Shandi Higgins
Pickering,ON
Summary
Dynamic and empathetic Registered Early Childhood Educator with a proven track record at YMCA GTA Glengrove, enhancing children's cognitive and emotional development through play-based learning and individualized support. Excelled in creating inclusive, nurturing environments, boosting self-esteem, and fostering strong parent-teacher communication. Skilled in lesson plan creation and classroom organization, and learning outcomes.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Early Childhood Educator
YMCA GTA Glengrove
11.2024 - Current
- Developed strong relationships with families through open communication channels.
- Tracked and reported on children's growth and achievements.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
- Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
- Helped new preschool children get used to classes by giving one-on-one support.
- Ensured a safe and hygienic environment by regularly cleaning, organizing, and sanitizing classrooms and play areas.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans tailored to foster creativity and exploration.
- Applied a range of teaching techniques to support individual learning preferences.
- Evaluated student progress through ongoing assessments, providing regular feedback to parents regarding their child''s developmental milestones.
- Implemented culturally responsive teaching practices that celebrated diversity within the classroom community while encouraging inclusion among peers from various backgrounds.
- Fostered social skills and emotional growth in children through daily group activities and individualized attention.
- Supported children in developing self-regulation skills using positive reinforcement, modeling, and age-appropriate redirection techniques.
- Maintained and fostered positive and constructive interactions with staff, families, and children.
- Enhanced children''s cognitive development by implementing play-based learning activities.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
- Increased student satisfaction by frequently communicating with students about needs and adapting lessons to interests and classroom progress.
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
YMCA GTA Glengrove
11.2021 - Current
- Supported early language development through storytelling, reading books, and engaging children in interactive conversations.
- Managed daily routines efficiently, ensuring smooth transitions between different activities throughout the day without any loss of instructional time.
- Created a nurturing and safe environment for children to grow emotionally, socially, and academically.
- Enhanced children''s learning experiences by incorporating engaging play activities and age-appropriate educational materials.
- Established strong relationships with families through open communication channels and participation in school events.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within early childhood education.
- Improved student behavior by promoting positive reinforcement strategies and clear communication of expectations.
- Communicated with parents to inform about child's progress and classroom behavior.
- Supervised children during in-classroom activities and on playground.
- Maintained classrooms by disinfecting and sterilizing surfaces and toys.
Bookkeeper
Durham Custom Sheet Metal
06.2012 - Current
- Maintained and processed invoices.
- Managed accounts payable and receivable activities, maintaining vendor relationships.
- Prepared monthly bank reconciliations to ensure accurate representation of company''s financial position.
- Supported year-end closing procedures by preparing adjusting journal entries as needed.
- Established QuickBooks accounting system to reflect accurate financial records.
- Communicated proactively with team members regarding any issues or concerns related to bookkeeping tasks.
- Generated invoices upon receipt of billing information and tracked collection progress.
- Monitored incoming payments from clients, ensuring prompt application of funds against outstanding invoices.
FDK Lunchroom Supervisor
Durham District School Board
09.2016 - 11.2022
- Oversaw the daily operations of the FDK Lunchroom.
- Implemented lunchroom policies and procedures to ensure student health and safety.
- Coordinated and oversaw student lunch periods to maintain smooth service and cultivate a positive social setting.
- Maintained cleanliness and safety standards in all lunchroom areas.
- Promoted a positive atmosphere among students during lunch periods through active engagement and interaction.
- Monitored student behavior and implemented corrective actions.
- Circulated among tables to assist young students opening lunch items.
- Monitored students during lunchtime and provided verbal cues to students to manage behavior.
Retail Sales Associate
Dollarama
06.2006 - 06.2011
- Greeted customers and helped with product questions, selections, and purchases.
- Maintained a clean and organized store environment, enhancing the overall shopping experience for customers.
- Helped customers complete purchases and locate items.
- Assisted in managing inventory levels, accurately processing shipments, and restocking merchandise as needed.
- Developed strong relationships with repeat clients, leading to increased loyalty and return visits.
- Handled returns and exchanges professionally.
- Processed cash transactions and operated cash registers accurately.
- Maintained compliance with store policies and safety standards, contributing to a safe and orderly retail space.
- Prioritized helping customers over completing other routine tasks in store.
Education
Diploma - Early Childhood Education
Durham College
Oshawa, None10-2024
High School Diploma -
Confederation Secondary School
Val Caron, ON06-2008
Skills
- Parent-teacher communication
- Classroom organization
- Child-centered approach
- Positive reinforcement
- Observation and documentation
- Age-appropriate activities
- Individualized support
- Relationship building
- Clear communication
- Active listening
- Play-based learning
- Safety and supervision
- Collaborative and Team-oriented
- Caring and empathetic demeanor
Languages
English
Full Professional
French
Limited Working
Certification
- Diploma in Early Childhood Education - Accredited Colleges and Universities.
Timeline
Registered Early Childhood Educator
YMCA GTA Glengrove
11.2024 - Current
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
YMCA GTA Glengrove
11.2021 - Current
FDK Lunchroom Supervisor
Durham District School Board
09.2016 - 11.2022
Bookkeeper
Durham Custom Sheet Metal
06.2012 - Current
Retail Sales Associate
Dollarama
06.2006 - 06.2011
- Diploma in Early Childhood Education - Accredited Colleges and Universities.
Diploma - Early Childhood Education
Durham College
High School Diploma -
Confederation Secondary School
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