Christa Vernstrom
Maplewood,Minnesota
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at The Cradle Club, adept in operations management and fostering a positive environment. Excelled in coaching and mentoring, driving team collaboration, and enhancing program effectiveness. Achieved significant growth in revenue and market share, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
Driven leader with background in fast-paced, high-stakes environment, seeking to transition into new field. Skilled in strategic planning and project management, delivering impactful results through effective team coordination. Looking to leverage these transferrable skills to contribute to and thrive in new professional setting.
Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Program Director
The Cradle Club
09.2021 - Current
- Negotiated high-value contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms that benefited the organization''s bottom line.
- Developed strong cross-functional teams for improved collaboration and project success.
- Mentored junior team members, fostering their professional growth and enhancing overall team performance.
- Spearheaded the design and launch of new programs, driving significant growth in revenue and market share.
- Developed collaborative projects and partnerships with other community providers.
- Developed business systems and strategies and oversaw implementation.
- Pioneered a change management initiative that facilitated smooth transitions during times of organizational restructuring or process improvements.
- Championed continuous improvement efforts to increase operational efficiency and program effectiveness.
- Created a culture of accountability by setting clear performance expectations and monitoring progress regularly.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
- Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
Childcare Director
The Cradle Club
01.2020 - 09.2021
- Engaged with parents and families to build positive relationships for children to thrive.
- Recruited, selected, and retained high-quality staff to reduce turnover and foster stability.
- Supervised and managed team of childcare professionals to guarantee highest standards of care.
- Communicated with local and state government agencies to maintain compliance with all regulations.
- Operated under licensing guidelines to protect health, safety and well-being of children.
- Resolved conflicts and administered corrective action to foster positive experience for children and staff.
- Established strong relationships with parents through open communication and regular updates on child progress.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant licensing requirements by maintaining detailed documentation and submitting timely reports as necessary.
- Planned and monitored curriculum and program activities and liaised with teachers to create fun and engaging learning experiences.
- Monitored and observed child progress, interactions and behavior and reported findings to parents.
- Managed program paperwork and child records to comply with state requirements.
- Mentored team members to foster professional growth and enhance overall staff performance.
- Maintained accurate records of child attendance, medical information, and emergency contacts in compliance with state regulations.
- Created an inclusive environment that respected diversity in culture, language, ability level, and learning style.
- Improved parent satisfaction rates by addressing concerns promptly and implementing feedback-driven improvements.
- Achieved accreditation from national childcare organizations as a reflection of exceptional care standards.
- Conducted regular safety audits, ensuring a secure environment for children and staff alike.
- Attended approved training and continuing education courses to maintain certifications.
- Implemented comprehensive health policies aligned with CDC guidelines to minimize illness outbreaks within the facility.
- Developed staff training programs for effective team collaboration and increased service excellence.
- Enhanced childcare quality by implementing innovative educational programs and activities.
- Furnished facility with supplies, equipment, food and materials to foster social and cognitive development.
- Coordinated special events and field trips that enriched children''s learning experiences outside the classroom setting.
- Evaluated staff and offered guidance to enhance knowledge, skills, and professional development to optimize learning environment.
- Facilitated ongoing professional development opportunities for staff members to ensure adherence to industry best practices.
- Supervised childcare workers and oversaw facility to meet state requirements for education and training.
- Implemented school policies, procedures, and systems to promote safe and healthy environment in compliance with state standards.
- Maintained high-quality child care standards based on developmentally appropriate practices.
- Stayed current on guidelines to maintain compliant program operations.
- Oversaw safety requirements, inspection, and certification procedures to facilitate annual licensing review.
- Observed and assessed classroom activities to verify conformity with quality standards.
Childcare Center Assistant Director
The Cradle Club
06.2016 - 01.2020
- Organized successful fundraising events to generate additional revenue for program enhancements or facility upgrades.
- Streamlined daily operations for improved efficiency by optimizing staff scheduling and resource allocation.
- Assisted in hiring, training, and mentoring new staff members, fostering a supportive work environment that encouraged professional growth.
- Continuously sought professional development opportunities for staff members to stay current on best practices in early childhood education.
- Maintained safety standards in the center, conducting regular inspections and implementing necessary improvements.
- Enhanced parent satisfaction by implementing efficient communication strategies and regular updates on child progress.
- Coordinated special events such as holiday celebrations or family nights, creating memorable experiences for children and their families.
