KinderCare Learning Companies

How have you benefited from the skills/experience you’ve gained in your career pivot/journey? When I started my career journey with KinderCare I was shy, quiet and new to the workforce. The skills, knowledge and confidence I have gained through my supportive leaders at KinderCare are priceless. KinderCare is committed to lifelong learning, career development and internal growth opportunities.

What are your favorite things about working at your company? My favorite things about working for KinderCare are the culture, engagement and leadership. I love our partnership with Gallup and that our leaders listen to employee feedback and make organizational changes based on the feedback. KinderCare leaders care deeply about employees, educating children and creating great experiences for people.

Looking back on your career, what would you say has been your most valuable career mistake? Looking back on my career I wish that I had understood how valuable it is to make yourself uncomfortable, try new things and take risks. Early in my career I had turned down a director in training role (within KinderCare) so that I could continue with a role that I loved and stay where I was comfortable. In hindsight a family move forced me to make a change, make myself uncomfortable and try a new role. This change has brought me many more career development and opportunities to build new skills. In the future I plan to make myself uncomfortable, embrace change and continue to grow.

How long have you been in your current role, and what does your day-to-day look like? I’ve been in my current role for 2 years. I manage a small team of Teacher Recruiters who all work remotely in different parts of the country.  I spend most of my day communicating through email, conference calls, and other business software.  I get to interact with employees at all levels and both in the field and at the corporate office.  What I enjoy most is supporting my team and collaborating with other HR professionals in our company to recruit, hire, train, and retain the best talent in our industry.

What’s something you think most people don’t know about your company that you think they should? KinderCare Education is a company that invests in their people. This is inclusive of the families and children we serve, along with their employees. 

What are you involved in outside of work? I love anything and everything which involves being creative   and crafting! I enjoy hand making personalized gifts whenever I can. I have 2 boys who live and breathe soccer, thus we try and volunteer as much as we can. My husband has also coached their baseball and soccer teams.

How long have you been in your current role, and what does your day-to-day look like?  I have been in my role for a year and a half now.  I spend most of my days connecting with candidates across the country and working with Center Directors to find the best teachers for our classrooms.

What’s something you think most people don’t know about your company that you think they should? KinderCare Education has so much opportunity for growth and development.  I love that there is a career pathway, lots of opportunities available and a culture of encouraging employees to continue growing throughout their career.  I started out as an Assistant Teacher, worked my way up to Center Director and now get to help support our company in a whole different way. 

What are you involved in outside of work? I love being active and am always looking for an excuse to get outdoors.  I love to go running, dirt biking, snowboarding, camping and even scuba diving.  My husband and I are expecting our fist baby in June and can’t wait to have her tag along as our adventure companion!

What advice do you have to others in your industry who want to take their career path to the next level? Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try something new! 

How long have you been in your current role, and what does your day-to-day look like? I have been recruiting with KCE for almost 2 years.  I love how different my days can look week to week.  My job is to partner with the field to recruit and engage new teachers allowing me to make a positive impact in KinderCare’s classrooms.  I love building relationships with hiring managers and guiding them through the recruitment process and the challenges that come with supporting difficult markets.

Are you involved in any KinderCare mentoring opportunities? An exciting part of my job is to train new teacher recruiters and provide shadowing opportunities as they begin their journey with KCE and beyond.  

What’s something you think most people don’t know about your company that you think they should?  One word. GROWTH.  KinderCare has challenged me like no other employer has to think big and set goals.  To grow myself and my team, to always think ahead and strive for more!

What advice do you have to others in your industry who want to take their career path to the next level? Network!  Keep your profile current and stay active in the professional communities associated with your field of work.  You never know when a connection will stimulate an opportunity!

What do you find most rewarding and challenging about your current work? Initially, my transition to working in the field to at home was a challenge. I was required to adjust to not traveling to sites or being in ratio and present with staff and students. Although my environment changed, my service values and goals remained same. People were such an important aspect of my day-to-day and I knew this would continue with my current team. Our goal is to support and partner with the field.

What is your favorite thing about working at your company? One of my favorite things about working at Champions is the culture. All my interactions have been meaningful and engaged. Everyone is supportive of growth and providing the tools necessary to do so. I admire that the focus is directed on children and their families.

What is your best piece(s) of advice for other women who are thinking about making a career pivot? Never doubt yourself or be afraid to take risks. Trust your instincts. Knowledge is power. Set yourself a plan and continue learning. If you have an idea, present it.

How have you benefited from the skills/experience you’ve gained in your career pivot/journey? When I started my career journey with KinderCare I was shy, quiet and new to the workforce. The skills, knowledge and confidence I have gained through my supportive leaders at KinderCare are priceless. KinderCare is committed to lifelong learning, career development and internal growth opportunities.

What are your favorite things about working at your company? My favorite things about working for KinderCare are the culture, engagement and leadership. I love our partnership with Gallup and that our leaders listen to employee feedback and make organizational changes based on the feedback. KinderCare leaders care deeply about employees, educating children and creating great experiences for people.

Looking back on your career, what would you say has been your most valuable career mistake? Looking back on my career I wish that I had understood how valuable it is to make yourself uncomfortable, try new things and take risks. Early in my career I had turned down a director in training role (within KinderCare) so that I could continue with a role that I loved and stay where I was comfortable. In hindsight a family move forced me to make a change, make myself uncomfortable and try a new role. This change has brought me many more career development and opportunities to build new skills. In the future I plan to make myself uncomfortable, embrace change and continue to grow.