Catherine Thomas
Hemet,CA
Summary
Enthusiastic and reliable early childhood professional with over four years of hands-on experience in Head Start and State Preschool classrooms. Known for creating inclusive, nurturing learning environments that support the whole child—socially, emotionally, and academically. Skilled in classroom support, individualized instruction, and family engagement. Passionate about fostering positive early learning experiences and collaborating with teaching teams to help every child reach their full potential.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructional Aide – State Perschool
Hemet Unified School District
Hemet, CA
08.2022 - Current
- Created a positive learning environment for students.
- Encouraged active participation in class activities by all students.
- Conducted small group instruction sessions as needed.
- Maintained records of student progress, attendance, and behavior.
- Supported the use of technology to enhance instruction.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop individualized education plans.
- Assisted with classroom management, including seating arrangements and discipline procedures.
- Conducted special assessments and tutoring sessions to support individual student needs.
- Cleaned and organized classrooms, materials, and supplies.
- Prepared lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, and demonstrations to assist teachers in classroom preparation.
Instructional Aide – Head Start Preschool
Hemet Unified School District
Hemet, CA
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Attended staff meetings and professional development workshops.
- Participated in parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress or concerns.
- Distributed classroom materials, pencils, paper and art materials.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Provided classroom support throughout planned instruction and individual lessons.
- Prepared lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, and demonstrations to assist teachers in classroom preparation.
- Conducted small group instruction sessions as needed.
Lead Toddler Teacher
Vip Tots
Hemet, CA
03.2021 - 08.2022
- Maintained accurate records of each toddler's progress in areas such as language skills, motor skills, problem solving abilities.
- Developed and fostered positive relationships with parents of toddlers in the program.
- Observed each child's performance on a regular basis to identify areas needing improvement or reinforcement.
- Created and implemented age-appropriate lesson plans and activities that encouraged physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.
- Attended professional development trainings related to early childhood education topics.
- Assisted families in finding resources needed to meet their specific needs related to childcare services.
- Participated in team meetings designed to share best practices related to toddler caregiving techniques.
- Taught children foundational skills in colors, shapes and letters.
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies for experiential learning.
- Collaborated with parents to develop and maintain strong support networks and build rapport to foster seamless communication.
- Established indoor and outdoor safe play environments for toddler-age children.
- Planned and implemented lessons using various teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
- Observed children for signs of illness, injury, emotional disturbance, learning disorders, and speech problems.
- Encouraged creative expression through art projects or music activities.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Educational of Studies
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ05-2025
Associate of Science - Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education
Mt. San Jacinto College
San Jacinto, CA05-2022
Master of Science - Early Childhood Care And Education
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZSkills
- Lesson planning
- Curriculum development
- Classroom management
- Child development
- Parent engagement
- Instructional technology
- Lesson development
- Team collaboration
- Communication skills
- Student assessment
- Literacy development
- Instructional strategies
- Classroom support
- Instructional material preparation
- Student motivation
Timeline
Instructional Aide – State Perschool
Hemet Unified School District
08.2022 - Current
Instructional Aide – Head Start Preschool
Hemet Unified School District
08.2022 - 06.2023
Lead Toddler Teacher
Vip Tots
03.2021 - 08.2022
Bachelor of Science - Educational of Studies
Grand Canyon University
Associate of Science - Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education
Mt. San Jacinto College
Master of Science - Early Childhood Care And Education
Grand Canyon University
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