Reaching Her Goals – Mackenzie McArthur and the Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC)

Mackenzie McArthur came to the OhioMeansJobs Stark County Center in November of 2023 and enrolled in the Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program (CCMEP). The CCMEP program is designed to help young adults 18-24 overcome any barriers, get their foot in the door, and become career-ready. Mackenzie worked with Case Manager, Chelsey Moore, and was eager to find training and work experience that would benefit her future teaching career and help complement her Bachelor’s in Education that she had been working on.

Mackenzie shared that she always wanted to become a fourth or fifth-grade teacher and loved working with children. Chelsey encouraged Mackenzie to work with the Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC) to obtain her Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.

Mackenzie took training courses that totaled 120 hours in eight subject areas through the ECRC. She then obtained work placement at a local daycare – where her two daughters attended. After being at the daycare for a while, Mackenzie felt it was not a good fit for her and felt stuck. Working with her mentor at the ECRC, Mackenzie was able to switch daycares both for training, as well as placement for her daughters!

After passing her CDA test, Mackenzie was officially hired at her placement, JRC, on 4/1/2024 as a full-time Assistant Preschool Teacher earning $13.50 an hour! She will also continue working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Education – she is expected to graduate in December 2024.

“Mackenzie is a truly remarkable person. From day one I knew she was a hard worker with so much potential. She had so many goals but needed the tools to make things happen. Once she came up with a game plan and got the resources she needed, she stuck to it and put in all the hard work. I’m so happy and proud of everything Mackenzie has overcome and accomplished.” – CCMEP Case Manager, Chelsey Moore