Unlock Your Career Potential with Expert Guidance from Career Navigators

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!”

Book a Meeting with Chelsea

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.”

Book a Meeting with Casey

Let us help you build a clear, actionable pathway to success!

FAQ

A Career Navigator is a dedicated professional who provides personalized guidance to help Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) professionals advance in their careers. They assist with career planning, credentialing, professional development, and education pathways.
No! Career Navigator services are completely free for ECCE professionals.
Anyone working in the Early Childhood Care and Education field who is looking to grow professionally—whether by earning credentials, pursuing higher education, or advancing in their career.
1:1 Coaching & Mentoring helps you explore career options, define your goals, and develop a plan based on your aspirations.
Career Mapping provides a structured roadmap with specific steps to reach your career milestones, such as earning credentials or degrees.
Just bring your career goals, questions, and any credentials or coursework you’ve completed. Your Career Navigator will guide you from there!
There’s no limit! You can schedule as many check-ins as needed to stay on track with your career goals.

Still have questions? Reach out today, and let’s get started!

Chelsea Kusmec: ckusmec@ksu.edu

Casey Gormley: cmh3639@ksu.edu