Success Story: Nicole

Nicole decided to work because she wanted to make money, and because her parents have taught her that working is an important part of life. ​

After graduating from high school, she had an Individual Support Plan meeting at neba to review her skills, interests, and the jobs she might like. One of Nicole’s strongest interests is in working with children.  Once the job developer knew that Nicole liked childcare, they began looking through the newspaper for possible jobs and attended job interviews at childcare centers.

Because Nicole was just beginning her career in childcare, she did not have the certification that most positions in the field require. This meant that Nicole and her job developer had to narrow their search to jobs that did not require any level of certification. When they found no such jobs, Nicole’s job  developer negotiated with The Arbors to create a position for Nicole as a part-time assistant. The job developer had a pre-existing relationship with The Arbors, as other individuals receiving employment services through neba had been employed there in the past.

Although The Arbors is a promising part-time opportunity, Nicole must earn a certification in the field in order to achieve her goal of working full-time in childcare. neba helped her research local community colleges for child development courses that lead to certification. Upon finding these courses for Nicole, neba negotiated with the college to allow in-class and academic supports for Nicole. In addition to pursuing certification, Nicole continues to advance her career in childcare through a separate volunteer opportunity. Even with all of the work of pursuing a childcare certification while working, Nicole is happy and looks forward to becoming a full-time childcare professional.