Carla A. Tate
Early Childhood
Harrisburg,NC
Summary
Over 36 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, including roles as Lead Teacher, Assistant Director, and Acting Director. Expertise in managing diverse teams and large groups of children, with a strong emphasis on addressing parental concerns and implementing modern educational practices. I am a customer-focused individual with a passion for delivering exceptional service. Strong interpersonal skills with a talent for effectively addressing concerns. Committed to improving customer satisfaction and driving positive outcomes.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Acting Director/Assistant Director
Shining Stars Academy
Charlotte, NC
- Developed strategic plans to enhance student engagement and academic performance.
- Oversaw compliance with educational regulations and accreditation standards.
- Fostered partnerships with community organizations for student enrichment opportunities.
- Established relationships with vendors and suppliers to secure favorable terms for materials or services.
- Coordinated activities with other departments to expedite work and improve collaboration.
Director
Bright Kids Learning Academy
Charlotte, NC
01.2018 - Current
- Developed educational programs that align with child development standards.
- Led staff training sessions to enhance teaching strategies and classroom management.
- Coordinated parent engagement initiatives to foster community involvement in education.
- Managed daily operations to ensure a safe and nurturing learning environment.
- Collaborated with educators to create individualized learning plans for students.
- Oversaw budget allocation for resources and materials for the academy's programs.
- Fostered partnerships with local organizations to support children's learning experiences.
- Recruited, trained, supervised, evaluated and mentored staff members.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations, policies and procedures.
- Managed crisis situations to minimize impact on operations and reputation.
- Developed and executed marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and market share.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- Managed the food Program and maintained state compliances
Director of Operations
Pritchard Child Development Center
Charlotte, NC
09.1993 - 02.2014
- Provided daily leadership and support to classroom staff, ensuring a safe, organized, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
- Guided teachers in implementing the curriculum, lesson planning, and age-appropriate instructional strategies.
- Conducted classroom observations and offered coaching to strengthen teaching practices and child engagement.
- Supported child assessments, documentation, and individualized learning plans to promote developmental progress.
- Collaborated with families to communicate child progress, address concerns, and support home–school connections.
- Helped coordinate staff schedules, classroom coverage, and ratio management to maintain smooth operations.
- Assisted with onboarding and training new team members, modeling best practices in early childhood education.
- Ensured compliance with licensing regulations, safety procedures, and organizational policies.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Arts
Sacred Heart College
Belmont, NC03-2025
Associate Degree - Applied Science Early Childhood Education
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC01.2011
Associate of Applied Science - Specialization in Administration
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC01.2006
Early Childhood Associate - School- Age
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC01.2006
Basic School Age Associate - Early Childhood Education
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC03-2001
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA 03.2025 - 11.2026
Skills
- Child development theory and practice
- Curriculum development
- Staff training
- Classroom management
- Parent engagement
- Child assessments
- Strategic planning
- Compliance management
- Community collaboration
- Childcare teaching
- Management
- ProCare/ Brightwheel
- Creative curriculum
- NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development
- Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale
- NC subsidy programs
- Program management
- Task delegation
- Coaching and mentoring
- Team building
- Regulatory compliance
- Leadership development
- Staff management
Education Honors Certifications
- Bachelor of Arts, Sacred Heart College, Belmont, NC
- Associate Degree in Applied Science Early Childhood Education.
- Early Childhood Associate: Specialization in Administration.
- Early Childhood Associate: School-Age,
- Masters of Intercultural Communication, American Public University
- Approved/Certification by the Department of Human Services NC
- Basic School Age Associate, Central Piedmont Community College
- Mentor/Counselor of the Year, Shining Stars Academy Child Development Center, Charlotte, NC
Additional References
- Casandra Dobson
- Stella Wylie,
- Machinda Aben Elohin
- Quentiro Smith
- Numbers Upon Request
References
- Dr. Carrie L. Graves, ...business background in technology was supportive to the use of videos and computers in the class... She volunteered for cooperative opportunities in the media center and helped teachers to accommodate computers...I recommend her with the highest regard...
- Ethel Phillips, Business Education Teacher
Professional Development
Currently, The Director at Bright Kids Learning Academy Charlotte NC 2017
Key Qualifications
- Exceptional knowledge of child development theory and practice.
- Strong childcare teaching experience.
- Strong background in community services and feed the children program.
- Strong Management skills.
- Work directly with the site Director.
- Managed administrative functions to ensure efficient operations.
- Very knowledgeable of Quick Books and Procare System,Brightwheel
- Knowledgeable in building core relationships with parents and teachers.
- Exceptional knowledge of the creative curriculum and the NC Foundations for early learning Development.
- Experience in the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale.
- Experience in the NC Subsidy Programs.
- Very experienced in the CAFCP Child and adult care Food Program
Accomplishments
The Teddy Award In Early Childhood Education
Timeline
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Regent University
03.2025 - 11.2026
Director
Bright Kids Learning Academy
01.2018 - Current
Director of Operations
Pritchard Child Development Center
09.1993 - 02.2014
Acting Director/Assistant Director
Shining Stars Academy
Bachelor of Arts - Arts
Sacred Heart College
Associate Degree - Applied Science Early Childhood Education
Central Piedmont Community College
Associate of Applied Science - Specialization in Administration
Central Piedmont Community College
Early Childhood Associate - School- Age
Central Piedmont Community College
Basic School Age Associate - Early Childhood Education
Central Piedmont Community College