The ReadyKids Culture

ReadyKids will be the best job you’ll ever love!

Jobs at ReadyKids have all of characteristics of a satisfying career.  Not only will your work at ReadyKids benefit other people, you will be engaged with interesting and complex social issues, and you will feel valued by our administration and board.  Meaningful collaboration happens between staff members and with community partners.  And, depending on your position, there is flexibility in how and when you work.  But don’t take our word for it, read the testimonials from former and current employees below.

Current and Former Employee Testimonials

  • I loved interning at ReadyKids! I felt very supported and welcomed by the staff team, and received excellent training and experience. It is incredible to work alongside such a passionate and inspiring group of people. The highlight of my time was the team!

    Natalie Shepherd, former intern

  • ReadyKids is the best work environment I have experienced!

    Annie Paracka, former staff member

  • Working for ReadyKids has been an amazing experience. I get to work with compassionate, caring people every day, and I get to do what I love: offering support to children and families. On top of that, I have never worked at a place as committed to work-life harmony as ReadyKids. I appreciate the flexibility and understanding afforded to me, not only as a working mom, but also as someone who just isn't a morning person. For projects I can complete individually, I am free to work on them whenever suits my needs. The number of holidays and paid time off is very generous, allowing me to balance my personal life with work. I have grown so much, both professionally and personally, in my years working here. Last but certainly not least, we have two wonderful facility dogs at ReadyKids, and getting to see my canine co-workers at the office never fails to bring a smile to my face.

    Shannon O'Neill, current staff member

  • I would wholeheartedly recommend ReadyKids as a place to work. You get to work with amazing people who are doing equally amazing work.

    Eileen Barber, former staff member

  • My experience at ReadyKids has been wonderful. ReadyKids is full of passionate employees who are excellent at what they do. ReadyKids offers a supportive environment that promotes work/life balance, and professional development funds to help you grow in your career.

    Anonymous, 2025

  • I am so grateful that when I moved to Charlottesville I took a job at ReadyKids! This has been the most supportive and flexible place I have ever worked. There are lots of opportunities to learn and grow professionally and I have also grown personally from my interactions with coworkers, the community, and trainings. I love the work that I get to do and I truly believe in the mission of the agency. Overall, I love that I am viewed as a person who has a life outside of work. I am able to balance my work with the needs I have for myself, my kids, and all of the other things that I am a part of outside of ReadyKids. ReadyKids really is an excellent place to work.

    Sarah Carter, current staff member

  • I have really enjoyed working at ReadyKids. I have grown so much professionally and personally due to my position. I have really appreciated having space to seek out trainings and information that I am passionate about. I have also appreciated feeling supported by my current supervisors particularly when challenging situations come up with work or my personal life. I have been able to build trust with them which has resulted in mutual honesty. My favorite part about ReadyKids is the people. They care deeply about their work and about each other. I have felt that even with people that I do not work directly with.

    Anonymous, 2024

  • I have just celebrated my 9 year anniversary working at ReadyKids. I am in my 60's and was almost ready to get out of the field because I have been working in non-profit counseling for over 20 years. ReadyKids has made this the very best workplace I have ever experienced. The benefit package here is tremendous. The focus on self-care is unparalleled. ReadyKids' number one priority is to serve the children in the Charlottesville and surrounding areas, and they understand that in order to serve in our highest capacity, we need to be nurtured and supported. The workplace is extremely supportive and flexible. Good for both parents of young ones and people caring for elderly parents, the administrators and board encourage us to take care of ourselves and our families. They have a very generous sick leave/vacation policy. The focus on connection with other staff and connection with the community is strong. There is also a strong focus on professional development. ReadyKids makes it a priority to make sure that this is a welcoming, safe place for ALL who we serve.

    Sharon Brown, current staff member

  • I consider myself fortunate to be employed by people who care about people. ReadyKids not only assists people and their families in the Charlottesville and surrounding areas, but they also have a deep consideration for the well-being of their employees.

    Angie Mettee, current staff member

  • ReadyKids has been a safe place for me to learn, grow, and develop my skills as a counselor. I am so thankful for my team and the community we have built. They are truly a gift as we work together to serve the families who come to ReadyKids.

    Sarah Webber, current staff member

What creates our positive work culture?  Our mission, vision and values!

Mission

ReadyKids promotes kids’ well-being through counseling, family support, and early learning opportunities.

Vision

Every child is learning, healthy, and safe.

Values

At ReadyKids we:

Put people first

We recognize that we are real people and each person is unique. We stay flexible and adapt to meet individual needs.

Support each other

We intentionally nurture relationships with each other and our community. Through connection, we create supportive environments that encourage everyone to be their best.

Listen

We believe that every voice is important and has something of value to contribute. We listen with empathy to understand others’ perspectives and experiences.

Learn

We are open to new ideas and different ways of thinking. We learn from our successes and mistakes and find ways to grow from them. We are brave in initiating tough conversations so that we can all grow together.

Are accountable

We hold ourselves and each other responsible for our values, achieving our mission, and promoting respect and belonging for every person.

ReadyKids commits to living these values in ways that are meaningful and visible to staff. With that foundation, staff can then live these values in everything they do within ReadyKids and the community.

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