Kelly Zolkowski
Shedden,ON
Summary
Talented Special Education Assistant focused on meeting students academic and emotional needs. Compassionate and caring in delivery of personalized, hands-on support and lessons targeted to specific learning needs and strengths. Leverages strong communication skills and patient nature to provide positive reinforcement in team-based, structured environments.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Education Assistant
Thames Valley District School Board
London
12.2022 - Current
- Assisted with the preparation of lesson materials and activities.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to teachers.
- Supported students in completing assignments independently.
- Facilitated small group instruction sessions for students requiring extra assistance.
- Supervised recess and lunch periods to ensure a safe environment for all students.
- Prepared materials for special needs classes, including visual aids and worksheets.
- Developed educational programs tailored to each student's needs based on IEPs.
- Maintained focused, inclusive and supportive learning environments.
- Customized small group and individual classroom activities based on differentiated learning needs.
Special Education Assistant
Greater Victoria School District
Victoria, BC
10.2011 - 12.2020
- Provided special attention to individuals needing extra academic or behavioral guidance during classes.
- Communicated effectively and delivered positive reinforcement to students, which enabled building of trust and rapport.
- Collaborated with conventional education instructors across multiple departments to optimize student learning.
- Fostered positive and trusting relationships with students to increase engagement.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Delivered specialized classroom instruction to students with developmental disorders.
- Offered students personalized educational, behavioral and emotional support.
- Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Platypus Playcenter
Squamish, BC
07.2014 - 08.2015
- Organized and led activities to promote physical, mental and social development.
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies for experiential learning.
- Controlled classroom environments with clearly outlined rules and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Maintained daily records of individual activities, behaviors, meals and naps.
- Stuck to daily routines to help children feel comfortable and promote development.
- Established indoor and outdoor safe play environments for toddler-age children.
- Openly exchanged ideas and materials with coworkers.
- Collaborated with colleagues on developing new classroom projects and monthly themes.
Behaviour Interventionist
Private
Victoria, BC
10.2012 - 07.2014
- Determined capabilities and function individuals through personal interviews, home visits and assessments.
- Implemented behavioral plans designed by IEP teams for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions to help meet special education students needs.
- Maintained focused, inclusive and supportive learning environments.
- Collaborated with outside agencies providing services for students and families to deliver cohesive support.
- Planned daily outings and scheduled activities facilitating inclusion in the community
- Helped clients work on life skills, communication skills and social skills
Education Assistant
School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain)
Invermere, BC
10.2010 - 09.2011
- Maintained focused, inclusive and supportive learning environments.
- Helped students master learning concepts through one-on-one and small group tutoring.
- Worked one-on-one with special needs students to help navigate through school challenges.
- Assisted children at stations during small-group learning periods.
- Directed pedestrians across busy street, remaining attentive to traffic and light changes.
- Assisted with implementation of student's individualized IEP at discretion and direction of teachers and administrators.
Education
Early Childhood Education
Fanshawe College of Applied Arts And Technology
London, ON06-2024
Child Youth And Family Studies
College of The Rockies
Cranbrook, BC06-2011
Education Assistant
College of The Rockies
Cranbrook, BC06.2010
Fashion Merchandising
BehaviourFanshawe College of Applied Arts And Technology
London, ON06.2002
Skills
- Individual Instruction
- Educational Support
- Early Childhood Education
- IEP familiarity
- Classroom support
- One-on-one and small group instruction
- Creativity and Innovation
- Social Integration
- IEP Goals
- Behavioral Plan Management
- Good Work Ethic
- Friendly, Positive Attitude
- Reliable & Trustworthy
- Special needs education
Timeline
Education Assistant
Thames Valley District School Board
12.2022 - Current
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Platypus Playcenter
07.2014 - 08.2015
Behaviour Interventionist
Private
10.2012 - 07.2014
Special Education Assistant
Greater Victoria School District
10.2011 - 12.2020
Education Assistant
School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain)
10.2010 - 09.2011
Early Childhood Education
Fanshawe College of Applied Arts And Technology
Child Youth And Family Studies
College of The Rockies
Education Assistant
College of The Rockies
Fashion Merchandising
BehaviourFanshawe College of Applied Arts And Technology
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