment

Food service experience

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

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.

• 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

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to pass a background check
• Valid 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.