Tamar Grigsby
Fresno,CA
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with over 15 years of leadership experience in Early Childhood Education, program management, and staff development. Expertise in implementing high-quality programs that meet federal, state, and licensing standards, ensuring compliance, equity, and inclusion. Proven track record in financial management, grant writing, and fostering collaborative partnerships to achieve organizational goals. Passionate about building strong systems to support children, families, and communities.
Professional with robust background in directing and managing large-scale operations, consistently driving success through strategic planning and execution. Adept at implementing innovative solutions that enhance productivity and operational effectiveness. Known for fostering teamwork and adapting to evolving business needs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Manager
Fresno Unified School District
08.2023 - Current
- Lead the implementation of a district-wide literacy program, promoting student achievement and equitable practices for African American students
- Supervise staff, assess staff performance, and coordinate professional development to enhance service delivery
- Payroll oversight and processing
- Ensure compliance with district regulations while monitoring program data
- Budget oversight and procurement coordination
- Collaborate with administration to align project goals with organizational vision and strategic plans
Education Service Manager
Fresno EOC – Head Start
06.2022 - 07.2023
- Directed operations of the Education Service Area, overseeing over 300 employees and ensuring adherence to performance standards and licensing requirements
- Managed budgets, analyzed program data, and implemented training initiatives for comprehensive school readiness
- Fostered collaborations with stakeholders, including Director’s and community leaders, to advance education policies and inclusion strategies
- Led certification process for QRIS and developed program-wide training for ensuring equitable and high-quality practices for all Head Start children
Director
Blossom Bright Service
06.2020 - 06.2022
- Oversaw all aspects of program operations, including compliance, staff supervision, and curriculum implementation
- Secured and managed grant funding, ensuring fiscal responsibility and timely reporting
- Developed strategic partnerships with parents and community members to enhance program impact
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
Program Facilitator
First 5 Madera County
12.2015 - 06.2020
- Coordinated the IMPACT grant and quality improvement activities for early education providers
- Spearheaded collaborative initiatives with local programs to achieve high-quality accreditations, significantly improving the overall implementation of child development practices across the county
- Partnered with In-Home Care providers to develop and implement county-wide programs aimed at enhancing early childhood care quality and fostering professional development
- Facilitated partnerships with local and state agencies to align efforts and resources, ensuring consistent support and quality standards for all child development initiatives
- Conducted audits and evaluations to assess program performance, utilizing findings to implement improvements that addressed compliance, equity, and inclusivity
- Designed and delivered innovative training sessions for staff and providers, focusing on equitable practices, cultural competency, and best practices in early childhood education
- Organized and allocated resources required to meet the needs of over 1200 students and over 90 instructors.
Assistant Director
KidShip Pediatric Day Health & Preschool
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Directed daily operations for a preschool serving children with special needs, ensuring compliance with all licensing requirements
- Supervised staff performance, conducted evaluations, and developed training plans to support professional growth
- Built relationships with parents and maintained program quality through strategic planning and monitoring
- Monitored program contracts at state and federal levels to ensure consistent compliance and center funding
- Oversaw the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding process for new educators to maintain a high-quality teaching staff.
- Assisted the Director in developing innovative programs to improve students' academic performance and retention rate.
- Implemented data-driven strategies for continuous improvement of instruction and curriculum alignment.
- Increased operational efficiency, reviewing and optimizing departmental workflows.
- Led task force to address and resolve critical operational issues, restoring service levels and customer satisfaction.
- Implemented a comprehensive risk management framework, minimizing potential disruptions to business operations.
Site Supervisor/NAEYC Program Leader
CSUSB
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Successfully led the program through the NAEYC accreditation process in under 12 months, ensuring full compliance with national standards and meeting all program criteria
- Conducted comprehensive audits of program data to assess compliance and identify areas for improvement, implementing data-driven strategies to enhance program practices
- Oversaw and coordinated staff performance, aligning operations with accreditation requirements and best practices in early childhood education
- Designed and facilitated targeted professional development initiatives to strengthen staff capacity and improve educational outcomes
- Maintained compliance with licensing regulations while ensuring a safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children and families
Education
Master of Arts - Organizational Leadership in Early Childhood Ed
Pacific Oaks College
Pasadena, CA12-2024
Bachelor’s Degree - Child Development
California State University
San Bernardino, CA07.2008
Bachelor’s Degree - Child Development
California State University
San Bernardino, CA07.2008
Skills
- Program Administration and Oversight
- Staff Supervision and Professional Development
- Budget Development and Financial Management
- Compliance with State and Federal Regulations
- Strategic Planning and Governance
- Equity and Inclusive Practices
- Data-Driven Decision-Making
- Parent and Community Engagement
- Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution
- Decision-making
- Verbal and written communication
- Relationship building
Certification
- CBEST Certification
- CLASS, ECERS, ASQ, DRDP Assessment Training
Accomplishments
- Managed budgets exceeding $10 million across multiple early childhood education programs, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with program goals.
- Secured and managed federal and state grants to expand and sustain early childhood education initiatives.
- Developed and facilitated the creation of inclusive classroom environments, addressing systemic biases and fostering equitable access to quality education.
- Enhanced support for In-Home Care providers by providing resources and tools to meet quality standards and accreditation requirements.
- Improved service delivery outcomes through strategic training programs, resulting in measurable performance improvements among staff and educators.
Timeline
Project Manager
Fresno Unified School District
08.2023 - Current
Education Service Manager
Fresno EOC – Head Start
06.2022 - 07.2023
Director
Blossom Bright Service
06.2020 - 06.2022
Program Facilitator
First 5 Madera County
12.2015 - 06.2020
Assistant Director
KidShip Pediatric Day Health & Preschool
01.2009 - 01.2012
Site Supervisor/NAEYC Program Leader
CSUSB
01.2007 - 01.2010
- CBEST Certification
- CLASS, ECERS, ASQ, DRDP Assessment Training
Master of Arts - Organizational Leadership in Early Childhood Ed
Pacific Oaks College
Bachelor’s Degree - Child Development
California State University
Bachelor’s Degree - Child Development
California State University
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