8 Years experience as an Early Childhood Educator with the Toronto Catholic District School Board in the Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten program. Passion for teaching and supporting young students in setting up a foundation for life-long learning. Understands the importance of the Catholic faith and values, and ensures all children see themselves as competent and capable learners. Adept in creating a comprehensive and well-rounded inquiry play based curriculum that meets the Ministry of Education's Full-Day Early Learning Program.
Knowledgeable with many educational philosophies, that are aimed at supporting a child academically, emotionally, and socially. Proven to develop positive and respectful, relations with children, families and staff. Organised with exceptional work ethic. Skilled in collaborating in team settings. Bring forth dedication, skills, patience and the desire to positively impact the lives of children.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Designated Early Childhood Educator
Toronto Catholic District School Board
Toronto, ON
05.2014 - Current
Collaborate with classroom Teacher and Early Learning Kindergarten Team in developing and implementing inquiry play-based programming that supports whole child development in accordance with Ministry of Education - Full-Day Early Learning Kindergarten Program (2016) and ELECT document.
Work in partnership with classroom Teacher to ensure developmental and cultural appropriate curriculum is provided that supports and embraces diverse learning styles and approaches for all learners.
Foster a respectful, safe classroom environment that embraces our Catholic Faith and Values, encourages children to see themselves as a integral part of God's Family.
Pivoted onto online learning with classroom Teacher, took lead in creating and designing interactive Virtual Google Classrooms that encompassed all areas of curriculum.
Provide valuable opportunities for children to see themselves as creative problem solvers, capable communicators and critical thinkers, encourage them to reflect on their learning, test theories, share their ideas and findings with others.
Encourage creative expression by providing authentic materials for children to explore and inspire them to find their own interests and creative expression through art, building, music and writing.
Create innovative ways to introduce basic art concepts such as lines, shapes, colour and shading. Building on children's learning by introducing them to famous artists and their work, then emulating their style to gain insight into the artist process.
Document children's thinking by capturing their learning journey through photos, videos, initial ideas, drawings, and transcribing their thoughts and work into individual portfolios and classroom displays.
Work with classroom Teacher to evaluate individual children's progress through daily observations and written assessments, that contribute to writing of Progress Reports and Communication of Learning.
Work cooperatively with support staff (i.e. Speech and Language and Autism Team) during meetings and provide input in ways to support children's development and next steps.
Proven ability to appropriately deal with classroom management, stressful and emergency situations and take appropriate actions based on TCDSB policies and procedures.
Assist children in daily routines, dressing and lunchtime activities while always encouraging children's independence and capabilities.
Consider and give all children the necessary time needed to help with transitions.
Supervise children both indoor and outdoor, provide opportunities for children to form friendships, explore and discover nature and the world around them.
Maintain positive and respectful interactions with staff, families and children.
Greet children and their parents/caregivers on arrival and departure and ensure important information is communicated to families on regular basis
Effectively assist with general classroom upkeep, including organising materials, setting up classroom activities
Attend and participate in staff meetings and professional development activities
Help with organising, coordinating, creating materials and participating with Early Learning Kindergarten Team in school related functions such as:.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Curriculum Night
Welcome to Kindergarten
Kindergarten Intake meetings
Kindergarten Senior Graduation
Christmas Concert, Craft Days, Dances and fundraising events
School Wide Art Walk
Monthly walks to Church and Nature walks
Family Resource Worker
Next Door Family Resources-EarlyON
Toronto, Ontario
09.2013 - 07.2014
Worked as Family Resource Worker - leading Early Learning programs in drop-in centres for families with children from birth to six years old
Facilitated interaction between children and their parents and/or caregiver, supporting involvement of participants in all aspects of program
Planned and implemented monthly program plans in accordance with ELECT framework
Led children in circle time by teaching songs, reading and telling stories
Set up daily activities, crafts and arranged room to promote, stimulate creative play and encouraged social interactions among children
Monitored health and safety of children and made referrals to families as necessary
Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs
Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed
Collaborated with community program leaders and advocates to make resources accessible to those in need
Performed duties in accordance with applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment
Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten - Internship
Toronto District School Board
Toronto, ON
04.2013 - 06.2013
Worked collaboratively with classroom Teacher and DECE to deliver inquiry play-based curriculum in accordance with principles of Ministry of Education's - Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten Program
Created and implemented age appropriate activities which supported the whole child development in regards to their cognitive, physical, emotional, social and language development
Led children in daily learning activities by reading stories, singing songs, planning and preparing crafts and materials, teaching music and rhyme through movement and use of simple musical instruments
Assisted children during all program times and individual work periods
Created and set up drama area, sensory tables, and science/discovery centre on weekly basis, ensuring new props and learning materials were added regularly
Completed and maintained anecdotal reports, observational and developmental checklists by taking detailed notes and reporting back any progression and or concerns regarding child to Teacher
Supervised children during indoor and outdoor activities, and throughout their daily routines
Greeted children and their parents/caregivers on arrival and departure and ensured important information was communicated to families on regular basis
Effectively assisted with general classroom upkeep, including organization of materials, setting up class
Parent and Family Literacy Centre – Internship
Toronto District School Board
Toronto, ON
01.2013 - 03.2013
Worked closely with Senior Program Facilitator to provide play-based learning environment for Toddlers/Preschoolers in accordance with principles in Early Learning Framework
Planned and developed activities to introduce preschool children and their families to essential early numeracy and literacy skills
Led children in daily activities by reading and telling stories, teaching songs, planning and preparing crafts and materials
Encouraged and modeled positive guidance techniques and strategies for parents/caregivers to engage them in their children's learning
Assisted with general classroom upkeep, including organization of materials, setting up classroom activities and displays
Education
Early Childhood Education Diploma - Early Childhood Care And Education
Mothercraft College
Toronto, ON
2012 - 2013
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
OCAD University
Toronto, ON
1990 - 1994
Skills
Experience in Full-Day Early Learning Kindergarten Program
Knowledge of Ministry of Education Kindergarten program
Organizational and Planning Skills
Excellent Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Strong Verbal and Written Communication Skills
Computer Proficiency with PC, Mac, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Google Classroom
Creative Mindset
Collaborative and Team-Oriented
Classroom Management Techniques
Courses
Exploring the New Kindergarten Program and Growing Success,
Building Resilience with Children through Play
Pedagogical Documentation - Making Learning Visible
Self Regulation - 5 Domains of Self Regulation - Dr Stuart Shanker (Self Regulation Institute co -The Mehrit Centre) - Received Certificate
Catholic Education - Nurturing Hope
Getting Started With Coding in K-3
K-3 Early Years Pedagogy in Distance Learning
K-3 Learning Continuum - Engaging Learning Opportunities for the Primary Learner Through an Investigative Lens.
Quote
"All this is a great forest. Inside the forest is the child. The forest is beautiful, fascinating, green, and full of hopes; there are no paths. Although it isn’t easy, we have to make our own paths, as teachers and children and families, in the forest."
Loris Malaguzzi
Timeline
Designated Early Childhood Educator
Toronto Catholic District School Board
05.2014 - Current
Family Resource Worker
Next Door Family Resources-EarlyON
09.2013 - 07.2014
Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten - Internship
Toronto District School Board
04.2013 - 06.2013
Parent and Family Literacy Centre – Internship
Toronto District School Board
01.2013 - 03.2013
Early Childhood Education Diploma - Early Childhood Care And Education
School Secretary-Permanent Full Time at Toronto Catholic District School Board-St. Jerome Catholic SchoolSchool Secretary-Permanent Full Time at Toronto Catholic District School Board-St. Jerome Catholic School