Tamela Wilcox
Kaneohe,USA
Summary
As an employee with 40 years in the Education Field. The key word which sums up the type of employee I am is "Integrity". As a leader my dedication and mentor goals are to bring flexibility and growth into a workplace environment. I am a team player, reliable, and committed. Upholding the company's standards to the highest level. Persistence and accountability are a strong attribute of mine, as I continue to educate myself in the field of Early Education and Administration. Having a customer service mindset, excellent judgment skills, and the ability to build a positive environment within the community of those we serve in our organization. I build teams with strong foundations to develop students who will thrive in any educational environment.
Experienced with managing program operations and delivering impactful results. Utilizes strong project management and leadership skills to drive success. Track record of effective communication and resource optimization.
Talented Program Director skilled in handling administrative, operational and outreach program functions. Wears many hats to accomplish dynamic objectives. Ready to apply 40 years of experience to new professional challenges with growth-oriented organization.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Director Head Start Oahu & Kauai
Child & Family Services Hawaii
06.2024 - Current
- Directed program development and implementation aligning with organizational goals.
- Managed cross-functional teams to enhance project delivery and stakeholder engagement.
- Established performance metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
- Facilitated strategic planning sessions to align resources with organizational priorities.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering professional growth and enhancing team capabilities.
- Analyzed program outcomes, presenting insights for informed decision-making by leadership.
- Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
- Recruited and trained staff and volunteers to upgrade collective team skills.
- Mentored team members for professional development, resulting in increased productivity and job satisfaction.
- Designed customized training programs to enhance staff knowledge and skills in key areas of responsibility.
- Monitored program performance to identify areas for improvement.
- Advanced community outreach efforts by forging strong relationships with local partners.
- Evaluated program performance through comprehensive data analysis, driving continuous improvement efforts.
- Maintained and updated project related documents.
- Fostered culture of innovation and continuous improvement, encouraging team feedback and ideas.
- Oversaw staff schedules and assignments to handle programming demands.
- Identified risks and developed mitigation plans.
- Developed and recommended policies and procedures for evaluating programs.
Counselor/Lecturer
University of Hawaii Windward Community College
06.2022 - 05.2024
- Develop curriculum and align courses to meet student needs, workforce needs, and college objectives. Preparing students for placement once they leave the prison and follow up with students in their community to insure continued success.
- Prepare students through academic counseling, developing pathways for success, revising and implementing in-person course outlines for pathways, student learning outcomes, and transitions to a four-year college.
- Provided individual and group counseling sessions to enhance student well-being and academic success.
- Collaborated with faculty to identify at-risk students and create intervention plans tailored to individual needs.
- Led initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within counseling services, enhancing accessibility for all students.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
- Developed and delivered engaging curriculum for diverse student populations, enhancing learning experiences.
- Taught diverse student population by employing various learning styles and abilities.
Training Specialist Education
Department of Defense Navy CDC
06.2020 - 03.2021
- Works with CYP Directors to establish training plans and schedules for employee and provider training. Arranges for total CYP training opportunities, including training of management, administration, food service, and direct staff. Provides training that is appropriate for and tailored to the age group of the children and youth with whom the CYP employees and CDH provider’s work.
- Executes the Department of Navy Standardized Module Training, provides initial and ongoing annual training, and ensures training is available to support career progression. Arranges for subject matter experts to conduct/support specialized training.
- Maintains training records and individual development plans.
- Develops programs that encourage and support the pursuit of continuing higher education by documenting requirements for completion of the Child Development Associate (CDA) or the Military School Age Credential (MSA), and providing information, assistance and guidance to employees and providers who are seeking college-level classes to meet their professional goals.
- Maintains a resource file library to aid employees in preparing lesson plans and activity schedules and to assist with training objectives.
- Implemented evaluation methods to assess training effectiveness and optimize future program delivery.
- Facilitated workshops and seminars, promoting interactive learning environments for enhanced participant engagement.
- Developed training handbooks, computer tutorials and reference materials.
Preschool Director Oahu
Keiki O Ka ‘Āina Family Learning Centers
05.2019 - 06.2020
- Oversees, maintains and updates all verbal/written preschool and ITC Center policies, procedures, schedules and staffing patterns for teaching staff, substitutes and/or support staff, as required, to ensure that staff-child daily ratios are within requirements.
- Knowledgeable and experienced with all DHS Licensing. Responsible to upkeep NAEYC Accreditation requirements and standards (HELDS), Implements Creative Curriculum, Second Steps Programs in classrooms along with KOKA Lei haku Leimai Curriculum.
- Oversees assessment and evaluation tools. Responsible for the operation and management of Keiki O Ka ‘Āina Preschools and Infant-Toddler Centers (ITC); on the island of Oahu. Oversee curriculum planning, implementation, assessments and evaluation of all facets of preschool classroom activities, facilities, environment and parent involvement.
- Assess and support all staff, including substitute staff, with professional development, continuing education, monthly check-in, schedules, to ensure quality.
