Chrystal Anthony-Sims
Belleville,IL
Summary
Dynamic Early Childhood Education Specialist with a proven track record at United 4 Children, adept at developing state-approved training courses and enhancing educational resources. Skilled in collaborative teamwork and effective communication, I successfully guided families through transitions, ensuring alignment with deliverables and fostering strong relationships within the community.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Early Childhood Education Specialist
United 4 Children
Saint Louis, MO
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Developed customized state-approved training courses, enhancing educational resources for childcare providers.
- Conducted teacher training sessions via workforce registry and learning management systems.
- Tracked and updated monthly training reports to ensure alignment with deliverables.
- Facilitated weekly team meetings, contributing to resource updates and strategic discussions.
- Guided families through transitions from early childhood programs to elementary school environments.
- Customized state-approved training courses, enriching resources for licensed childcare facilities.
- Delivered teacher training through workforce registry and learning management systems.
- Compiled and updated monthly training reports, ensuring timely completion of deliverables.
- Participated in weekly meetings, offering insights for resource development and enhancements.
- Provided transitional guidance and resources for families moving to elementary education settings.
- Created and tailored state-approved courses, bolstering educational offerings for childcare providers.
- Executed teacher training initiatives utilizing workforce registry and digital platforms.
- Maintained comprehensive monthly training reports to track deliverable progress.
- Collaborated in weekly meetings for resource evaluation and enhancement strategies.
- Assisted families in transitioning children from early childhood programs to elementary schools.
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
Illinois Network for Child Care Resource and Referral Agency
Belleville , IL
10.2023 - 09.2024
- Collaborated with Regional Council Manager and State Team to prioritize family voice in decision-making.
- Developed partnerships with community organizations to enhance support for children and families.
- Engaged parents and communities across sectors to improve alignment with Department objectives.
- Facilitated feedback mechanisms among parents, families, and Early Childhood Regional Community System network.
- Delivered all projects on time and within scope while providing regular progress reports.
- Submitted monthly reports on Family Council activities to Central Office Family & Community Engagement Team.
- Coordinated focus groups and individual meetings to gather insights and perspectives.
- Participated in regional events and traveled statewide as required, up to 50%.
Center Coordinator
SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program
East Saint Louis, Illinois
09.2021 - 09.2023
- Supervised staff and managed daily operations of licensed facility.
- Ensured compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and State Licensing Requirements.
- Conducted classroom observations monthly, quarterly, and yearly using ChildPlus, ITERS, ECHERS, and CLASS.
- Reviewed child screenings with ASQ-3/ASQ SE-2 and approved referrals.
- Facilitated monthly staff meetings to improve communication among team members.
- Implemented monthly Parent Committee meetings to boost engagement with families.
- Assigned Family Advocate caseloads and performed monthly file audits.
- Reviewed daily, weekly, and monthly reports across ERSEA, Health, Nutrition, and Education Services.
Center Manager
SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program
East Saint Louis, Illinois
08.2013 - 09.2021
- Served as liaison between Non-profit Partnership Team and Head Start Administration.
- Collaborated with Non-profit partners to maintain accurate child enrollment records in data system and hard files.
- Supervised Family Advocates to ensure compliance with ERSEA and Start Performance Standards.
- Implemented staff training and provided daily support, fostering mentorship through active listening.
- Conducted annual performance reviews and quarterly staff evaluations.
- Worked with local LEAs to enhance outcomes for School Readiness, Special Services, Health, and Nutrition needs.
- Executed daily classroom walkthroughs with health and safety checks, along with bi-yearly ITERS and CLASS observations.
- Coordinated health clinics during fall and spring sessions.
Child Development Specialist
SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start
Belleville , IL
11.2009 - 08.2013
- Facilitated group activities to promote social skills and teamwork among children.
- Collaborated with parents to discuss children's progress and developmental needs.
- Conducted assessments to identify children's strengths and areas for improvement.
- Performed assessments to check intellectual, behavioral, and environmental well-being.
- Facilitated daily activities to promote social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development of the children.
- Monitored classroom activities to ensure compliance with state regulations related to health and safety standards.
- Collaborated with teachers, pediatricians, psychologists, counselors, social workers, speech therapists, occupational therapists and other professionals involved in a child's life.
- Used job-related software to compose or prepare correspondence, case notes and technical reports
- Conducted home visits to evaluate the child's environment and provide support for family members.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL07.2013
Associate In Arts - Early Childhood Education
Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, IL12.2003
Associate of Applied Science - Child Care Services
State Community College
East Saint Louis, IL06.1992
Skills
- Office software proficiency
- Time management skills
- Collaborative teamwork
- Communication effectiveness
- Strong work ethic
- Classroom oversight
- Play-based learning strategies
- Building relationships
- Conflict mediation
- Engagement with parents
- Problem-solving abilities
Timeline
Early Childhood Education Specialist
United 4 Children
01.2025 - 05.2025
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
Illinois Network for Child Care Resource and Referral Agency
10.2023 - 09.2024
Center Coordinator
SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program
09.2021 - 09.2023
Center Manager
SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program
08.2013 - 09.2021
Child Development Specialist
SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start
11.2009 - 08.2013
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Associate In Arts - Early Childhood Education
Southwestern Illinois College
Associate of Applied Science - Child Care Services
State Community College