Buffy Joles
Saginaw
Summary
I am currently working to obtain my bachelor's degree in early childhood education. My expertise is in the preschool setting area working with kids from two to five years of age. I have worked with anywhere from 10 to 27 kids depending on the classroom. I also have worked with kids with special needs using their devices, and using sign language.
Special education professional with proven ability to assist in creating inclusive learning environments. Background includes implementing tailored teaching strategies and supporting student development. Recognized for effective collaboration and adaptability, ensuring smooth classroom operations and positive student outcomes.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Paraprofessional
Saginaw Public School District
01.2025 - Current
- Trained new paraprofessionals on school policies, procedures, and best practices in classroom support.
- Advocated for student needs by communicating effectively with parents, teachers, and administration to foster collaboration.
- Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
- Supervised students during non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess, or field trips, ensuring safety at all times.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students, parents, and faculty members.
- Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
- Supported special education teachers in implementing accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs.
Childcare Assistant Teacher
Bay County Child And Senior Citizen Center
08.2023 - Current
- Assisted Lead Teacher in planning and implementing age-appropriate activities for children.
- Organized daily classroom routines, including snack time, story time, and outdoor playtime.
- Helped with mealtime preparation, clean up and serving meals to the children.
- Assisted with potty training when needed.
- Collaborated with Lead Teacher in developing lesson plans that incorporated various teaching methods such as storytelling, music, art, and field trips.
- Read books aloud to groups of children or individually as requested by Lead Teacher.
- Implemented age-appropriate curriculum to promote cognitive and social development in children.
- Supervised daily activities, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all children.
- Assisted in assessing children's progress and adapting strategies to meet individual needs.
Paraprofessional
Carrollton Middle School
08.2024 - 01.2025
- Supported classroom management by assisting teachers with instructional activities and student engagement.
- Facilitated individualized education plans by providing tailored support to students with diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with educators to develop and implement effective teaching strategies that enhance student comprehension.
- Monitored student progress and behavior, reporting observations to optimize learning outcomes and interventions.
- Organized and maintained educational materials, ensuring accessibility for both students and staff.
- Led small group sessions, reinforcing lesson concepts while promoting social skills among students.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
Lead Teacher
Kaleidoscope Traces Childcare North
11.2023 - 08.2024
- Provided instructional guidance and mentorship to teachers in the development of lesson plans, instructional materials, and assessments.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve student learning outcomes.
- Organized activities to promote physical, mental and social development of each child.
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate activities to promote physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development in two-year olds.
- Maintained a safe learning environment by enforcing discipline policies.
- Developed engaging lesson plans that fostered creativity and critical thinking among students.
- Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
Preschool Teacher
Zion Lutheran Christian Church And School
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Supervised students throughout day, both in classroom and outside during breaks.
- Organized field trips for extra-curricular activities for students under their supervision.
- Organized activities to promote physical, mental and social development of each child.
- Researched books and supplemental materials to use with lesson plans.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
- Scheduled and held parent-teacher conferences to keep parents up to date on children’s academic performance.
Teacher’s Aide
Peace Lutheran
02.2022 - 08.2023
- Supervised student activities during recess, lunchtime, and other breaks.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design creative curriculum units that met the needs of all learners.
- Encouraged children to try and experience new things to expand learning experiences.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans that incorporated fun, hands-on activities for students.
- Supervised a group of 10-30 children in an after-school program setting.
- Provided emotional support to children struggling with social or academic difficulties.
Preschool Assistant Teacher
Bethlehem Lutheran School
02.2021 - 08.2022
- Supervised students in the classroom, cafeteria, hallways and playgrounds.
- Instructed students individually or in groups to reinforce learning concepts.
- Enforced rules for behavior and established expectations for student conduct in accordance with school guidelines.
- Assembled instructional materials for children’s projects and playtime.
- Scheduled tutoring sessions to help students improve grades and gain better grasp course material.
- Received recognition for contributions to innovative concepts in classroom instruction.
Preschool Teacher’s Assistant
Saginaw Public Schools
08.2019 - 02.2021
- Assisted preschool teachers with classroom activities, such as arts and crafts projects, storytelling time, and outdoor play.
