Childcare Cook

The-Nest-Schools-; Vandalia (OH); On-site; USD 16,531 - 26,174; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Life insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Childcare discounts

Professional development

Referral bonuses

Recognition program

Supportive team

Job summary

The Nest Schools is seeking a dependable Childcare Cook to join our team and help prepare nutritious meals for children in a caring classroom environment.

In this role you will plan menus, track dietary needs, maintain kitchen cleanliness, and support our classrooms with timely, healthy meals while upholding safety standards. Experience in school or childcare food service is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience in school/daycare/restaurant food service.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and nutrition.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Dependable, patient, flexible, and positive attitude.
• Able to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
• Current State Food Manager License or willingness to obtain one.
• Lift/carry up to 20 pounds regularly.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Time-management

Organizational skills

Written and verbal communication

Dependable and patient

Independent work

Flexibility

Positive attitude

Kitchen safety knowledge

Education

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 $12.00 - USD $19.00 /Hr.