Selena Spyropoulos
East York,ON
Summary
Dedicated Childcare Educator with a proven track record at The Scott Mission Daycare, adept in fostering children's social and cognitive development through creative lesson planning and patience. Excelled in maintaining a safe learning environment, enhancing family communication, and applying behavior management techniques. Skilled in CPR and First Aid, demonstrating a commitment to child safety and wellbeing.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Childcare Educator
The Scott Mission Daycare
1550 OConnor Dr
11.2014 - Current
- Ensured the health and safety of children by consistently monitoring their activities both indoors and outdoors.
- Implemented hands-on learning opportunities that encouraged exploration, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills among children.
- Developed strong relationships with families, maintaining open communication channels for optimal support of each child''s growth and wellbeing.
- Maintained safety and cleanliness by sterilizing toys and surfaces.
- Established a safe, secure, and inclusive classroom setting where all children felt welcomed and valued.
- Supported the emotional well-being of each child by providing compassionate care during moments of distress or anxiety.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Maintained and fostered positive and constructive interactions with staff, families, and children.
- Communicated with children's guardians about daily activities, behaviors and related issues.
- Enhanced children''s cognitive and social development by implementing age-appropriate activities and games.
- Continuously updated knowledge on best practices through professional development workshops and training sessions for consistent improvement in teaching methodologies.
- Implemented developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum for children, creating positive, and safe classroom environments.
- Contributed to the development of age-appropriate curriculum materials that aligned with state standards for early childhood education programs.
- Actively encouraged children to develop their communication, problem-solving and social skills.
- Instructed children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toileting.
- Intervened in disruptive behavior, using positive reinforcement strategies to redirect and calm children.
- Gathered materials and resources to prepare for lessons and activities.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
- Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
Lunch Room Supervisor
Toronto District School Board
Selwyn Elem. & Gordon A. Brown Middle Schools
09.2014 - 03.2019
- Ensured the health and safety of children by consistently monitoring their activities both indoors and outdoors.
- Established a safe, secure, and inclusive lunchroom setting where all children felt welcomed and valued
- Maintained positive and constructive interactions with staff, families, and children.
- Improved student lunchroom behavior by implementing clear rules and expectations.
- Promoted a positive atmosphere among students during lunch periods through active engagement and interaction.
- Circulated among tables to assist young students and special needs children with opening milk containers and lunch items.
- Established safe atmosphere for students to eat, socialize and relax prior to afternoon classes.
Childcare Assistant Teacher
Cabbagetown Youth Centre
07.1997 - 08.2002
- Assisted lead teacher with snack time, arts and crafts, and circle time
- Contributed to a safe and nurturing environment by closely monitoring children during indoor and outdoor playtime sessions.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Fostered a sense of community within the childcare center through ongoing team-building exercises among staff members.
- Organized special events such as field trips and holiday celebrations, creating memorable experiences for both students and families alike.
- Maintained tidy environment to comply with cleanliness and sanitation standards.
- Taught hand washing and proper use of utensils to promote good hygiene and etiquette habits.
- Gathered materials and resources to prepare for lessons and activities.
- Intervened in disruptive behavior, using positive reinforcement strategies to redirect and calm children.
- Assisted in preparation of meals and snacks to provide children with proper nutrition.
- Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
- Planned and executed activities (i.e. splashpad, sports, playground daily) to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
- Helped new children get used to classes by giving one-on-one support (ages 2-5yrs)
Special Needs Assistant
Toronto District School Board/ West Toronto CI
09.1997 - 01.2006
- Developed strong rapport with students through empathy, patience, and understanding of their unique challenges and strengths.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Enhanced student learning by implementing individualized education plans tailored to each student's needs.
- Supported the integration of diverse learners into mainstream classrooms by facilitating accommodations and modifications as needed.
- Promoted effective communication between students with special needs, their peers, and educators through active listening and clear expression of ideas.
- Maintained a safe and inclusive classroom environment, fostering positive relationships among all students.
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to develop strategies for improving students'' academic performance and social skills.
- Provided behavioral support for students with special needs, implementing effective behavior management techniques to maintain an orderly classroom environment.
- Participated in professional development workshops focused on special education best practices, ensuring up-to-date knowledge of teaching methodologies and resources.
- Increased self-confidence among students with special needs by recognizing their achievements and providing positive reinforcement.
- Assisted students with special needs in achieving their educational goals by providing one-on-one support and guidance.
- Participated in team meetings to review student progress, strategize interventions, and coordinate services across multiple disciplines.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Established professional relationships with parents and other teachers to increase rapport and support.
- Responded to emergency situations to resolve immediate safety concerns or direct appropriate personnel for resolution.
- Assisted with communication methods to keep parents informed about child's development and behavioral issues.
- Created positive and inclusive classroom environment by helping students develop social skills and relationships.
- Collaberated with teachers and other district personnel to assist in evaluating progress and implementing IEP objectives.
Education
Gr 12 -
Mowat CI
West Hill, Ont1989
Skills
- Patience and Empathy
- Positive Reinforcement
- Verbal and written communication
- Creative lesson planning
- CPR and First Aid
- Training in food handling preparation
- Efficient under pressure
- Parent Communication
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Behavior management techniques
- Adept at working with special needs children
- Able to implement circle and devotion time for children
- Infant, toddler, and preschool curricula
Languages
English
Additional Information
Attended professional development seminars related to:
Autism
ADHD
Dyslexia
Social Emotional Behavioural issues
Christian worship for preschool age
Outdoor exploration for preschool
Timeline
Childcare Educator
The Scott Mission Daycare
11.2014 - Current
Lunch Room Supervisor
Toronto District School Board
09.2014 - 03.2019
Special Needs Assistant
Toronto District School Board/ West Toronto CI
09.1997 - 01.2006
Childcare Assistant Teacher
Cabbagetown Youth Centre
07.1997 - 08.2002
Gr 12 -
Mowat CI