Cook at Lanham KinderCare

KinderCare Education; Lanham (MD); On-site; USD 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted child care

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Employee assistance program

Paid time off

Discounts for work necessities

Job summary

KinderCare Learning Companies is hiring a Cook to prepare healthy meals and snacks for children in our centers. Following menus developed by our in-house nutritionist, you’ll ensure kids get the fuel they need to learn and grow.

In Minnesota, an additional $3.00 per hour premium applies to all classroom hours, with pay ranging from $16.60 to $19.85 per hour. The role requires food handling experience and the ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

Qualifications

• Must have a Food Handler’s License or willingness to obtain
• At least one year of institutional cooking; food ordering experience desirable
• Two or more years working with children is highly desirable
• Read, write, understand, and speak English to communicate with children and their parents
• Physically able to lift up to 40 pounds and operate a computer

Responsibilities

• Maintain kitchen and related equipment safely and hygienically
• Prepare meals and snacks following the provided menu and recipes
• Order food and supplies
• Dispense and store medication as requested
• Complete timely and accurate documentation per licensing or regulation requirements
• Support center staff and leadership to achieve enrollment, accreditation, and engagement goals

Skills

Love for children

Food handling

Menu planning

English speaking

Math basics

Food Handler's License

Child care experience

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:

• 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 other licensing or regulation requirements
• Help with and take on responsibility in other daily center duties, as needed
• 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, understand the needs of children with food allergies, and to implement methods of food cross-contamination avoidance
• Ability to follow nutritious menus and prepare a sufficient quantity 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
• At least one year of institutional cooking -- food ordering experience highly desirable
• Two or more years working with children, highly desirable
• Must be physically able to use the computer with basic proficiency and the ability to lift up to 40 pounds is strongly desired and may be required to work in some classrooms or in the kitchen
• Read, write, understand, and speak English to communicate with children and their parents in English

In the state of Minnesota, we currently provide an additional $3.00 per hour premium on all classroom hours worked in addition to the range of pay listed. This premium is funded through the Minnesota Great Start Grant Compensation Support Program.

Range of pay $16.60 - $19.85 Hourly

Our benefits meet you where you are. We’re here to help our employees navigate the integration of work and life:

• Know your whole family is supported with discounted child care benefits.
• Breathe easy with medical, dental, and vision benefits for your family (and pets, too!).
• Feel supported in your mental health and personal growth with employee assistance programs.
• Feel great and thrive with access to health and wellness programs, paid time off and discounts for work necessities, such as cell phones.
• … and much more.

We operate research-backed, accredited, and customizable programs in more than 2,000 sites and centers across 40 states and the District of Columbia. As we expand, we’re matching the needs of more and more families, dynamic work environments, and diverse communities from coast to coast. Because we believe every family deserves access to high-quality child care, no matter who they are or where they live. Every day, you’ll help bring this mission to life by building community and delivering exceptional experiences. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll come for the work, and stay for the people.

KinderCare Learning Companies is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 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 basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

Job Posting End Date : 2026-11-26