Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Professional Development
References
Timeline
Generic

Christina Zapata

Special Education
Wading River,NY

Summary

Dedicated Special Education Professional with a proven track record of developing tailored Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and implementing effective behavioral management techniques. Recognized for high productivity and efficiency in task completion, while fostering an empathetic learning environment that addresses each student’s unique needs. Strong communication skills enhance collaboration with families and educational teams, driving successful educational outcomes. Committed to continuous professional development to further enrich student learning experiences.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification

Work History

Special Education Teacher (8:1:1 Self-contained)

Just Kids
Middle Island, NY
07.2024 - Current
  • Establish classroom rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions
  • Promote physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities
  • Attend and advocate the needs of students at IEP meetings to promote educational success
  • Reinforce positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments
  • Implement instruction with students to deliver clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal
  • Determine strengths, weaknesses and learning patterns of students to implement differentiated instruction
  • Perform duties in accordance with applicable standards, policies, and regulatory guidelines to promote a safe working environment
  • Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team for IEP goal teaching strategies by preparing materials to help support the independent needs of each student
  • Integrated dynamic lesson plans based on student IEP goals and severity of disability
  • Supported diverse student populations through equitable instructional design and programming.
  • Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
  • Facilitated small group instruction tailored for individual student needs.
  • Developed individual educational plans designed to promote educational, physical and social development.
  • Incorporated interactive visual aids into student lesson plans to support learning objectives.
  • Provided instruction in academic, communication, and social skills to special education students.
  • Identified learning needs of students with disabilities and implemented appropriate interventions.
  • Solved student behavioral issues according to building expectations and codes of conduct.
  • Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child's progress.
  • Developed IEP to leverage developmental practices and educational theories to achieve educational objectives.
  • Maintained consistent and timely contact with parents about student behavior and upcoming events.
  • Created a safe environment conducive to learning for special education students.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
  • Established positive relationships with students and their families.
  • Evaluated student needs to provide helpful resources and support.

Special Education Teacher (12:1:1 Self-contained)

Alternatives For Children
Aquebogue, NY
03.2020 - 06.2023
  • Establish classroom rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions
  • Promote physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities
  • Attend and advocate the needs of students at IEP meetings to promote educational success
  • Reinforce positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments
  • Implement instruction with students to deliver clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal
  • Determine strengths, weaknesses and learning patterns of students to implement differentiated instruction
  • Perform duties in accordance with applicable standards, policies, and regulatory guidelines to promote a safe working environment
  • Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team for IEP goal teaching strategies by preparing materials to help support the independent needs of each student
  • Integrated dynamic lesson plans based on student IEP goals and severity of disability
  • Created a safe environment conducive to learning for special education students.
  • Developed IEP to leverage developmental practices and educational theories to achieve educational objectives.
  • Monitored the educational progress of each student according to established timelines.
  • Evaluated student needs to provide helpful resources and support.
  • Cultivated classroom environment focused on inclusion and growth, fostering both social and academic development.
  • Attended parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
  • Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
  • Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
  • Designed and delivered personalized learning for each student and advocated for student inclusion and success in general education environments.
  • Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child's progress.
  • Created and implemented compliant IEPs, progress reports and state-specific special education documentation.
  • Participated in professional development activities related to teaching strategies for special education students.
  • Implemented behavior management systems that promote positive behaviors.
  • Identified learning needs of students with disabilities and implemented appropriate interventions.

SEIT TEACHER (3-5 years old)

NEW YORK THERAPY PLACEMENT
Port Jefferson, NY
08.2018 - 03.2020
  • 1:1 Special instruction in coordination with IFSP outcomes and objectives
  • Facilitate family training monthly
  • Maintain an open line of communication with parents and caregivers to execute carry over techniques
  • Execute standardized assessments known as the Developmental Assessments of Young Children (DAYC II) to assess developmental domains
  • Communicate With service coordinators to ensure all students' criteria were being achieved
  • Execute educational evaluations and detailed reports for school districts to gain awareness of appropriate placements
  • Maintained excellent attendance records
  • Participated in team building activities to enhance working relationships
  • Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
  • Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of all students.
  • Met with parents and guardians to discuss students' progress and areas requiring improvement.
  • Planned and implemented lessons using various teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
  • Met with administrators and department team members to work on curriculum planning and assessment methods.
  • Established positive relationships with parents to ensure effective communication regarding student progress and well-being.
  • Met with parents to discuss students' progress and review areas requiring improvement.
  • Managed student behavior in classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.
  • Encouraged critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies among students.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to plan lessons that integrate various subject areas into a cohesive unit of study.
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
  • Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.

