Melina Gomes Da Cruz

• Designed and implemented play-based, developmentally appropriate programming aligned with the principles of How Does Learning Happen, and transferable to FLIGHT's holistic goals of well-being, expression, belonging, and engagement.
• Communicated regularly with families to share children's learning journeys, and co-construct goals.
• Collaborated with specialists and external agencies to support inclusive programming for children with complex needs.
• Created individualized learning plans based on careful observation and reflective practice, guided by children's interests and strengths.

• Maintained a clean, organized, and safe learning environment, supporting children's exploration and independence.
• Engaged children through responsive, creative teaching strategies focused on building secure, nurturing relationships.
• Supported smooth transitions and routines to build a sense of predictability and trust.

• Supervised and guided children in their physical, social, mental, emotional, and linguistic development.
• Assisted each child in their individual needs such as toileting and feeding.
• Prepared play areas and program materials using an emergent approach.
• Organized and implemented science activities and experiments.
• Planned and implemented programs using the ‘How Does Learning Happen” curriculum and the ELECT document as a framework.
• Provided learning opportunities and physically challenging activities outdoors that allowed children time to explore and learn in their broader community and nature.
• Planned and implemented individualized support as needed.
• Included children’s cultural background in the program through activities, storytelling, and art.
• Documented, observed and wrote reports on each child’s development and maintained a direct communication channel with parents/caregivers.
• Answered calls from board members, parents, and prospective parents.
• Updated the children’s absence calendar, medication files, contact information, and any other relevant information.
• Filled out children’s registration forms and other forms as needed.
• Helped organize fundraising events to raise money to the centre (art show).

• Assisted in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for children.
• Prepared and organized activities that prompted each child's cognitive, emotional, social and physical development.
• Observed children to adapt the curriculum to each child’s interest.
• Fostered children’s independence and creativity.
• Assisted with routines and transitions.
• Worked together with the team of educators to better assist children with special needs.
• Read stories to children and taught painting, drawing and crafts.
• Incorporated music and art activities to encourage creativity and expression.

• Supported and maintained a high-quality environment that protects the health, security, and well-being of children
• Helped plan and organize activities for children in the program that embraces How Does Learning Happen Ontario’s Pedagogy.
• Worked in partnership with educators to maintain cleanliness and organization of classroom materials.
• Assisted in routines and transitions.
• Created and implemented art, science, and a variety of activities.

• Educated undergraduate students on laboratory protocols and activities.
• Identified and resolved data issues to drive accuracy and integrity.
• Supported department faculty with administrative assistance, as well as curriculum and research support.
• Supported principal investigators during research into Microbiology.
• Gathered, reviewed and summarized literature from scientific journals.
• Prepared tables, graphs, fact sheets and written reports summarizing research results.
• Designed research and experimental studies, executing research techniques, tests and assays.
• Oversaw students in group settings and offered academic guidance.
• Executed qualitative and quantitative analysis on wide range of data.
• Analyzed data to assist professors with various projects.

• Implemented lesson plans for students with varying learning styles.
• Communicated regularly with parents, teachers and administrators regarding student progress and needs.
• Protected confidential information related to staff and families.
• Observed student performance and analyzed individual records to assess progress.
• Interacted positively with children to encourage development and involvement in activities, treating each child with dignity and respect.
• Created calm and disciplined classroom environment to improve student focus.
• Arranged age-appropriate activities to help children develop interests and talents.
• Participated in parent-teacher conferences to discuss children's development and progress.
• Assisted teacher with enrichment activities, correcting papers or supervising classroom to foster positive learning environment
• Created lesson plans and chose supporting materials to promote positive learning experiences.
• Conquered challenges of working with highly diverse student population to attain exceptional student achievement.