Childcare Cook

The Nest Schools; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

Childcare discounts

Professional development opportunities

Employee referral bonuses

Appreciation and Recognition Program

Supportive team and wellness culture

Job summary

The Nest Schools is seeking a dedicated Childcare Cook to prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children in a caring preschool setting. You will plan menus, monitor allergies, and collaborate with teachers to support healthy eating habits.

Ideal candidates have at least one year of school-day food prep experience, knowledge of food safety, and strong organizational skills. A State Food Manager License or willingness to obtain one is required. This role is on-site in Indianapolis.

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience cooking in a school or daycare setting.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and nutrition.
• Strong organization and time-management skills.
• Good written and verbal communication.
• Dependable, patient, and positive attitude.
• Ability to lift and carry 20 pounds regularly.
• State Food Manager License or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks for children
• Plan and post menus meeting guidelines
• Track allergies and dietary restrictions
• Maintain kitchen records and inventory
• Deliver meals to classrooms safely
• Keep kitchen and storage spaces clean
• Follow health and safety guidelines
• Record meals served accurately
• Communicate with school leadership and staff

Skills

Food safety

Time management

Communication

Dependable attitude

Lift 20 pounds

Food Manager License

Independent worker

Job description

Overview

Childcare Cook

Help Us Serve Healthy Meals and Happy Childhoods

Do you enjoy cooking, staying organized, and making a difference in children’s lives? The Nest Schools is looking for a dependable, caring, and experienced Childcare Cook to join our team.

This is more than a kitchen position. As our Cook, you will help children build healthy habits by preparing nutritious meals and snacks in a safe, welcoming environment. Your work will support our classrooms, our teachers, and the families we serve each day.

At The Nest Schools, we are not your average preschool center. We are a community of early childhood educators and support professionals committed to creating a culture built on kindness, wellness, innovation, and fun.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks for children
• Plan and post menus that meet nutritional guidelines
• Track food allergies and dietary restrictions carefully
• Maintain food, kitchen supply, and inventory records
• Deliver meals to classrooms safely and on schedule
• Keep the kitchen, storage areas, and food preparation spaces clean and sanitary
• Follow all health, safety, and food-handling requirements
• Accurately record and report meals served
• Communicate with school leadership and classroom staff as needed

What We’re Looking For

• At least one year of experience preparing meals in a school, daycare center, restaurant, or similar setting
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and nutritional meal preparation
• Strong time-management and organizational skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• A dependable, patient, flexible, and positive attitude
• The ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities
• A current State Food Manager License or willingness to obtain one
• Must be able to regularly lift, carry, push and pull a minimum of 20 pounds, including children and classroom materials, with or without reasonable accommodation

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays based on hours worked
• Childcare discounts
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee referral bonuses
• Employee Appreciation and Recognition Program
• A supportive team and a workplace that values fun, kindness, and wellness

Join a growing organization where your work matters every day. Help us create healthy meals, happy children, and a positive school community.

Pay Range

USD $15.00 - USD $19.00 /Hr.