Preschool Cook - $17 to $22 per HOUR
Posted on October 24, 2025
Cadence Academy Preschool, located in Iowa City, Iowa, is a proud member of the Cadence Education family, which is a recognized leader in early childhood education with over 325 schools across 30 states and more than 30 years of expertise. Cadence Education is dedicated to fostering bright futures for children, families, employees, and communities through innovative curriculums and warm, home-like learning environments. As part of a larger network committed to quality education and care, Cadence Academy Preschool offers a supportive, collaborative team atmosphere that emphasizes open communication, teamwork, and a genuine passion for child development. The organization is deeply committed to maintaining a culture that prioritizes work-life balance and opportunities for professional growth, making it an excellent place for dedicated education and childcare professionals.
The role of Preschool Cook at Cadence Academy Preschool is an exciting opportunity for those passionate about nourishing young learners. This full-time position involves preparing nutritious, kid-friendly meals and snacks that support the health and energy needs of preschool children, ensuring they are well-fueled for their daily adventures in learning and play. The Preschool Cook will be responsible not only for meal preparation but also for organizing kitchen operations, managing food and supply storage, and maintaining cleanliness and efficiency in the kitchen environment. The role requires hands-on involvement including serving meals directly to classrooms, handling dishes, and assisting with additional tasks such as laundry, equipment cleaning, and sanitizing toys to maintain a healthy and safe environment.
Cadence Academy Preschool values individuals who bring experience from childcare, daycare, or early childhood education backgrounds and who meet state requirements for preschool cooks. The position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $16.94 to $22.00 and includes access to on-demand pay through UKG Wallet, giving employees flexibility in accessing their earnings. The benefits package is comprehensive, featuring a 50% childcare tuition discount for employees' own children, a 401(k) plan with employer match, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and even pet insurance, paid time off that grows with seniority, paid holidays, company-paid life insurance, and opportunities for professional development such as paid CDA certification and tuition reimbursement.
Joining Cadence Academy Preschool as a Preschool Cook means becoming part of a larger culinary and educational team that prioritizes quality, care, and joy in early childhood. It is a position that blends culinary skills with a love for children and education, where every meal is crafted not just to feed little bodies but to support holistic child development. The role demands energy, attention to detail, and enthusiasm, with some physical lifting involved. Candidates who succeed in this role will find themselves supported by a tight-knit team and a culture designed to help them grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.
This is an ideal job for anyone who wants to combine a passion for cooking with a commitment to nurturing young learners in a fun, supportive preschool setting. The Preschool Cook role at Cadence Academy Preschool offers not only the chance to contribute to children's well-being through healthy meals but also to be part of an organization that values employee growth, community involvement, and excellence in early childhood education.
- high school diploma or GED
- at least 18 years old
- meets all state preschool cook requirements
- 1 year of experience in food planning, preparation, and service, following USDA guidelines
- preferred: current Food Handler’s Card or ServSafe certification