Cook at Woodland Early Learning Center

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.

When you join Champions, you’ll be supporting hardworking families and elementary-aged kids during out-of-school time, on school grounds. Whether you’re partnering with administrators to bring our programs to their district, or buddying up with students to aim higher, think bigger, and never give up, you’ll be leading the way toward inspired learning.

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

• 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.

• Range of pay $12.15 - $35.05 Hourly
• 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.

In the state of Illinois, we currently provide a 15% premium in addition to the range of pay listed to all hourly employees working in a center that participates in the Illinois Smart Start Workforce Grant.

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.