Celest Klinger
Watsontown,PA
Summary
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Paraeducator
Warrior Run School District
Turbotville, PA
08.2023 - Current
- Supervised and monitored student behavior in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, and other areas.
- Assisted teachers in creating adaptive materials for lessons and activities for special education students.
- Instructed and supported students in basic academic skills such as reading, writing, math, science and social studies.
- Directed a phonemic awareness title group.
- Conducted assessments for benchmark testing, progress reports, report cards, and IEPs.
- Maintained focused, inclusive and supportive learning environments.
- Provided feedback to teachers regarding student successes or challenges observed during instruction time.
- Served as classroom aide to teachers and worked one-on-one with special needs students ages 5 to 7.
- Offered students personalized educational, behavioral and emotional support.
- Provided instruction to individual or small groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills initially introduced by a teacher.
- Implemented strategies designed to help increase independence among special needs students when completing assignments or activities independently.
- Encouraged positive behavior among students through reinforcement of expectations established by the school district or classroom teacher.
- Attended professional development workshops related to working with special needs children.
- Fostered relationships between general education peers and those receiving specialized services within the classroom setting.
- Promoted compliance with PA IEP standards in both curriculum development and classroom operations.
- Monitored student performance on tests and assessments given throughout the year.
- Prepared visual aids, equipment and classroom displays to foster learning.
- Managed distracting or inappropriate classroom behavior.
- Communicated confidential details about student behavior and performance with authorized parties.
- Observed students to help teachers identify potential learning blocks and opportunities for support.
- Supported students throughout academic instruction and assignments.
- Supplied one-on-one attention to each student during group activities.
- Applied positive reinforcement to redirect negative behaviors.
- Administered standardized tests under the direction of certified staff members.
Head Start Teacher/ Lead Preschool/Lead Toddler Teacher
Summit Early Learning Center
Lewisburg, PA
09.2019 - 08.2023
- Evaluated student performance data regularly to identify areas of improvement in instruction methods.
- Participated in professional development opportunities related to early childhood education best practices.
- Created an environment conducive to learning by providing a safe, nurturing atmosphere for students.
- Supported special education services as needed by collaborating closely with specialists assigned to each student's case.
- Incorporated cultural diversity into lesson plans by utilizing books, music, art projects from various backgrounds.
- Designed play-based activities that engage children's natural curiosity while fostering their creativity.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans to promote physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of children in the Head Start program.
- Promoted language development through storytelling, singing songs, and engaging conversations with students.
- Implemented behavior management strategies that encourage positive interactions between students within the classroom setting.
- Provided guidance for children in developing appropriate problem-solving skills through classroom activities.
- Conducted home visits to assess family dynamics, health needs, and educational resources.
- Assessed individualized learning needs of students using informal assessments such as observations and interviews with parents and guardians.
- Met with parents and guardians to discuss students' progress and areas requiring improvement.
- Organized creative and fun activities, enhancing children's physical, emotional and social well-being.
- Observed children for signs of illness, injury, emotional disturbance, learning disorders, and speech problems.
- Read stories to children and taught painting, drawing, and crafts.
- Maintained daily records of individual activities, behaviors, meals and naps.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive, trusting relationships.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
- Communicated with parents regularly to maintain student progress, schedule meetings, and increase overall student happiness.
- Implemented behavior modeling and positive reinforcement into daily routines.
- Observed children to record development.
- Instructed and assisted children in eating, toileting, and resting to help develop healthy personal habits.
- Monitored student progress to ensure cooperation and growth.
- Participated in workshops, trainings and conferences to improve educational skills.
- Planned and implemented lessons using various teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
- Removed hazards and developed appropriate boundaries and rules to create safe environment for children.
- Identified early signs of emotional and developmental problems in children to bring concerns to parents' attention.
- Created and implemented age-appropriate lesson plans and activities that encouraged physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.
- Provided a safe learning environment for toddlers by monitoring their behavior and intervening when necessary.
- Maintained accurate records of each toddler's progress in areas such as language skills, motor skills, problem solving abilities.
- Controlled classroom environments with clearly outlined rules and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Developed and fostered positive relationships with parents of toddlers in the program.
- Established indoor and outdoor safe play environments for toddler-age children.
- Taught children foundational skills in colors, shapes and letters.
- Managed classroom supplies inventory ensuring adequate materials were available at all times.
- Collaborated with parents to develop and maintain strong support networks and build rapport to foster seamless communication.
- Encouraged creative expression through art projects or music activities.
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies for experiential learning.
- Assisted with daily operations such as mealtime preparation, diaper changing, toilet training and nap time routines.
- Implemented discipline policies consistently while maintaining positive relationships with all children.
- Attended professional development trainings related to early childhood education topics.
- Communicated effectively with staff members regarding individual needs of toddlers in the program.
- Observed each child's performance on a regular basis to identify areas needing improvement or reinforcement.
- Facilitated transition from preschool into kindergarten programs for those toddlers nearing school age.
- Participated in team meetings designed to share best practices related to toddler caregiving techniques.
- Enhanced sensory abilities by giving children access to numerous textures and shapes.
- Prepared reports summarizing individual toddler progress for review by administrators.
- Conducted parent-teacher conferences to discuss developmental milestones achieved by children under care.
- Identified children in need of extra support for emotional, health-related or developmental concerns and conceived improvement strategies.
- Assisted families in finding resources needed to meet their specific needs related to childcare services.