ABA Lead Teacher /family Trainer (Birth -2 Years)

Early Start
Staten Island, NY
08.2016 - 06.2018
  • Implement ABA teaching strategies and techniques
  • Create family plans for effective skill maintenance and generalization
  • Assist parents /caretakers in social public settings to remediate sensory and emotional dysregulation
  • Manage ABA program books and keep data recording up to date
  • Maintain an open line of communication with all team members to create learning techniques that meet the needs of the child's IFSP
  • Facilitate Family training and monthly meetings
  • Create family plans for effective carry over and maintaining skill level
  • Generalize skills in public settings to reduce sensory dysregulation as per occupational sensory diets
  • Analyzed behavioral data to adjust intervention strategies for optimal outcomes.
  • Utilized discrete trial training (DTT), pivotal response training (PRT), and natural environment training (NET) methodologies.
  • Facilitated play activities that encourage developmentally appropriate motor skills while helping children learn new concepts.
  • Provided individualized behavior therapy services to children with autism spectrum disorders.
  • Trained families, teachers, aides, and other professionals in the implementation of behavior intervention strategies.
  • Developed and implemented ABA treatment plans based on assessment data and behavioral goals.
  • Monitored and evaluated the effectiveness of interventions, making data-driven adjustments.
  • Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to encourage appropriate behaviors.
  • Ensured all therapy sessions were conducted in a safe, supportive environment conducive to learning.
  • Utilized positive reinforcement methods to increase desired behaviors while decreasing challenging behaviors.
  • Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child's progress or any changes needed in the treatment plan.

Independent contractor for the NYCDOE (SETTS provider)

NYCDOE
, NY
09.2012 - 06.2018
  • Implement educational mandates in home settings for students with disabilities.
  • Presented case details to support individual educational requirements in hearings.
  • Provide special instructions to students adhering to IEP goals and outcomes.
  • Developed comprehensive reports to meet deadlines for NYCDOE.
  • Recorded detailed session notes on NYCDOE vendor portal.
  • Facilitated timely correspondence between legal representatives and families concerning student matters.

Education

Dual Master of Science - Students With Disabilities

Touro College
New York, NY
06.2010

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration

Colorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, Colorado
12.2007

Associate of Science - Fashion Merchandise Management

Fashion institute of Technology
New York, NY
05.2006

Skills

  • Excellent classroom management
  • Cognitive and behavioral development
  • IEP and BIP implementation
  • Relationship building
  • Scheduling proficiency
  • Classroom integration
  • Student records management
  • Behavior modifications
  • IEP implementation
  • Visual supports
  • Team collaboration
  • Small group instruction
  • Autism spectrum
  • Sensory integration
  • Parent-teacher collaboration
  • Behavior modification
  • Excellent computer skills

Certification

  • Professional Early Childhood Education ( Birth -grade 2)
  • Professional Early Childhood Education ( Grades 1-6 )
  • Professional Students With Disabilities ( Birth - grade 2)
  • Professional Students With Disabilities ( Grades 1-6 )

Professional Development

  • Students with Autism
  • How to be an effective leader
  • How to write and document a functional behavior analysis (FBA)
  • Response to Intervention (RTI)
  • OCFS COMPLIANCE
  • DASA
  • IEP DIRECT
  • ABA DATA and DISCRETE TRIALS

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Special Education Teacher (8:1:1 Self-contained)

Just Kids
07.2024 - Current

Special Education Teacher (12:1:1 Self-contained)

Alternatives For Children
03.2020 - 06.2023

SEIT TEACHER (3-5 years old)

NEW YORK THERAPY PLACEMENT
08.2018 - 03.2020

ABA Lead Teacher /family Trainer (Birth -2 Years)

Early Start
08.2016 - 06.2018

Independent contractor for the NYCDOE (SETTS provider)

NYCDOE
09.2012 - 06.2018

Dual Master of Science - Students With Disabilities

Touro College

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration

Colorado Technical University

Associate of Science - Fashion Merchandise Management

Fashion institute of Technology

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Christina ZapataSpecial Education