A love of kids brought them to the job. A fantastic culture kept them

This paid piece is sponsored by EmBe.

About a year ago, Megan Willroth was a new college graduate with a degree in psychology and art in search of a career direction.

“When I graduated, it was in the middle of COVID, and I was just looking for a job,” said Willroth, who grew up in Ames, Iowa, and graduated from Northwestern College.

“And this popped up.”

“This” was the role of site coordinator at EmBe’s Freedom Elementary location in Harrisburg.

It was a fit with her psychology background, so Willroth accepted.

One year later, “I really like it,” she said. “The people I work with want to see me succeed.”

EmBe is looking for many more people like Willroth. Take a look at the current openings. You’ll find a variety of opportunities, with varying hours, in different roles and locations.

“Megan is absolutely right – EmBe wants to see our team succeed, no matter what your role or where you’re at in your career journey,” said Katy Morris, executive director of human resources.

“And that means we invest in our employees, giving them the best opportunity to excel in both their professional life and their personal life. That’s our mission for all, and we especially commit to living that out with our team.”

It’s a team that needs more members, though.

“We absolutely are in hiring mode,” Morris said. “And there is so much to like about working here.”

EmBe embraces flexibility, she said.

“For instance, our childcare and school-age care staff don’t work nights or weekends,” she said. “And if you have children needing care, we offer that at a significant value for you. So it becomes an opportunity that really fits a lot of people’s lifestyles. We just need them to discover it.”

Dayne Bartels discovered EmBe fairly easily – his brother, aunt and two cousins worked there before he joined the team four years ago. He just headed to college but spent the summer as a site coordinator at EmBe South.

“What I really like is communicating with people and being that leader who steps up and helps us do what needs to be done and continue to get better at what we do,” he said. “My job involves working with staff, parents and kids to make sure everything runs smoothly, and I just really enjoy it.”

Both Bartels and Willroth said roles at EmBe are a great fit for people who enjoy being around others, especially kids.

“We have a number of high school students, and they do a wonderful job, as well as college students returning as they can, and it’s a great opportunity for someone who is considering a career working with children,” Willroth said. “I love people who enjoy getting to know the kids personally, who work hard and take the initiative to suggest ideas.”

That’s the kind of person you’ll find in Amy McGaa, a leader infant one teacher at the south Sioux Falls location.

“It’s very fast-paced, it’s very busy, but it’s also very exciting,” she said.

“EmBe is a very tightknit community from the families we serve every single day to the employees that we work with.”

Her children attend EmBe as well.

“They love going to EmBe. Every single day they ask me if it’s an EmBe day, even on the weekends.”

There are available opportunities in child care before and after school.

“And there are always people here who are willing to help you,” Bartels added. “If you have a question, anyone in our building either will answer it or get you pointed in the right direction.”

It also has never been a better time to start a career at EmBe, Morris added.

“Our culture has never been more of a focus, and we’re already hearing how much our current team appreciates that,” she said. “If you’re looking to build your leadership skills or work on other professional development, we have the programs to support you.”

All employees who work six or more hours a day also enjoy an extensive benefits package including:

• • Competitive wages.
  • Health, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, flex spending accounts.
  • 401(k) with match.
  • Child care and program discounts.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Referral bonuses.
  • Free parking and free lunch.
  • On-site training and paid certifications.
  • Phone and wellness program discounts.
  • Vacation, sick time and paid holidays.

“We’re very proud of the team we’ve built here and can’t wait to add more people to it,” Morris said. “We have opportunities starting now and encourage anyone who believes this could be a fit to reach out.”

Click here and scroll down for a full list of openings: embe.org/employment.

EmBe is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran or disabled status, or any other protected class.