Lead Preschool Teacher
Learning Tree Child Care Center
Danville, PA
02.2015 - 08.2015
- Ensured compliance with all state regulations related to preschool education standards.
- Organized and maintained a safe learning environment for children, including supervision of indoor and outdoor playtime.
- Planned and implemented developmentally appropriate activities to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs of children.
- Facilitated parent-teacher conferences when needed in order to discuss student progress or areas needing improvement.
- Organized creative and fun activities, enhancing children's physical, emotional and social well-being.
- Directed and supervised children during field trips and special activities.
- Established indoor and outdoor safe play environments for toddler-age children.
- Incorporated music, art and theater into lesson planning.
- Encouraged children to be understanding of others, show good manners and instructed in other social development behaviors.
- Developed professional relationships with parents, teachers, directors and therapists.
- Set guidelines for teacher performance and lesson planning and oversaw compliance with established procedures.
- Enhanced sensory abilities by giving children access to numerous textures and shapes.
- Created safe, developmentally appropriate environment for children through implementation of activities and discipline.
- Mentored new teachers within the program by providing feedback on teaching methods or strategies used in the classroom.
- Developed partnerships with community organizations to provide additional resources for families in need.
- Controlled classroom environments with clearly outlined rules and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Adapted instructional techniques according to student learning styles and progress.
- Collaborated with parents to develop and maintain strong support networks and build rapport to foster seamless communication.
- Maintained accurate records of attendance, grades, assessments and other important information pertaining to each student.
- Organized and led activities to promote physical, mental and social development.
- Identified children in need of extra support for emotional, health-related or developmental concerns and conceived improvement strategies.
- Participated in team meetings with administrators to review curriculum objectives or discuss school policies.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding student progress, behavioral issues or any other concerns they may have had about their child's well-being.
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies for experiential learning.
- Provided individualized instruction to each student based on their needs and interests.
- Incorporated cultural diversity into lesson plans so students could learn more about different cultures around the world.
- Created and implemented developmentally appropriate curriculum addressing learning styles.
- Taught children foundational skills in colors, shapes and letters.
- Promoted good behaviors by using positive reinforcement methods with children.
- Integrated music into everyday activities to foster creativity among students.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan special events such as field trips or holiday parties.
- Developed well-managed classroom of 20 children.
- Updated daily bulletin board with children's artwork and accomplishments.
- Encouraged positive behavior through positive reinforcement techniques such as praise and rewards.
- Assisted in developing lesson plans that incorporated reading, writing, math, science and art into daily activities.
- Maintained daily records of individual activities, behaviors, meals and naps.
Children's Ministry Assistant
Christ Wesleyan Church
Milton, PA
06.2010 - 06.2012
- Created a safe environment for children by enforcing rules and regulations in the classroom setting.
- Recruited new volunteers from within the church congregation who had an interest in serving in the Children's Ministry department.
- Conducted weekly meetings with the Children's Ministry team to discuss upcoming events, activities, and curriculum.
- Organized weekly Sunday School classes and other special events.
- Participated in outreach initiatives both inside and outside of church walls by visiting local schools or communities.
- Trained new staff members on policies and procedures related to safety and security protocols of the Children's Ministry program.
- Provided guidance to volunteers and teachers, helping them develop their skills in working with children.
- Distributed materials such as books, worksheets, and supplies to students as needed.
- Assisted in developing and implementing creative activities for children of all ages.
- Facilitated small group discussions among children on topics such as faith formation, character development, leadership building.
- Greeted families on Sunday mornings with warm hospitality before services began.
- Organized and oversaw Sunday school classes for children between ages newborn and 3 years old.
- Assigned responsibilities and tasks to volunteers and staff members.
- Coordinated with pastor to define and advance children's ministry vision and align with overall church vision.
- Attended meetings to discuss program direction, finances and other information.
- Interacted with parents and guardians of children participating in services, classes and events to build strong relationships and expand church membership.
- Recruited, coached, and supported program volunteers.
- Devised strategies to drive program growth, encouraging children to build and strengthen relationships with Jesus.
- Developed and led evening programming.
- Spread faith through various evangelistic means, including preaching, Bible readings and group activities.
- Presented and prepared weekly sermons and bible lessons for congregation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA12-2014
Associate of Science - Daycare Management
Penn Foster Career School
Scranton, PA05-2009
High School Diploma -
Meadowbrook Christian School
Milton, PA05-2008
Skills
- Behavior Improvements/ Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Technology-Based Strategies
- Student Engagement
- Activity Planning
- IEP Familiarity/Compliance
- Lesson Planning
- Classroom Monitoring/Organization
- Educational Support
- Curriculum Implementation
- Emotional Support
- Data Collection/Progress Monitoring
- Small Group Instruction
- Special Education Support
- Transition Planning
- Social Skills Development
References
Carrie Vitko- cvitko@wrsd.org (570) 317-5068
Timeline
Paraeducator
Warrior Run School District
08.2023 - Current
Head Start Teacher/ Lead Preschool/Lead Toddler Teacher
Summit Early Learning Center
09.2019 - 08.2023
Lead Preschool Teacher
Learning Tree Child Care Center
02.2015 - 08.2015
Children's Ministry Assistant
Christ Wesleyan Church
06.2010 - 06.2012
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Liberty University
Associate of Science - Daycare Management
Penn Foster Career School
High School Diploma -
Meadowbrook Christian School
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