Cook

Yellow-Brick-Road; Grimes (IA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Plan

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Employee Childcare Discount

Job summary

Yellow Brick Road is seeking a friendly Cook to join our childcare center in Grimes, IA. You will prepare healthy, child-friendly meals, follow menus, and ensure food safety and licensing guidelines while keeping the kitchen clean and organized.

You’ll support classrooms as needed, accommodate allergies, and help create a warm mealtime experience for children and staff. CPR/First Aid and ServSafe are preferred; base compensation is $17–$18 per hour.

Qualifications

• Prior cooking or kitchen experience, preferably in childcare or schools.
• Experience with feeding young children in a daycare or school setting.
• Knowledge of early childhood development principles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work well in a team.
• Ability to meet physical demands of the job (standing, lifting up to 65lbs).
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain within 30 days; ServSafe preferred.

Responsibilities

• Preparing healthy, child-friendly meals and snacks
• Following menus and meeting food safety and licensing guidelines
• Keeping the kitchen sparkling clean and organized
• Accommodating allergies and dietary needs with care
• Creating a warm, welcoming mealtime experience for children and staff
• Assisting in classrooms as support as needed

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Food safety

CPR/First Aid

ServSafe certified

Childcare/kitchen experience

Job description

At Yellow Brick Road, we’re on a mission to put good humans into the world and leave it better than we found it. Our team creates warm, inclusive, and joyful environments where children, families, and staff can thrive. If you’re energized by purpose, connection, and meaningful work, you’ll love being part of a community that invests in your growth and celebrates what makes you exceptional.

At Yellow Brick Road, we’re on a mission to put good humans into the world and leave it better than we found it. Our team creates warm, inclusive, and joyful environments where children, families, and staff can thrive. If you’re energized by purpose, connection, and meaningful work, you’ll love being part of a community that invests in your growth and celebrates what makes you exceptional.

The purpose of the Cook is to support the center in providing nutritious meals and snacks for the children in our care. Through collaboration, flexibility, and care, our Cooks and Float support play a vital role in promoting social and emotional development, encouraging curiosity, and reinforcing daily routines. By embracing our core values, they help maintain a safe and stimulating space where each child is valued, respected, and supported on their learning journey.

What Your Day Looks Like:

• Preparing healthy, child-friendly meals and snacks
• Following menus and meeting food safety and licensing guidelines
• Keeping the kitchen sparkling clean and organized
• Accommodating allergies and dietary needs with care
• Creating a warm, welcoming mealtime experience for children and staff
• Assisting in classrooms as support as needed

What You’ll Need:

• Prior cooking or kitchen experience (especially in childcare or schools—bonus!)
• Previous experience working with young children in a childcare setting is preferred.
• Knowledge of early childhood development principles and best practices.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, which may include:
• Standing or sitting for extended periods of time.
• Lifting and carrying young children and classroom materials up to 65lbs.
• Bending, stooping, and kneeling to interact with children at their level.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies or situations requiring physical intervention.
• Comfortable jumping into class as needed.
• Willingness to undergo background checks and meet state licensing requirements for working in a childcare setting.
• Must possess a valid CPR/First Aid certification, or willing to obtain within 30 days of employment.
• ServSafe Certification preferred (we’ll help you get it if needed!)

What We Offer:

• Ongoing Professional Development & Growth Opportunities
• 401(k) Plan
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Employee Childcare Discount

Yellow Brick Road offers medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid time off and holidays, childcare discounts, and an employee assistance program.

$17 - $18 USD