Childcare Cook

The Nest Schools Inc.; Indianapolis, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Paid vacation/sick time/holidays

Job summary

The Nest Schools Inc. is seeking a reliable Childcare Cook to prepare healthy meals and snacks for children, while keeping the kitchen organized and compliant with safety standards.

You will collaborate with teachers and staff to support classroom activities, manage menus, monitor dietary needs, and help foster healthy eating habits in a warm, welcoming preschool environment. Experience in schools, daycare, or related settings is valued; a State Food Manager License is preferred, and ability to

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience 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.
• Dependable, patient, flexible, and positive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Food safety

Sanitation knowledge

Time management

Communication skills

Independence

Physical readiness

State Food Manager License

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.