Allie Edens
Black Mountain,NC
Summary
Early Childhood Program Director skilled in developing and overseeing nature-based curricula while ensuring adherence to licensing regulations. Proficient in staff training, enrollment management, and operational efficiency. Dedicated to fostering strong community relationships and promoting children's overall development in a supportive learning environment.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
Mountain Laurel Playschool
Black Mountain, NC
08.2022 - Current
- Founded and directed a nature-based early childhood program serving infants through preschool.
- Successfully launched Mountain Laurel Playschool and guided the program through the state licensing process.
- Developed a nature-based early childhood program emphasizing outdoor learning and exploration.
- Guide play-based and outdoor curriculum supporting social-emotional and cognitive development.
- Hire, train, schedule, and supervise teaching staff while cultivating a collaborative team culture.
- Oversee enrollment, budgeting, tuition management, and daily operational systems.
- Lead licensing process and maintain compliance with North Carolina DCDEE childcare regulations.
- Developed school policies and safety procedures to ensure compliance and enhance operational efficiency.
- Oversaw daily operations and managed playschool staff to maintain high-quality educational standards.
- Built strong parent partnerships through consistent communication and community engagement.
Director / Teacher
Mountain Laurel Montessori
Swannanoa, NC
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Developed curriculum that integrated Montessori principles, fostering a hands-on learning environment.
- Cultivated partnerships with families, enhancing student growth and engagement.
- Oversaw daily classroom operations and guided assistant teachers to maintain a supportive learning atmosphere.
- Implemented engaging lessons encouraging curiosity, independence, and exploration.
- Developed and implemented school policies, procedures, and goals to ensure a safe learning environment.
- Facilitated the development of effective curriculum plans that meet the needs of individual students.
Teacher
Montessori Learning Center
Asheville, NC
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Implemented Montessori materials to enhance experiential learning opportunities.
- Facilitated hands-on learning activities in a prepared environment.
- Partnered with teaching staff to tailor individualized learning goals for each student.
- Engaged families in discussions about classroom progress and student development.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff.
- Oversaw student activities throughout day, ensuring safety and engagement in classroom and during breaks.
Administrative Assistant
Trails Carolina
Brevard, NC
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Coordinated administrative tasks for outdoor therapeutic programs, facilitating smooth execution of activities.
- Collaborated with staff to streamline office processes and improve efficiency.
- Maintained inventory of office supplies, ensuring availability for daily operations.
- Answered phone calls and emails to provide information, resulting in effective business correspondence.
- Supported program documentation and operations, enhancing organizational effectiveness.
- Developed and updated Trails Program Manual, ensuring accurate and accessible information.
- Entered data into spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel or other similar programs.
Teacher
Mission Hospital Child Development Center
Asheville, NC
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Facilitated physical, social, and emotional development of young children in 5-star center, fostering a nurturing environment.
- Ensured compliance with state licensing and program standards, promoting a safe and structured learning atmosphere.
- Designed engaging lesson plans aligned with Montessori principles and child development.
- Facilitated hands-on learning experiences to promote student exploration and discovery.
- Coordinated parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress and concerns.
Education
Completed NC Community College Course (EDU 119)
AB Tech
Asheville, NC03-2013
Bachelor of Arts - Outdoor Education, Psychology
Warren Wilson College
Swannanoa, NCMontessori Teaching Certification -
AMS
Asheville, NCOffice Management Certificate -
AB Tech
Asheville, NCSkills
- Early childhood program leadership
- Curriculum development
- Childcare licensing and compliance
- Program operations and administration
- Enrollment management
- Budget management
- Staff hiring and training
- Staff supervision
- Operational efficiency practices
- Policy writing and compliance
- Family engagement
- Parent engagement strategies
Key Leadership Skills
- Early Childhood Program Leadership
- Childcare Licensing & Regulatory Compliance (NC DCDEE)
- Staff Hiring, Training & Supervision
- Program Operations & Administration
- Family Communication & Community Engagement
- Curriculum Development & Nature-Based Learning
- Enrollment Management & Budget Oversight
- Classroom & Staff Scheduling
Timeline
Director
Mountain Laurel Playschool
08.2022 - Current
Director / Teacher
Mountain Laurel Montessori
01.2017 - 01.2020
Teacher
Montessori Learning Center
01.2016 - 01.2017
Administrative Assistant
Trails Carolina
01.2015 - 01.2016
Teacher
Mission Hospital Child Development Center
01.2010 - 01.2014
Completed NC Community College Course (EDU 119)
AB Tech
Bachelor of Arts - Outdoor Education, Psychology
Warren Wilson College
Montessori Teaching Certification -
AMS
Office Management Certificate -
AB Tech