ASHLEY MCCASTLAND
Hayward
Summary
Experienced Child Development Professional skilled in creating nurturing environments and implementing cognitive development strategies. Collaborates effectively with parents and therapists to design tailored educational interventions that reinforce learning outcomes. Committed to utilizing innovative techniques to support children's emotional and social growth, enhancing their overall development in educational and family settings.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Infant Teacher
The Playing Field
01.2026 - Current
- Designed and implemented engaging curriculum for infants, fostering developmental milestones.
- Developed individualized learning plans to support diverse needs of each infant.
- Collaborated with parents to discuss child progress and address developmental concerns.
- Mentored junior teachers on best practices in early childhood education techniques.
REGISTERED BEHAVIORAL TECHNICIAN
Caravel Autism Health
08.2024 - Current
- Collaborated with therapists to tailor interventions, enhancing client progress through a supportive environment.
- Worked closely with therapists to tailor interventions, fostering a supportive environment and enhancing client progress.
- Provided empathetic support to clients and families, reinforcing trust and strengthening therapeutic relationships.
- Created engaging strategies to boost client participation and motivation.
Registered Behavior Technician
Cultivate Behavioral Health and Education
08.2025 - 01.2026
- Conducted direct one-on-one therapy sessions using Applied Behavior Analysis techniques.
- Implemented individualized treatment plans to improve clients' behavioral outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to assess client progress and adjust interventions.
- Documented client behavior and response to interventions accurately in electronic health records.
DAYCARE TEACHER
KinderCare Learning Centers
01.2024 - 07.2024
- Fostered emotional and social growth for preschoolers by creating a nurturing environment with engaging activities and positive reinforcement.
- Created a nurturing environment, fostering emotional and social growth for preschoolers through engaging activities and positive reinforcement.
- Tailored educational strategies in partnership with parents to ensure consistent progress and reinforce learning outcomes at home.
- Sparked creativity and encouraged language skills development among young children through interactive storytelling sessions.
SERVER
Robin's Nest Café
05.2022 - 08.2023
- Mentored new staff, improving team cohesion and ensuring operational efficiency.
- Coordinated with kitchen for accurate orders, streamlining workflow.
- Provided excellent service, encouraging customer loyalty and increasing repeat visits.
SALES ASSOCIATE
Express
02.2021 - 08.2021
- Maintained detailed inventory knowledge, enabling tailored product solutions for customers.
- Demonstrated adaptability and teamwork in assisting colleagues throughout the store.
- Demonstrated adaptability and teamwork in assisting as needed throughout store.
- Supported team success through adaptable collaboration across departments, enhancing store cohesion.
CHILD CARE PROVIDER
Trybula Household
09.2019 - 06.2021
- Designed engaging activities that ensured safety and age suitability, promoting learning and enjoyment.
- Supported homework completion and managed transportation for sports, contributing to academic success.
- Created a nurturing environment through educational activities that enhanced children's learning experiences and development.
RESORT WORKER
Treeland Resorts
06.2010 - 08.2019
- Created welcoming environment, enhancing guest satisfaction and supporting staff productivity.
- Collaborated with team to maintain cleanliness and deliver high customer service standards.
- Facilitated teamwork during peak seasons, ensuring smooth operations and elevated guest satisfaction.
Education
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - Human Development and Family Studies
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL12-2023
Skills
- Child Development
- Creative collaboration
- Emotional Support
- Child Development
- Social Engagement
- Adaptability
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES
- COLLEGE PROGRAM VOLUNTEER
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital
- Maintained a professional relationship with patients and the medical team
- Assisted the Child Life team in providing play experiences for patients of all ages
- MEMBER
- The University of Alabama Association of Child Life
- Member of the Association of Child Life under Dr. Sherwood Burns-Nader while studying at the University of Alabama
- Heard from various Certified Child Life specialists, formed connections with individuals in the child life field, and organized events such as toy drives for Children's of Alabama.
- PRACTICUM STUDENT
- DCH Medical Center
- I was able to have both hands-on experiences as well as an observation role for hospitalized children and their families under a Certified Child Life Specialist.
- Experienced medical play, therapeutic play, and procedural preparation on patients in a healthcare setting.
- This was a big step in understanding the field and profession of child life.
Timeline
Lead Infant Teacher
The Playing Field
01.2026 - Current
Registered Behavior Technician
Cultivate Behavioral Health and Education
08.2025 - 01.2026
REGISTERED BEHAVIORAL TECHNICIAN
Caravel Autism Health
08.2024 - Current
DAYCARE TEACHER
KinderCare Learning Centers
01.2024 - 07.2024
SERVER
Robin's Nest Café
05.2022 - 08.2023
SALES ASSOCIATE
Express
02.2021 - 08.2021
CHILD CARE PROVIDER
Trybula Household
09.2019 - 06.2021
RESORT WORKER
Treeland Resorts
06.2010 - 08.2019
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - Human Development and Family Studies
The University of Alabama