Marla Simpson
Summary
Professional Early Childhood Educator with a strong background at Durham District School Board, adept in play-based learning and classroom management. Successfully developed customized strategies for children with special needs, fostering social skills and self-regulation. Known for cultivating inclusive environments and maintaining safety, while building positive relationships with families and staff.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Designated Early Childhood Educator
Durham District School Board
09.2024 - Current
- Fostered safe and nurturing classroom environment, allowing children with various abilities to explore and learn confidently.
- Cultivated a safe and inclusive classroom environment that fostered respect, empathy, and cultural awareness among students.
- Implemented developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum for children, creating positive, and safe classroom environments.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities across the four frames.
- Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students.
- Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
- Maintained and fostered positive and constructive interactions with staff, families, and children.
- Communicated with parents and other staff about student progress.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
- Established ongoing professional development goals, participating in workshops and conferences to stay current on emerging trends in early childhood education.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share teaching strategies and resources, improving overall teaching quality.
- Assisted in planning kindergarten school events, such as, Great Beginnings.
Early Childhood Educator
Durham District School Board
09.2020 - 06.2024
- Supported children with special needs, creating customized learning strategies to accommodate various abilities.
- Maintained and fostered positive and constructive interactions with staff, families, and children.
- Boosted children's social skills development through group projects and collaborative games in a virtual learning environment.
- Communicated with parents and other staff about student progress.
- Fostered creativity in the classroom through art projects, dramatic play, storytelling exercises, and other imaginative pursuits.
- Planned and Co-created learning opportunities for students in a unique learning environment.
- Cultivated a safe and inclusive classroom environment that fostered respect, empathy, and cultural awareness among students.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Planned and facilitated the Great Beginnings event for new students and families.
- Facilitated small group guided reading sessions.
- Provided emotional support and guidance to children, fostering sense of security and belonging.
- Facilitated small group activities to encourage collaboration and social skills among children.
- Encouraged use of technology to support student learning.
Early Childhood Educator
Durham District School Board
09.2013 - 06.2020
Early Childhood Educator
Sunshine Childcare Centre
09.2011 - 08.2013
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Griffith University
Queensland, Australia07-2011
Diploma - Early Childhood Education
Centennial College
Scarborough, ON05-2010
Skills
- Play-based learning
- Problem-solving
- Classroom management
- Documenting student learning
- Maintaining safety
- Self-Regulation techniques
- Child development knowledge
- Lesson differentiation
- Caring and empathetic demeanor
- Strong work ethic and dependable
- Communicating with parents and teachers
- Organizational and planning skills
Timeline
Designated Early Childhood Educator
Durham District School Board
09.2024 - Current
Early Childhood Educator
Durham District School Board
09.2020 - 06.2024
Early Childhood Educator
Durham District School Board
09.2013 - 06.2020
Early Childhood Educator
Sunshine Childcare Centre
09.2011 - 08.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Griffith University
Diploma - Early Childhood Education
Centennial College
Similar Profiles
Mikayla VazMikayla Vaz
Grade 7/8 LTO - Language, History & Geography at Durham District School BoardGrade 7/8 LTO - Language, History & Geography at Durham District School Board
Keanya BrownKeanya Brown
Bus Monitor at Durham District School BoardBus Monitor at Durham District School Board
Lesley TheriaultLesley Theriault
Occasional Teacher at Durham District School BoardOccasional Teacher at Durham District School Board
Thomas RussellThomas Russell
Floor Technician at Durham District School BoardFloor Technician at Durham District School Board
Krishna AmirthalingamKrishna Amirthalingam
Designated Early Childhood Educator at Toronto District School BoardDesignated Early Childhood Educator at Toronto District School Board