Mayor’s Commission for Children director resigns

The Mayor’s Commission for Children’s first and only executive director is resigning later this month.

Denise Bredfeldt has led the city of Springfield’s early childhood education initiative since its 2004 inception. Bredfeldt said this morning she voluntarily stepped down to pursue work in the private sector.

“It’s where I came from. It’s probably where I’ll end up,” said Bredfeldt, who worked as a manager at Springfield ReManufacturing Corp. for 27 years before taking on her current role.

Bredfeldt, the only paid member of the 20-person commission, said the group has worked 12 years identifying issues affecting the health and well-being of Springfield children. During her tenure, the commission established the Red Wagons Kids initiative, which works with stakeholders in the business, education, faith, health, policy and service sectors to identify ways the city can help young children succeed through educational, social and health efforts. The commission also helped implement developmental screenings.

“We set out a 30,000-foot view and take a look at the whole child to figure out where the gaps are,” Bredfeldt said. “I feel the reason the early childhood community has been successful is because we’ve all figured out how to play together in the same sandbox.”

The commission, which does not provide direct services to children, is designed to make sure children start school with appropriate skills and knowledge. Board members are appointed by the mayor and serve three-year terms.

The city plans to post the full-time job at SpringfieldMo.gov/jobs later this fall. Bredfeldt said the executive director’s salary is nearly $40,000.