Chelsea Smith
Jersey City,NJ
Summary
Dedicated and experienced early childhood educator with 12+ years of experience providing high-quality care and education to infants and preschool-aged children. Experienced Lead Pre-K 4 Teacher with a strong background in curriculum planning, classroom management, child development, family communication, and creating engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Skilled in supporting children's cognitive, social-emotional, language, fine motor, and gross motor development. Experienced in teacher leadership, center support, and acting assistant director responsibilities. Committed to creating a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and engaging environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Prek-4 Teacher/ Center Support/ Teacher Comittee
The Brunswick School
Jersey City, NJ
07.2018 - Current
- Plan, carry out, and assess developmentally appropriate activities and experiences in harmony with the centers' philosophy.
- Established and implemented daily activity schedule incorporating child-directed activities, care routines, and transition times to support developmental growth.
- Use a variety of teaching techniques including modeling, observing, questioning, demonstrating, and reinforcing.
- Follow the centers' procedures for administering medications and maintaining health records.
- Ability to work cooperatively as a member of the childcare team, facilitating a team environment through personal behavior, work contributions, and the sharing of expertise and knowledge.
- Communicated daily program events and child's progress to parents, fostering strong parent-teacher partnerships.
- Maintained safe, healthy environment while supervising children, ensuring their well-being and promoting active engagement.
Lead Infant Teacher/ Acting Assistant Director
Kiddie Academy of Hamilton Park
Jersey City, NJ
11.2016 - 07.2018
- Leads the teaching of general education, also individuals with learning challenges and special needs within an inclusive classroom.
- Implemented state-approved curriculum to enhance learning outcomes for all students.
- Developed lesson plans and prepared documentation boards to showcase student achievements and progress.
- Observed and documented quarterly behavior and learning abilities to tailor support for individual student needs.
- Maintained current CPR and First Aid certification to ensure student safety.
Lead Infant Teacher
Bright Horizons Childcare
Newark, NJ
05.2014 - 11.2016
- Developed age-appropriate lesson plans aligned with monthly topics to enhance children's learning and engagement.
- Coordinated and facilitated recreational activities, including arts and crafts, to promote creativity and social interaction among children.
- Communicating openly with children's parents about daily activities and behaviors.
- Maintaining a child-friendly environment with access to outdoor activities.
- Communicating with parents through enrollment, tours, newsletters, conferences, and direct personal communication.
- Maintaining a clean environment for children by following a daily cleaning checklist.
- Ensured safe play environment by implementing cleanliness protocols and supervising activities to minimize risks.
- Creating and building child portfolios for each child to keep track of development and progress.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
New Jersey City University
Jersey City, NJ05-2017
High School Diploma -
County Prep
Jersey City, NJ06-2012
Skills
- Monitor site activities to plan, coordinate, implement and supervise site child development program in accordance with early learning and head start performance standards
- Work closely with teachers to review instructional objectives and adjust accordingly
- Prepare and monitor budgets and authorize the purchase of center resources
- Confers with social service staff to evaluate and recommend appropriate modifications or referrals based on individual child or family needs
- Meet with other administrators, parents, and community organizations to build and maintain strong relationships
- Secured and maintained city and state licenses for facility and program
- Developed site budget plan and implemented procedures to control expenditures
- Provided leadership and direction to staff for the center to obtain naeyc accreditation
- Provided leadership and direction for the center to meet all eligibility requirements for the excel rate
Timeline
Prek-4 Teacher/ Center Support/ Teacher Comittee
The Brunswick School
07.2018 - Current
Lead Infant Teacher/ Acting Assistant Director
Kiddie Academy of Hamilton Park
11.2016 - 07.2018
Lead Infant Teacher
Bright Horizons Childcare
05.2014 - 11.2016
Bachelor of Arts -
New Jersey City University
High School Diploma -
County Prep