Connect Up » News

My career working with children began 20 years ago when I was a preschool teacher.

Because I help children at an early age learn how to enjoy learning, my career choice is very fulfilling. My skill set and experience are the perfect blend of educator and businessperson. I earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from DePaul University in Chicago. My minor was psychology and early childhood education.

Child Development Inc. (CDI) is a nonprofit organization that provides care and education for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. We serve 150 children daily at two campus locations on the South Side and East Side of Madison. We also offer drop-in care at the Dane County Job Center.

My responsibilities as executive director include general oversight of operations, financial programming, teacher management, fundraising and donor development.

It costs approximately $1,300 per month per child to provide the level of education and support they need and deserve. Ninety-five percent of our families are in the Wisconsin Works (W-2) program for low-income parents with minor children. The program provides child care subsidies but the funding doesn't come close to covering the complete cost of child care.

Some of my hardest days are dealing with the lack of funding. I've worked with families who have children with behavioral or developmental issues and have exhausted their funding. The child ends up being shuffled around from friends or neighbors rather than being in child care while the parents are at work.

These families lack good quality housing, ample food and are unemployed, all of which plays a role in a child's ability to learn. We have a lot of transient families and young parents who have many children. The children are in circumstances beyond their control. The fundraising responsibility of my job is so important because the funds help families to continue to bring their children here. I also write grants to help with funding and I determine creative ways to raise funds.

My job requires a lot of confidence, a strong sense of self, a lot of patience and a passion for children. I have to be comfortable asking for donations as well as public speaking. It's rewarding for me to get into the classroom to see the children really engaged in the activities and learning. They are feeling secure in this environment and have a head-start for when they go to kindergarten.

What I Do features area-residents who have interesting or unique jobs. The column runs every Tuesday. To suggest someone to feature, contact Jill Carlson at .jillcarlson1957@gmail.com