Childcare Kitchen Cook: Nutritious, Safe Meals for Kids

KinderCare; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

KinderCare in Olympia, WA, seeks a center cook to maintain a safe, hygienic kitchen, order supplies, and assist with daily center duties. You will support licensing compliance and documentation while partnering with staff to drive enrollment and engagement.

The role emphasizes accurate meal preparation, food safety, and the ability to work with children and center leadership. A Food Handler’s License is preferred or willingness to obtain it, with lifting up to 40 lbs often required.

Qualifications

• Must love children and be dedicated to making a difference daily.
• Familiarity with safe food storage and allergy-aware handling.
• Ability to follow nutritious menus and prepare adequate quantities for the center.
• Basic math for measuring and portioning servings.
• Possess or be willing to obtain a Food Handler’s License.
• Minimum of 1 year in institutional cooking; food ordering experience is a plus.
• 2+ years working with children preferred.
• Physically able to use a computer and lift up to 40 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Maintain kitchen and related equipment safely and hygienically.
• Order food and supplies.
• Dispense and store medication, as requested
• Complete timely and accurate documentation according to KinderCare and licensing requirements
• Help with other daily center duties as needed
• Support center success by partnering with staff and leadership to achieve enrollment, accreditation, and engagement goals

Skills

Love for children

Food safety

Menu planning

Basic math

Food Handler's license

Institutional cooking

Childcare experience

Lift up to 40 lbs

Job description

KinderCare in Olympia, WA, seeks a center cook to maintain a safe, hygienic kitchen, order supplies, and assist with daily center duties. You will support licensing compliance and documentation while partnering with staff to drive enrollment and engagement.

The role emphasizes accurate meal preparation, food safety, and the ability to work with children and center leadership. A Food Handler’s License is preferred or willingness to obtain it, with lifting up to 40 lbs often required.