Melissa Tait
Educational Assistant
Alvinston,ON
Summary
Dynamic Education Assistant with a proven track record at LKDSB, specializing in implementing individualized support and behavior plans structured by Applied Behavior Analysis Specialist . Expert in implementing positive reinforcement strategies, enhancing student engagement, and fostering inclusive learning environments. Adept at collaborating with teachers and utilizing data-driven assessments to drive academic success and empower students to achieve their goals.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Education Assistant
LKDSB
01.2020 - Current
- Provided individualized support for students, addressing their unique academic needs and helping them reach their full potential.
- Maintained inclusive learning environment to enable students to gain maximum benefit from lessons.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Improved classroom management by implementing positive reinforcement strategies and clear expectations.
- Tracked student progress using data-driven assessments, allowing for targeted interventions when necessary.
- Served as a mentor for new education assistants, providing guidance on best practices and sharing valuable resources to enhance effectiveness in the role.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and hands-on activities into lessons.
- Managed special education accommodations for students with disabilities, ensuring equal access to educational opportunities for all learners.
- Prepared instructional materials, including visual aids and handouts, to support the delivery of lessons across various subjects.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Reported on student progress, behavior, and social skills to ABA and special education staff.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve student engagement.
- Enforced rules and instructions to maintain discipline.
- Supported teachers in maintaining a safe learning environment by monitoring student behavior during class transitions and extracurricular activities.
- Engaged students in learning through effective classroom management techniques that promoted active participation and collaboration.
- 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.
- Facilitated smooth transitions for students between different school settings by coordinating services and collaborating with relevant professionals.
- Provided ongoing progress monitoring and data collection to evaluate student performance and inform instructional adjustments.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by creating visual supports, sensory accommodations, and structured routines.
- Increased student independence through the implementation of functional life skills instruction and vocational training programs.
- Empowered students to advocate for their own needs by teaching self-advocacy skills within an inclusive curriculum framework.
- Collaborated with teachers and other support staff in developing inclusive classroom environments.
- Improved student behavior by implementing positive reinforcement techniques and behavior management plans.
- Developed tailor-fit lesson plans to cater to individual needs of each student.
DSW Worker
LCDS
04.2007 - 04.2012
- Developed strong rapport with clients through active listening skills and empathetic communication techniques.
- Transported and accompanied clients to therapy and doctor appointments.
- Dispensed necessary medication to improve client health condition.
- Implemented behavioral management strategies for clients experiencing difficulty with emotional regulation or interpersonal interactions.
- Improved quality of life for clients through compassionate care and assistance with daily tasks.
- Encouraged healthy lifestyle choices through guidance on nutrition and participation in physical activities together with clients.
- Developed strong relationships with clients'' families, providing regular updates on progress and wellbeing.
- Promoted social integration by organizing group activities and outings within the community.
- Assisted clients in developing and setting realistic goals to promote positive change.
- Participated in professional development and training opportunities to enhance clinical skills.
- Conducted home visits to assess clients' home environment and provide support.
Greenhouse Manager
Self-employeed
01.2014 - 07.2020
- Enhanced plant growth by implementing effective greenhouse management strategies and techniques.
- Managed greenhouse budgets, reducing costs while maintaining high-quality standards for plants and products.
- Established strong relationships with suppliers to negotiate contracts for materials and equipment at competitive prices.
- Ensured optimal growing conditions by maintaining proper temperature, humidity, light levels, and irrigation schedules.
- Reduced pest infestations through regular inspection and implementation of integrated pest management practices.
- Monitored watering times, soil conditions and plant positions and made informed adjustments in response to weather conditions.
- Oversaw growth, planting and maintenance of retail nursery and display gardens.
- Worked directly with customers as salesperson.
- Used skills to grow new plants from seeds, clippings, bulbs and clone-cubes.
Hardware Sales Associate
Home Building Centre
04.2012 - 01.2014
- Utilized expert knowledge of hardware products to educate both customers and fellow associates on product offerings.
- Assisted customers in selecting the appropriate hardware products for their specific needs, resulting in higher customer satisfaction.
- Maintained a clean and organized store environment at all times, promoting a positive shopping experience for customers.
- Contributed to inventory management by accurately tracking stock levels and placing orders when needed, minimizing out-of-stock occurrences.
- Resolved any customer issues or complaints with diplomacy and professionalism, preserving the store''s reputation for excellent service.
- Boosted sales by creating eye-catching displays that showcased popular and seasonal hardware items effectively.
- Improved store organization with strategic merchandise placement, making it easier for customers to find desired items.
- Handled returns and exchanges professionally, maintaining customer loyalty while adhering to store policies.
- Conducted regular price checks for accuracy, ensuring competitive pricing within the market area while maintaining profitability margins for the store.
Education
Developmental Service Worker
St Clair College
Chatham, ONDevelopmental Service Worker
Loyalist College of Applied Arts And Technology
Belleville, NoneEarly Childhood Education
Lambton College
Sarnia, None05-2000
Skills
- Teacher assistance
- Classroom support
- Teacher support
- Positive reinforcement
- Behavior modeling
- Setting up sensory room activities
- Supervising student activities
- Teacher support and collaboration
- Behavior modification
- Educational support
- Behavior management
Languages
English
Full Professional
Certification
- Early Childhood Education Credential (ECE) - Department of Education or equivalent accrediting body.
- BMST Trained
Timeline
Education Assistant
LKDSB
01.2020 - Current
Greenhouse Manager
Self-employeed
01.2014 - 07.2020
Hardware Sales Associate
Home Building Centre
04.2012 - 01.2014
DSW Worker
LCDS
04.2007 - 04.2012
Developmental Service Worker
St Clair College
Developmental Service Worker
Loyalist College of Applied Arts And Technology
Early Childhood Education
Lambton College