Jessica Gilder

Dynamic professional with a proven track record at Initiative Foundation, enhancing early childhood workforce recruitment and retention. Expert in policy analysis and crisis intervention, I've successfully connected communities with vital resources and advocated for Indigenous families' well-being. Skilled in both data collection and motivational interviewing, my work drives impactful child care solutions.

• Licensed Family child care Provider Head Start family child care provider in non residential home
• Child Care Center teacher and director overseeing 60 slot child care located in a care facility
• Head Start Family advocate assisted with recruiting, training and implementing Head Start performance standards and programming in family child care sites
• Licensed foster care provided trauma informed respite and crisis nursery services.
• Crisis Nursery employee recruited and trained child care providers and volunteers.
• Worforce development and case manager for adults and youth. Provided employment resources, training and coaching to obtain and retain employment.
• Child care business plan, policies and procedures experience
• Grant writing and reviewing

• Trained as MN Qualified Neutral rule 114- family mediation and conflict coaching.
• Child care trainer (pre Develop)
• Small business owner and entrepreneur

• Non profit volunteer, committee and board member- Youth and family serving agencies
• PTA president, scout leader, and church preschool teacher and Superintendent
• Mentor for woman in shelter living assisting with employment and personal goals.