Childcare Development Specialist

Want to make a real difference in your community before — or right after — graduation? This AmeriCorps position with United Way of Southeast Missouri puts you at the center of one of the region's most pressing challenges: the childcare shortage keeping families from work and opportunity.

As a Childcare Development Specialist, you'll work one-on-one with aspiring in-home childcare providers, helping them navigate the licensing process, get trained, and open their doors. The ripple effect is real — every provider you support means more families who can get back to work.

What you'll do:

• Meet with prospective providers and guide them through each step of the licensing process
• Help with application paperwork, inspection readiness, and scheduling required trainings (CPR/First Aid, CDA, and more)
• Connect providers to business planning tools and community resources
• Track milestones and promote the program through outreach and community events

What you'll earn:

• Living allowance: $600/pay period (¾ time) or $400/pay period (half time), paid on the 1st and 15th of each month
• Education award: $5,176.50 (¾ time) or $3,697.50 (half time) upon completion — apply it directly to student loans or future tuition
• Childcare assistance if eligible

About AmeriCorps:
AmeriCorps is a federally funded national service program — think of it like a paid fellowship with purpose. It's not a traditional job; it's a service commitment that comes with real compensation and career-building experience. You're allowed to hold another job or take classes on the side, making it flexible enough to fit around your life. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have used AmeriCorps as a launchpad for careers in social work, nonprofit management, education, public health, and government. No prior experience in childcare licensing required.

Qualifications:

• Must be 18 or older
• High school diploma or GED required
• U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident
• Reliable, organized, and comfortable working with the public
• Interest in community development, social work, education, or nonprofit work is a plus — but not required

About United Way of Southeast Missouri:
United Way of Southeast Missouri fights for the health, education, and financial stability of everyone in the communities we serve: Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Scott City, Perry County, and Bollinger County. United for Childcare is our AmeriCorps program focused on expanding access to childcare so more Southeast Missouri families can work, learn, and thrive.

Learn more and apply: https://www.unitedforchildcare.com/team
Questions? Contact Matt Ellison at matt.ellison@unitedwayofsemo.org