- Supervised children during lunchtime and snack time.
- Worked one-on-one with students to reinforce concepts taught by the teacher.
- Assisted in preparing materials for lessons and activities according to lesson plans provided by the teacher.
- Greeted parents and students at the start of each day and assisted them in getting settled into the classroom environment.
- Read stories aloud to groups of children while engaging them in discussion about characters, plotlines.
- Monitored playground activities outdoors to ensure safety of all participants.
- Supported lead teacher with daily classroom activities.
Associate Teacher and Paraprofessional Substitute
PCMI Will Sub
07.2016 - 06.2019
- Utilized positive reinforcement strategies to encourage student participation and engagement in the classroom.
- Monitored student behavior, intervening when necessary to maintain order in the classroom environment.
- Supervised lunchroom duties, recess, field trips, study hall periods.
- Prepared instructional materials such as handouts, worksheets, flashcards.
- Assisted with grading tests and assignments as needed.
Substitute Paraprofessional/Childcare Aide
Saginaw Twp. Schools
07.2015 - 07.2016
- Maintained focused, inclusive and supportive learning environments.
- Delivered instruction individually or in small groups with support from instructor.
- Provided classroom support throughout planned instruction and individual lessons.
- Handled clerical duties, managed classrooms and coordinated documents for teachers.
- Kept over 20 students safe in classroom and outside environments.
- Maintained classroom order and enforced school and class rules.
- Supervised students during recess, break times and dismissal periods to prevent injuries and fights.
- Left notes for head teacher about notable students, events and problems.
- Operated computers or audio-visual aids to supplement class presentations.
Childcare Aide
Step By Step Childcare Center
08.2013 - 07.2015
- Assisted with school day activities, before and after-school supervision and lunch and recess.
- Enforced rules to teach good manners and maintain safe environment.
- Used clear communication and professionalism to develop constructive relationships with families.
- Read stories and played alphabet games to promote early literacy.
- Encouraged curiosity, exploration and problem-solving with age-appropriate playtime activities.
- Cared for 16 children ages 3 to 5.
- Instructed children in health and personal habits involving eating, resting and hygiene habits.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood
Delta College
University Center, Bay City, Michigan01-2018
Skills
- I have worked with children from an age of six weeks to five years of age I have had anywhere from 8-27 kids at a time depending on the classroom
- Helped Children learn how to go to the bathroom, change their clothes, wash their hands using proper hygiene techniques, and how to sit down to a family meal, using the proper utensils
- I Have Also taught them how to say and sound out their alphabet, how to count to twenty-five, write their names, and how to do Yoga exercises, along with teaching them how to use the calm down techniques
- I enjoy doing science with the kids using observation techniques and having them use their thinking skills to come
- I have worked with fellow teachers to create full lesson plans using both High Scope and Creative Curriculum programs using lesson development and implementation, along with keeping student records
- I am both Adult and Child CPR, and AED Certified as well as First-aid Certified
- Helping students with special needs communicate using their devices and by using some sign language
- Small group and individual assistance
- Special education support
Timeline
Paraprofessional
Saginaw Public School District
01.2025 - Current
Paraprofessional
Carrollton Middle School
08.2024 - 01.2025
Lead Teacher
Kaleidoscope Traces Childcare North
11.2023 - 08.2024
Childcare Assistant Teacher
Bay County Child And Senior Citizen Center
08.2023 - Current
Preschool Teacher
Zion Lutheran Christian Church And School
08.2022 - 08.2023
Teacher’s Aide
Peace Lutheran
02.2022 - 08.2023
Preschool Assistant Teacher
Bethlehem Lutheran School
02.2021 - 08.2022
Preschool Teacher’s Assistant
Saginaw Public Schools
08.2019 - 02.2021
Associate Teacher and Paraprofessional Substitute
PCMI Will Sub
07.2016 - 06.2019
Substitute Paraprofessional/Childcare Aide
Saginaw Twp. Schools
07.2015 - 07.2016
Childcare Aide
Step By Step Childcare Center
08.2013 - 07.2015
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood
Delta College