Cook

KinderCare Education LLC in; Lincolnshire (IL); On-site; Full time

Job summary

KinderCare Learning Companies is seeking a Cook to prepare nutritious meals for children in their centers. The role involves maintaining kitchen hygiene, ordering supplies, and supporting center staff. Join a dedicated team making a difference in children's lives.

Benefits

Discounted child care

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Employee assistance programs

Paid time off

Discounts on work necessities

Qualifications

• At least one year of institutional cooking experience.
• Two or more years working with children are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy and tasty meals and snacks for children.
• Maintain kitchen and related equipment safely and hygienically.
• Order food and supplies.

Skills

Love for children

Food safety knowledge

Basic math skills

English proficiency

Education

Food Handler's License

Job description

Futures start here. Where first steps, new friendships, and confident learners are born. At KinderCare Learning Companies, the first and only early childhood education provider recognized with the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, we offer a variety of early education and child care options for families. Whether it's KinderCare Learning Centers, Champions, or Crème de la Crème, we build confidence for kids, families, and the future we share. And we want you to join us in shaping it—in neighborhoods, at work, and in schools nationwide.

Our teachers, center staff, and field leaders are the heart and soul of our business. When you join us, you'll be directly supporting children and their education every day and experiencing the trials and triumphs that come with that responsibility. But you'll never be alone. You'll do it all with a village of dedicated and passionate humans who care as much about helping kids reach their highest potential as you do. The best part? Seeing the positive impact you're making on the lives of young learners and their families—and knowing that your work matters.

Want to feed the tiniest of taste buds? KinderCare is hiring a cook! As a cook, you will prepare healthy and tasty meals and snacks for the children in our centers. Following a menu and recipes developed by our in-house nutritionist, you'll ensure our children have the fuel they need to learn and grow.

When you join our team as a Cook, you will:

1. Maintain kitchen and related equipment safely and hygienically.
2. Order food and supplies.
3. Dispense and store medication, as requested.
4. Complete timely and accurate documentation according to KinderCare and other licensing or regulation requirements.
5. Help with and take on responsibility in other daily center duties, as needed.
6. Support your center's success by partnering with center staff and leadership to achieve goals around enrollment, accreditation, and engagement.

Required Skills and Experience:

• A love for children and a strong desire to make a difference every day.
• Familiarity with accurate conditions and food storage, understanding the needs of children with food allergies, and implementing methods of food cross-contamination avoidance.
• Ability to follow nutritious menus and prepare sufficient quantities of foods for the center population.
• Basic math skills required for measuring and calculating serving portions.
• Possess a Food Handler's License or willingness to obtain one.
• At least one year of institutional cooking experience; food ordering experience is highly desirable.
• Two or more years working with children are highly desirable.
• Must be physically able to use a computer with basic proficiency and able to lift up to 40 pounds, which may be required in some classrooms or in the kitchen.
• Read, write, understand, and speak English to communicate effectively with children and their parents.

Range of pay: $12.15 - $35.05 Hourly

Our benefits meet you where you are:

• Support for your whole family with discounted child care.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits for your family (and pets, too!).
• Support in mental health and personal growth through employee assistance programs.
• Access to health and wellness programs, paid time off, and discounts on work necessities like cell phones.

We operate research-backed, accredited, and customizable programs across more than 2,000 sites and centers nationwide. As we expand, we aim to meet the diverse needs of families and communities, ensuring access to high-quality child care for all. By joining us, you'll help bring this mission to life, building community and delivering exceptional experiences. Come for the work, stay for the people.

KinderCare Learning Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status.

Job Posting End Date: 2025-08-16