- Evaluated educational materials regularly to ensure they remained current, relevant, and age-appropriate for students'' needs.
- Consistently met licensing requirements by staying up-to-date with state regulations and implementing appropriate policies and procedures.
- Served as a liaison between teachers, parents, administration, ensuring clear lines of communication about student progress or any issues that arose during the course of care provision at the childcare center.
- Led team meetings to discuss challenges, share best practices, and set goals for continuous improvement.
- Developed strong relationships with families, providing support and addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
- Oversaw daily administrative tasks such as managing attendance records, processing tuition payments, and maintaining student files in compliance with regulations.
- Engaged with parents and families to build positive relationships for children to thrive.
- Operated under licensing guidelines to protect health, safety and well-being of children.
- Managed program paperwork and child records to comply with state requirements.
- Supervised and managed team of childcare professionals to guarantee highest standards of care.
- Recruited, selected, and retained high-quality staff to reduce turnover and foster stability.
Lead Teacher, Toddler Room
The Cradle Club
01.2013 - 06.2016
- Developed strong relationships with families, fostering trust and creating a welcoming atmosphere within the classroom.
- Adapted lessons to accommodate individual needs, supporting diverse learners in reaching their full potential.
- Assisted in maintaining a clean, organized, and inviting classroom environment that encouraged exploration and learning.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop a cohesive and consistent curriculum for the Toddler Room.
- Conducted regular parent-teacher conferences to discuss each child''s progress and address concerns or suggestions.
- Achieved high levels of parental satisfaction through open communication and timely updates on their child''s growth and development.
- Enhanced toddler development by implementing age-appropriate learning activities and playtime experiences.
- Administered developmental assessments to evaluate each child''s progress and identify areas for targeted intervention.
- Organized special events like holiday celebrations or themed days to create memorable experiences for children and families alike.
- Implemented early literacy strategies through engaging storytimes and interactive reading sessions.
- Improved fine motor skills among toddlers by designing engaging arts and crafts projects.
- Supported language acquisition efforts by introducing new vocabulary words during daily conversations.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, ensuring a safe, nurturing environment for all children.
- Fostered independence among toddlers by guiding them through self-help tasks such as dressing themselves or cleaning up after snack time.
- Maintained detailed records of each child''s developmental milestones, using this information to plan future lessons and provide personalized support.
- Provided daily care routines such as diaper changes, mealtime assistance, and nap supervision, ensuring the well-being of each child in the Toddler Room.
Daycare Assistant Teacher
Whee Care Childcare
06.2011 - 01.2013
- Maintained accurate records of attendance, incident reports, meal counts, and other essential documentation as required by state regulations or center policies consistently.
- Ensured child safety by maintaining a clean, organized, and hazard-free facility at all times.
- Arrived at assigned areas on time, prepared, and ready to work.
- Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys, and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs.
- Managed daily routines efficiently to maintain a consistent schedule for students, promoting optimal time management skills in young learners.
- Observed play activities to identify positive behaviors and areas in need of improvement, implementing behavior redirection where appropriate.
- Supported students'' emotional growth by fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and respectful classroom atmosphere.
Center Float
The Cradle Club
10.2008 - 06.2011
- Collaborated with team members to ensure a seamless workflow and maintain production deadlines.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by maintaining a clean and organized workspace at all times.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to remain current on new techniques, tools, equipment, and industry best practices related to mending services.
- Implemented process improvements that resulted in reduced turnaround time for completed repairs without compromising quality.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Ensured a safe and supportive learning environment by enforcing classroom rules and addressing behavioral issues promptly.
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
Education
Certificate of Early Child Development - Early Childhood Care And Education
Rasmussen College
Eden Prairie, MNSkills
- Coaching and mentoring
- Operations management
- Human resources management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Fostering positive environment
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Time management
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Safety regulations compliance
- Staff hiring
- Administrative functions
- Child development expertise
Timeline
Executive Program Director
The Cradle Club
09.2021 - Current
Childcare Director
The Cradle Club
01.2020 - 09.2021
Childcare Center Assistant Director
The Cradle Club
06.2016 - 01.2020
Lead Teacher, Toddler Room
The Cradle Club
01.2013 - 06.2016
Daycare Assistant Teacher
Whee Care Childcare
06.2011 - 01.2013
Center Float
The Cradle Club
10.2008 - 06.2011
Certificate of Early Child Development - Early Childhood Care And Education
Rasmussen College
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