Cook, Child Care Center

Bright Horizons at USC in Columbia, SC, is a leading early education and child care center dedicated to nurturing and fostering the development of children. As part of the broader Bright Horizons network, this center prides itself on creating a safe, supportive, and educational environment that promotes the growth of children, supports families, and strengthens communities. Bright Horizons is recognized for its commitment to delivery of high-quality child care and education through a community-focused approach and innovative programs. The organization values the individual contributions of each team member and strives to offer opportunities for personal and professional growth within a collaborative workplace culture.

The role of Cook at Bright Horizons at USC offers an exciting opportunity for culinary professionals who are passionate about making a positive impact on children’s lives through nutritious and appealing meals. This position involves working collaboratively with a second Cook to plan menus, prepare daily meals and snacks, maintain inventory, and ensure that all food preparation and kitchen activities comply with sanitation and safety standards. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday from approximately 6:30 am to 2:30 pm, providing a consistent weekday work schedule with competitive hourly pay ranging from $16.00 to $19.25 per hour, with potential earnings up to $21.00 per hour based on experience, education, and other qualifications.

In this role, the Cook will prepare nutritionally balanced meals and snacks for about 185 children plus the staff, contributing directly to their health and well-being. Accurate inventory management and ordering are essential tasks to ensure the kitchen is well-stocked and able to meet ongoing menu demands. The Cook must also maintain high sanitation standards throughout all food preparation and kitchen cleaning duties, adhering to state, local, and company health and safety regulations.

Candidates are required to meet age and education standards, possess relevant food service experience, and hold or be working towards a food service or food handler permit/license compliant with state and local regulations. This role demands physical stamina and adherence to health and immunization requirements to maintain a safe workplace for children and staff. Bright Horizons supports career development opportunities including free college degrees through their Horizons CDA & Degree Program, showcasing a commitment to employee growth.

Working at Bright Horizons means becoming part of a diverse and inclusive team that celebrates individuality while supporting the holistic needs of children, families, and employees. The company emphasizes equal opportunity employment and complies fully with legal protections against discrimination. With comprehensive benefits such as medical, dental, vision insurance, retirement plans, life and disability insurance, Bright Horizons provides a supportive workplace where employees can thrive. Joining this team as a Cook not only means bringing your culinary talents to the table but also contributing meaningfully to a brighter future for children and families in the Columbia community.