From college student to career professional, child care team members rave about working here

This paid piece is sponsored by EmBe.

One is still in college. Another has spent decades in the field. And a third is early in growing his career.

All three say they’ve loved their experience working in child care at EmBe, which offers care for infants through school-age kids.

“We’re incredibly proud of the team behind our child care program, and we’re committed to showing it by investing in them,” EmBe CEO Kerri Tietgen said. “When you listen to the experiences of our team members, I think it becomes clear that if you have a passion for this field, EmBe is going to come alongside you and make sure you’re supported every step of the way.”

Learning on the job

For Samantha Corlew, working in school-age care at EmBe is the perfect complement to classes at the University of Sioux Falls.

The sophomore elementary education major followed her best friend from California to Sioux Falls for college, “and it’s been a great experience,” she said. “I really like the town of Sioux Falls and USF.”

About a year ago, she began working at EmBe weekdays from 2 to 6 p.m. Corlew appreciates the flexible schedule and the chance to work with kindergartners through fifth graders.

“We do activities and outside time, gym time, STEM work building with LEGOs and building cubes, and we added a reading area where kids can have some quiet time,” she said. “And a lot of the behavior I see from kids I know I’m going to expect as a teacher. So it prepares me, and it introduces me to working with all kinds of different kids.”

She also finds that the mentorship among the rest of the EmBe team helps in her work.

“EmBe is just a great place. I really like my co-workers, and I definitely see myself working here all through college,” Corlew said. “I just really like how EmBe stands for empowering women and families. There are a lot of day cares, but I like how EmBe was a nonprofit that stood for something.”

Growing into roles

Jamie Farley had spent five years in the child care industry before considering starting his own program.

“Then, I discovered EmBe, which was hiring at Liberty Elementary School in Harrisburg, and I applied and met the director and was hired, and I’ve been working here ever since,” said Farley, the school-age care site manager at the Liberty location.

“When I was starting, I knew I’d be stepping into a role with more responsibility but didn’t really know what to expect. And once I jumped in, it really took off.”

He has been able to help create the before- and after-school program within the growing community of Harrisburg, and he has watched it expand from averaging 55 kids a day when he started to nearly 80 today.

“What’s kept me here is the great relationships I’ve built and the great culture at EmBe,” Farley said. “It’s fantastic to try and make an impact on kids’ lives and have a special place where they can come every day.”

Farley’s own workday starts around 6 a.m. and lasts until 6 p.m. – but he enjoys several hours for a break in the middle of the day.

“It gets me up in the morning and gets me moving, but then I get a reset time in the middle of the day, which is great if I need to get anything done or just take a break and gear up,” he said.

“We do themes and different projects every week, and I enjoy coming up with different activities and a curriculum the kids enjoy. We’re keeping kids engaged. This isn’t just a place for parents to drop them off and pick them up, but we’ve really tried to create an environment of learning and fun.”

He also has enjoyed the environment his own leaders have created for him as an EmBe team member.

“Not only have they increased pay and offer really great benefits like paid sick time, health and dental insurance and a life insurance policy, but I’m just impressed by how much EmBe cares about their employees,” Farley said. “That’s the huge, huge bonus. We’ve had a lot of support from our leadership, and we’ve been hiring. They do a great job stepping in and taking on roles as we fill open positions, so it’s been a complete team effort, which is awesome.”

Career fit

Early next year, Pamela Segich will mark one decade on the EmBe team. Before joining EmBe South in 2013, Segich spent 20 years running an in-home day care in New Jersey.

When she returned to South Dakota where she grew up, she applied at EmBe and began in a floating role before becoming an assistant teacher for about a year and then leading her own room of 2- and 3-year-olds.

“Since childhood, I’ve had a passion for kids, and this is just the perfect age for me,” Segich said. “They change so much and are learning so much, and it’s a lot of fun.”

Her days are filled with reading, singing, nursery rhymes and walks outside.

“We have a lot of really good workers who have been here a long time,” Segich added. “And we just got a new manager who is absolutely wonderful. She listens, and she gives suggestions. She’s great.”

Segich also praises EmBe for its competitive pay and benefits.

“I just think anybody that loves children should try this out,” she said. “You have to have a passion for kids, but if you do, this is the place to be.”

To learn more about growing your career in child care at EmBe, click here.