- Developed curriculum to promote early childhood development and learning objectives.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring compliance with state regulations and accreditation standards.
- Fostered relationships with families, addressing concerns and promoting community involvement in education.
- Collaborated with local organizations to secure resources and support services for families in need.
- Supervised teaching staff and resolved issues.
- Hired and trained new preschool employees.
- Created a safe learning environment through regular safety drills practice and adherence to established protocols during emergencies.
- Increased enrollment rates by implementing targeted marketing strategies and hosting informative open house events for prospective families.
- Oversaw grant applications process, securing funds to supplement the school''s budget for necessary improvements or new programs.
- Developed educational curricula that promoted development in key behavioral and educational areas.
Branch Director
Armed Services YMCA – Pearl Harbor, HI
11.2017 - 05.2019
- Plans and prepares policies, training, and orientation and information binder. Coordinates, documents and implements annual and on-going professional development plans and training for all Preschool, Tripler and Army Reserve classrooms including after school care. Obtaining all required paperwork for staff on military and state back ground checks as well as base passes and access. Monitors and oversees all program family files, and ensures that confidentiality of files is maintained by all staff. Ensures that the safety and health requirements are adhered to by all staff, children and parents, and that the safe and healthy well-being of persons, environment, and curriculum implementation are maintained for both state and military areas. Responsible for a total of 10 programs based in the central Oahu area. These programs include 250 students’ preschool program, Tripler Medical Center child watch program, AMR Parent and me program, Home school inclusion program, food bank and Ohana food drop program, and various outside activities with partnered businesses.
Outreach Worker/ VCM Case Manager/ IHBS Therapist
Catholic Charities Hawaii
03.2013 - 11.2017
- Teaching Parenting Techniques, Daily Life Skills, Observational Notes, Report Writing, Education Documentation, Providing Resources for client growth, creating intervention services to build on family strengths, provide crisis support and education on domestic violence, drug abuse, health and nutrition, general hygiene, and de-escalation techniques.
- Assisting families in finding ways to resolve everyday problems, and improve on self-sufficiency.
- Working with other professionals and agencies to providing appropriate services to clients. One to one therapy services for families in need.
- Referred individuals to a wide range of public and private agencies based on individual needs to obtain the necessary assistance.
- Facilitated outreach programs to connect underserved populations with essential resources.
- Conducted needs assessments to identify barriers faced by individuals seeking assistance.
- Monitored program effectiveness, providing feedback for continuous improvement initiatives.
- Managed case documentation ensuring compliance with organizational standards and policies.
- Conducted home visits to assess living conditions, identify potential risks, and provide personalized recommendations for improvement.
Lead Teacher
Parents & Children Together
05.2007 - 03.2013
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse student needs.
- Mentored junior teachers, providing guidance on classroom management techniques and instructional strategies.
- Collaborated with parents and stakeholders to enhance student learning experiences and foster community involvement.
- Assessed student progress through various evaluation methods, ensuring alignment with curriculum standards.
- Maintained patience and level-headedness in diverse situations to support student development and personal growth.
- Planned and implemented different daily activities to enhance overall development and growth of every student.
- Conferred with parents about student progress to boost family involvement and enhance student support.
- Implemented assessment tools that monitored student progress throughout the year, allowing for targeted interventions when needed to close achievement gaps.
- Incorporated culturally responsive teaching practices into curriculum design and delivery models promoting inclusivity within the educational setting.
- Conducted ongoing assessments to monitor student progress and inform instructional adjustments.
Education
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Education & Administration
Ashford University Clinton Campus
Clinton, IA08.2013
Bachelor of Science - Education
Ashford University Clinton Campus
Clinton, IA03.2011
Associate of Arts - Child Development
Honolulu Community College
Honolulu, HI02.1987
Skills
- CDA credential advisor since 2011
- Active NAEYC membership
- PATCH registry management for ages 0-6
- Proficient in ASQ and ASQ-SE
- Cultural engagement training
- Child welfare practice model training
- Human trafficking awareness training
- Trained in Microsoft Office applications
Timeline
Program Director Head Start Oahu & Kauai
Child & Family Services Hawaii
06.2024 - Current
Counselor/Lecturer
University of Hawaii Windward Community College
06.2022 - 05.2024
Training Specialist Education
Department of Defense Navy CDC
06.2020 - 03.2021
Preschool Director Oahu
Keiki O Ka ‘Āina Family Learning Centers
05.2019 - 06.2020
Branch Director
Armed Services YMCA – Pearl Harbor, HI
11.2017 - 05.2019
Outreach Worker/ VCM Case Manager/ IHBS Therapist
Catholic Charities Hawaii
03.2013 - 11.2017
Lead Teacher
Parents & Children Together
05.2007 - 03.2013
Bachelor of Science - Education
Ashford University Clinton Campus
Associate of Arts - Child Development
Honolulu Community College
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Education & Administration
Ashford University Clinton Campus
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