More Than Play: Kaitlyn McClung’s Path from Classroom Aide to Child Care Director

Early childhood education is often misunderstood as simply playing with children. For Kaitlyn McClung, director of Prairie Pines Child Care Center, the work is much more significant.

“It is really setting the foundation for a child’s success for the rest of their life,” Kaitlyn says.

Through everyday activities, early childhood professionals help children strengthen their communication, problem-solving, early writing, and social skills. Play is an important part of the learning process, but it is guided by professionals who understand how children grow and develop.

Building Relationships with Children and Families

When Kaitlyn entered the early childhood field, she did not expect how closely connected she would become to the children and families she served.

“The thing that surprised me the most about working in early childhood was how connected you become to the children and the families,” she says.

Early childhood professionals work with families during some of the most important years of a child’s life. They celebrate milestones, help children work through challenges, and build relationships that can last well beyond a child’s time in the program.

For Kaitlyn, those relationships helped turn an initial job opportunity into a deeply meaningful career.

“I couldn’t have imagined how deep the passion was going to end up being for the kids and the families that they come from,” she says.

A Career with Room to Advance

Kaitlyn’s career began when she applied for a part-time aide position. She was soon promoted to a part-time teacher role. About a year later, she became an assistant director and eventually advanced to her current position as a full-time director.

Her experience demonstrates that early childhood education offers many opportunities for professional growth.

“The growth is unlimited,” Kaitlyn says. “You can advance in your center, but also outside your center.”

People may enter the field in support or teaching positions and build their skills while working. With additional education and experience, they may move into lead teaching, program coordination, administration, training, family support, or other leadership roles.

Learning While Working

Kaitlyn did not begin her early childhood career with specialized training in the field. After she started working, she earned her Child Development Associate credential and continued attending seminars and other educational opportunities.

Her path shows that people do not always need to have every credential in place before beginning an early childhood career. Many professionals start in entry-level positions and continue their education as they gain experience.

Training programs, credentials, certificates, and college degrees can help workers strengthen their skills and qualify for greater responsibility. For someone willing to learn and grow, an entry-level position can be the beginning of a long-term career.

An Anchor for the Community

Child care supports more than children and families. It also plays an essential role in the local economy.

“This field impacts our community kind of as an anchoring point,” Kaitlyn explains. “We allow other people to go out and be successful in other businesses, which helps their business thrive, which helps us thrive.”

When families have dependable child care, parents can go to work, pursue education, and contribute to local businesses and organizations. Employers are better able to recruit and retain workers, while communities become stronger places to live and raise a family.

This impact is especially important in smaller communities, where the availability of child care can influence workforce participation and future growth.

“You really are shaping the future of your town by working in early childhood education,” Kaitlyn says.

Sharing a Parent’s Passion with Other Families

Kaitlyn’s daughter initially inspired her to enter the early childhood field. What began as a personal connection grew into a passion for supporting many more children and families.

“My passion for my daughter is what led me to it, and now I share that passion with 30 other families’ children,” she says.

For Kaitlyn, early childhood education is not simply a job or a steppingstone. It is work rooted in a genuine desire to help children succeed.

Someone who is patient, caring, eager to learn, and passionate about children may find a rewarding future in the field. Early childhood professionals have the opportunity to guide children during their most formative years while supporting families and strengthening the communities they call home.

“It’s the reason why I’m here,” Kaitlyn says. “I truly love children.”

Learn more about early childhood careers, training opportunities, scholarships, and child care business resources at CareersThatGrow.org.