Staff Spotlight: Derrick Spader – School Age Care Manager
"My vision for EmBe is for us to be at the front, leading the way and setting the standard of quality childcare and community empowerment."
After 100 years of serving Sioux Falls, EmBe has built a strong workplace culture that inspires employees like Derrick Spader to bring their best every day. Less than one month in his new role as School Age Care Manager, Derrick can already tell EmBe is different. The spirit of his fellow staff members is unlike anything he's experienced before.
"Everyone I have interacted with is passionate about what we do here at EmBe," says Derrick, "They're excited to point me in the right direction and answer any questions I've had. It has been very refreshing for me!"
Derrick first learned about the opportunity to join EmBe's team through his son Oliver, who is currently enrolled in the summer care program at EmBe South. Derrick was seeking a new career challenge and was impressed by EmBe's caliber of childcare. "So I went for it!" he says enthusiastically.
In his role as School Age Care Manager, Derrick is excited to handle enrollment for the school-age program and implement its robust curriculum. He'll coordinate activities, ensure events are adequately staffed, and be the "answer guy" for parents and families of school-age kids in EmBe's care.
He's thrilled to move into this role at a vital community institution like EmBe and ready to learn everything he can.
"In the few days I have been here, I have seen the teachers and staff in action," says Derrick. "The way everyone has stepped up to help where needed and has come together to solve issues as a team has been awesome to see, and I'm excited to be a part of it."
As Derrick grows into his new role, he carries a bright vision like a torch into the future. In addition to learning the ins and outs of EmBe school-age care, Derrick has big ambitions for the coming years.
"My vision for EmBe is for us to be at the front, leading the way and setting the standard of quality childcare and community empowerment," says Spader. "I am working toward this through my personal interactions with kiddos, parents, families, staff, and community members to build strong, lasting relationships."
By attracting passionate new employees, EmBe continues its mission of quality service to the community. And so it's with fresh talent, like Derrick, that EmBe is poised to benefit Sioux Falls for the next 100 years.
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