First Steps
Daniel VanderMolen, CPM, currently serves as the Director of Policy and Grants at First Steps, where responsibilities include integrating policies with organizational strategies to enhance early childhood outcomes and leading community parent leadership initiatives. Prior roles encompass project management in early childcare business development, talent acquisition and diversity leadership at Goodwill Industries, and expertise in workforce development and financial coaching. Daniel holds a Michigan Certified Public Manager designation and a Bachelor's degree in Film and Video from Columbia College Chicago. A commitment to strategic planning and community collaboration is evident throughout Daniel's diverse professional background.
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First Steps
First Steps was created to be an independent and influential entity that, in collaboration with other community stakeholders, sets and advances the agenda and priorities for early childhood work in Kent County. As an objective and neutral organization, we work to ensure that services are high quality and aligned. We convene leadership from various fields such as education, healthcare, and social services to enhance communication and coordination. First Steps, the Great Start Collaborative, and other community partners have identified the components that must be in place for a coordinated system and are developing strategies to make sure the necessary services are available and accessible. We also are building the public and political will to support and sustain the early childhood system.