Karla Palafox
Huntington Park
Summary
Passionate and dedicated Educator experienced in working closely with children, planning and implementing activities. Strongly promoting safety measures and positive environments. Considered dependable, organized, driven, and adaptable. Eager to create and implement successful strategies to improve overall efficiency.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Resource Specialist Program Assistant/English Translator
LAUSD
09.2023 - Current
- Provided specialized and differentiated instruction for students with special needs in small group setting, grades K-6th.
- Worked collaboratively with teachers, parents, and other service providers to create Individualized Education Plans for all students in department.
- Facilitated meetings when needed and provided translation for parents.
- Planned and scheduled for one-on-one or small group instruction for over 30 students.
- Assisted with assessments for all students in department to measure progress and maintained records.
- Consistently created a positive and supportive environment for students to thrive and managed challenging behaviors when necessary.
Special Education Assistant
LAUSD
10.2019 - 06.2023
- Managed crisis situations calmly, maintaining safety protocols while supporting the emotional well-being of affected students during challenging moments within the school day.
- Built trust and rapport with students through positive reinforcement and strong communication skills.
- Assisted students in achieving academic goals by providing one-on-one support and small group instruction.
- Enhanced student learning by adapting instructional strategies to individual needs.
- Assisted teacher with creating and implementing individualized lesson plans for each student to maximize learning and development.
Teacher Assistant
LAUSD
04.2013 - 10.2019
- Arranged and led activities for students, including small group reading, one-on-one assistance, and tutoring students below grade level.
- Supervised students during lunch breaks, recess, field trips, and other school-related events, maintaining a positive atmosphere conducive to learning.
- Assisted teachers with lesson planning, curriculum implementation, and teaching.
- Assist with work outside of classroom when necessary, including office work and translation for parent meetings.
- Assisted lead teacher in managing classroom behavior, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
Day Camp Coordinator (Summers)
YMCA
06.2017 - 08.2018
- Planned and delivered daily schedules of activities for campers to Counselors.
- Identified and solved any problems for campers, staff, and parents.
- Communicated with parents about campers on a daily basis through phone calls and meetings.
- Completed emergency and safety checklists daily ensuring safety for campers and staff in all areas.
- Kept inventory of all supplies and equipment.
- Set up activities and areas for each group before every rotation.
- Ensured that all sites and activities were left in a timely manner.
- Oversaw and supported staff including relieving for breaks, assisting with behavior, and covering groups when short-staffed.
- Planned and coordinated trips and events for campers with Camp Director.
Lead Camp Counselor (Summers)
YMCA
06.2013 - 08.2016
- Lead a variety of small and large group activities daily including arts, dance, swimming, sports, and exercise training.
- Communicated with parents daily about campers' day and experience.
- Ensured a safe environment for all campers by enforcing rules, keeping site clean, and being prepared for all emergency procedures.
- Maintained constant supervision of all campers at all times, keeping headcounts and following safety protocols.
- Maintained accurate records including daily attendance and incident reports.
- Assisted other counselors with activities and campers when short-staffed or necessary.
Summer Camp Counselor (Summer Volunteer)
YMCA Camp Round Meadow
06.2012 - 06.2012
- Participated in pre-camp training and planning process
- Responsible groups of campers ages 11-15.
- Led groups safely through variety of camp activities.
- Supervised campers during cabin activities, special events, overnights, free time and meals.
- Served as a positive role model for all campers and peers.
- Planned and participated in all camp activities.
- Provided one-on-one counseling for campers when needed.
- Executed all emergency procedures for safety of campers.
- Assisted program directors and staff as needed.
Day Camp Activity Leader (Summer Volunteer)
YMCA
06.2010 - 08.2011
- Led group dance lessons, aerobics, and boot camp for 30 children ages 5 through 12.
- Supervised campers during lunch and break times.
- Planned and participated in all camp activities.
- Facilitated art activities.
Education
High School Diploma -
Maywood High School
2012
Child Development
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CACertificate of Achievement - Curriculum in Child Development Core
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA05-2024
Skills
- Bilingual in Spanish
- Conflict resolution
- Time management skills
- Excellent with kids
- Safety measures
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
- Problem-solving abilities
- Activity planning and Scheduling
Timeline
Resource Specialist Program Assistant/English Translator
LAUSD
09.2023 - Current
Special Education Assistant
LAUSD
10.2019 - 06.2023
Day Camp Coordinator (Summers)
YMCA
06.2017 - 08.2018
Lead Camp Counselor (Summers)
YMCA
06.2013 - 08.2016
Teacher Assistant
LAUSD
04.2013 - 10.2019
Summer Camp Counselor (Summer Volunteer)
YMCA Camp Round Meadow
06.2012 - 06.2012
Day Camp Activity Leader (Summer Volunteer)
YMCA
06.2010 - 08.2011
High School Diploma -
Maywood High School
Child Development
Cerritos College
Certificate of Achievement - Curriculum in Child Development Core
Cerritos College
Similar Profiles
Enrique VargasEnrique Vargas
Substitute Teacher, K-12 at LAUSDSubstitute Teacher, K-12 at LAUSD
JOE CERVANTESJOE CERVANTES
ELECTRICIAN at LAUSDELECTRICIAN at LAUSD
Emily ValenzuelaEmily Valenzuela
Behavior Interventionist at LAUSDBehavior Interventionist at LAUSD