Discover Your Pathway to Career Success
Personalized Career Support for Early Childhood Care & Education Professionals
Are you looking to advance in your Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) career? Our Career Navigators are here to help—at no cost to you! Get the guidance you need to achieve your professional goals with one-on-one support, career planning, and mentoring.
How We Support You
1:1 Coaching & Mentoring
We’ll work together to explore your strengths, clarify your goals, and develop a career plan that aligns with your aspirations—whether you’re aiming for a new credential, degree, or professional development.
Career Mapping
We’ll create a step-by-step plan to help you achieve your career aspirations, from earning new credentials to pursuing higher education or endorsements.
Peer Learning Opportunities
Connect with other ECCE professionals, share experiences, and grow together through networking and collaboration.
Personalized Support for Your Growth
Our Career Navigators tailor their guidance to your unique skills, interests, and career goals, helping you navigate the best path forward.
Meet Your Career Navigators
Chelsea Kusmec
Chelsea Kusmec is a Career Navigator with KCCTO. Prior to joining KCCTO, Chelsea served as a teacher, curriculum coach, director, and a CDA Navigator with the Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children. Chelsea holds a BS in Early Childhood Administration from Purdue University and is currently working on a master’s in Early Childhood Studies.
“I’m here to help you navigate your career journey with personalized guidance and support. Let’s work together to achieve your goals and take the next step in your ECCE career!”
Casey Gormley
Casey Gormley is a Career Navigator with KCCTO, holding a BS and MS in Family Studies and Human Services, Early Childhood Education from Kansas State University. She has experience as a Lead Teacher, Education Manager, ERSEA Manager, and Director with Head Start/Early Head Start. She was previously an Early Childhood Instructor at Highland Community College Technical Center.
“Your career growth matters! I’m committed to helping you create a clear path toward success, whether it’s earning new credentials, furthering your education, or exploring new opportunities.”
Let us help you build a clear, actionable pathway to success!
Career Navigators – Lunch & Learn Series
We’re excited to invite you to our brand-new Career Navigators Lunch & Learn series! Designed for Early Childhood Care and Education professionals, these monthly sessions provide valuable insights and resources to help you grow in your career. Each session will cover a unique topic, offering practical tips and guidance from Career Navigators Casey Gormley and Chelsea Kusmec.
Upcoming Sessions:
📅 April 30th – 1:30 PM:Empower Your Career Development – Discover how to use the Kansas Core Competencies Self Assessment & IPDP to support your growth. Register Here
📅 May 28th – 1:30 PM: Unlock Your Potential: Interview Success – Get tips on interview prep and hiring insights for the Early Childhood Education field. Register Here
📅 June 26th – 1:30 PM: Two Years to a Brighter Future – Explore higher education opportunities at two-year institutions in Kansas. Register Here
📅 July 30th – 1:30 PM: Journey Through Higher Education – Learn about four-year programs in Kansas to advance your career. Register Here
FAQ
Career Mapping provides a structured roadmap with specific steps to reach your career milestones, such as earning credentials or degrees.
Still have questions? Reach out today, and let’s get started!
Chelsea Kusmec: ckusmec@ksu.edu
Casey Gormley: cmh3639@ksu.edu