Martina Sikora
Early Childhood Education
Worthington,OH
Summary
Dedicated Early Childhood Education professional with over 30 years of experience and a Bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University, offering expert consulting services to child care programs. Proven track record in guiding centers through licensing processes, achieving Step Up to Quality ratings, and enhancing program quality through comprehensive hands-on support and staff development. Passionate about fostering environments that promote children's growth and learning while empowering educators to excel in their roles. Committed to driving continuous improvement in early childhood education settings.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Licensing, Professional Development and Step up to Quality Coordinator
Sprout Early Education Centers
06.2022 - Current
- Ensures compliance with ODJFS licensing requirements and maintains accurate records for inspections at two different centers.
- Serves as lead/resource/point of contact for all Licensing and SUTQ
- Completed and submitted documentation to go from a one-star to a three-star SUTQ center
- Assists with the ongoing compliance with SUTQ and Licensing
- Responsible for collection of all paperwork related to SUTQ
- Assists with the SUTQ renewal process each year
- Trained staff on quality control procedures and best practices for improved performance.
- Developed quality assurance protocols to enhance product consistency and reliability.
CDA PD Specialist
Council for Professional Recognition
09.2019 - Current
- Setting Specialization: Infant/Toddler and Preschool
- Responsible for completing the CDA Verification Visit with the candidate
- Review the candidate's documentation, observe the candidate working with children, and conduct a reflective dialogue with the candidate
SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Arlington Children's Center
01.2009 - 01.2019
- Oversaw daily operations of the childcare center including scheduling, staffing, budgeting, and compliance with ODJFS licensing regulations and maintained accurate records for inspections
- Developed and implemented comprehensive curriculum for children ages 6 months to 5 years, incorporating age-appropriate activities and educational materials
- Managed a team of 20 childcare providers, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure high-quality care for all children
- Established strong relationships with parents through regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, and open-door policy
- Led staff meetings to discuss program updates, address concerns or challenges, and foster a positive team environment
- Conducted regular evaluations of staff performance to identify areas for improvement and provide ongoing professional development opportunities
- Developed marketing strategies to attract new families through online platforms such as social media channels or website optimization
- Conducted regular safety drills including fire drills, lockdown procedures, and evacuation plans to ensure preparedness in emergency situations
- Managed financial aspects of the childcare center including budget creation/monitoring expenses and payroll
- Designed a website for the center
- Publicly Funded Childcare-Kept the Tap System up to date submitted hours weekly
- Gathered and submitted documentation to go from a one-star to a three-star SUTQ award rated center
Management Assistant/Lead Preschool Teacher
The Goddard School
06.2000 - 03.2008
- Responsible for opening the center
- Verified student-teacher ratios while adhering to ODJFS guidelines
- Arranged for various visitors to visit the school
- Assessed the supplies needed for the school while keeping within budget
- Taught two, three and four year old children
- Correlated paperwork for new students such as enrollment forms, medical forms and child release forms
- Conducted tours for potential new students
Education
BS - Early Childhood Education
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
Columbus, OHSkills
- Child Care Licensing and Compliance
- Step up To Quality Implementation
- Program Development and Quality Improvement
- Staff Training and Professional Development
Certification
Current in First Aid, CPR, Child Abuse and Communicable Disease Recognition
Timeline
Licensing, Professional Development and Step up to Quality Coordinator
Sprout Early Education Centers
06.2022 - Current
CDA PD Specialist
Council for Professional Recognition
09.2019 - Current
SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Arlington Children's Center
01.2009 - 01.2019
Management Assistant/Lead Preschool Teacher
The Goddard School
06.2000 - 03.2008
BS - Early Childhood Education
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY