Highly skilled and trained Early Childhood Educator with over 13 years of teaching experience and 11 years of management experience in the child care setting. Passionate and dedicated educator offering a solid educational foundation as well as hands-on leadership and teaching experience. Equipped with an outstanding ability to work with all people and empower teachers towards personal and academic excellence. Known for a strong commitment to the early childhood field and establishing positive learning environments for children.
Highlights
Staff Training, Supervision and Evaluation
Teacher Motivation and Encouragement
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Program Evaluation and Implementation
Child Development Knowledge
Lesson Plan Development
Differentiated Curriculum Instruction
Student Assessment and Evaluation
Accomplishments
Has extensive experience in the early childhood field consisting of 11 years in management and over 13 years of classroom teaching.
Managed and supervised successful child care centers building enrollment and training and motivating staff.
Worked in the non-profit, for-profit and religious sectors of child care and education.
Established the Rainbows program and worked as a facilitator for children dealing with grief due to loss.
Was instrumental in starting a local AEYC affiliate group in Florida and served as vice-president for the group.
Served as a trainer for the YMCA of the USA training teachers and administrators in the area of child care.
Trained and experienced user of Handwriting Without Tears and Get Set for School curriculums.
Completed the Orton Gillingham training to work as a reading specialist.
Experience
Private Kindergarten TeacherAug 2016 to Current Kids R Kids － Johns Creek, GA
Successfully developed and implemented a strong literacy based Kindergarten curriculum for students enrolled in the private Kindergarten program. Prepared students for enrollment into first grade in the public school system.
Used the Orton Gillingham based reading program to teach Reading and Language Arts skills
Implemented the GO MATH Kindergarten level math program using hands-on manipulatives, small group lessons, videos and workbooks
Incorporated the Handwriting Without Tears program to teach proper letter formation and writing skills
Developed fun and interactive Science and Social Studies units to cover the GA standards for Kindergarten
Communicated with parents through weekly newsletters, parent-teacher conferences and the use of the Appletree APP (for reminders, pictures and videos)
Pre-K 4 TeacherAug 2009 to May 2016 Notre Dame Academy － Duluth, GA
Successfully created and implemented a developmentally appropriate curriculum for four and five year old students.
Established a center-based classroom for students to learn and explore through play.
Maintained an atmosphere that balanced teacher-led activities and independent activities that built readiness skills and confidence.
Worked to develop a google doc based lesson plan that could be shared by the entire grade level.
Developed and implemented a strong literacy-based classroom that included daily interactive read alouds and writing experiences.
Implemented an IB curriculum for students that emphasized learning through inquiry and taking a global prospective.
Collaborated with colleagues on the leadership team/IB self study committee to establish school policies and procedures that ensure compliance with IB standards.
Lead TeacherAug 2008 to May 2009 Forsyth Christian School － Cumming, GA
Responsible for implementing the K4 Abeka Christian curriculum to older four and young five year olds in a structured classroom environment.
Incorporated phonemic awareness skills, math and number skills, fine motor skills and Bible activities to build the readiness skills needed to promote to the K5 classroom.
Provided services to ESL students to modify curriculum and develop strong English vocabulary and communication.
Contract TeacherAug 2007 to May 2008 Storyville Book Store － Alpharetta , GA
Taught weekly parent/child class to children ages two to four implementing stories, songs and crafts.
Taught weekly preschool enrichment class to children ages three to five implementing letters, handwriting, math and fine motor skills.
Lead TeacherMay 2004 to May 2008 FasTracKids － Alpharetta, GA
Responsible for teaching weekly enrichment classes for children ages three to seven.
Developed and implemented a two-day/week preschool curriculum that incorporated the standard FasTracKids curriculum with other traditional components such as letters, numbers, fine motor skills and public speaking opportunities.
Education SpecialistFeb 2002 to Aug 2003 First Steps Academy at Mount Pisgah － Alpharetta, GA
Handled the development and implementation of early childhood curriculum for infants through Pre-K. Worked hands-on with staff to develop lesson plans and ensure developmentally appropriate practice in the classrooms.
Responsible for the pre-opening and ongoing orientation and training of all teachers.
Worked in conjunction with Executive Director to hire and supervise staff of 24 full-time and 10 part-time staff.
Began the NAEYC self-study process and mentored staff to prepare for NAEYC accreditation.
Center Director/Regional Education SpecialistJan 1999 to Jan 2002 Bright Horizons Family Solutions － Tampa, FL
Managed a large on-site corporate child care center for Moffitt Cancer Center and University of South Florida employees.
Responsible for overseeing and hiring staff, payroll, budgeting, parent communication, tours, enrollment and all aspects of center management.
Supervised and trained 16 full-time and 10 part-time staff. Conducted staff performance reviews and goal setting for staff.
Completed re-accreditation process for NAEYC accreditation.
Collaborated in the planning and implementation of quarterly teacher training for all Bright Horizons local centers in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area.
Director of Child Care ServicesJun 1991 to Jun 1998 YMCA of Martin County － Stuart, FL
Responsible for managing an on-site child care center, an off-site child care center, fitness center child care and school-age after care and summer camp programs.
Worked in conjunction with Executive Director to develop and promote all children's fitness, play and child care programs.
Managed a staff of 25 full-time and 20 part-time staff during the school year and an additional 25 full-time staff during summer months.
Responsible for the initial NAEYC accreditation of off-site child care center as well as orientation and training of all child care staff.
Initiated and promoted the first Rainbows support program for children dealing with grief and loss. Acquired grants and funding for program to be offered for any child in the surrounding community.
Worked in conjunction with local child care advocates to start the local chapter of NAEYC and served as Vice-President for the first initial two years.
Education
Master of Science, Early Childhood EducationWheelock College － Boston, MA
Bachelor of Science, Child Development and Family StudiesWest Virginia University － Morgantown, WV
