Claire M. Cappella
Fairfield,CT
Summary
A self-motivated, hardworking and caring professional with a passion for children and learning. Proactive and dependable with 30 years experience working with young children and their families, both in and out of the school environment. Team player with strong organizational and communication skills. Able to manage various aspects of a classroom comfortably. Experienced childcare professional in teaching young typical learners as well as children with a variety of disabilities. Dedicated to supporting emotional, social and academic needs of students. Trained in developmental stages and knowledgeable about offering safe, nurturing environments to boost learning. A fast learner that can acclimate quickly to new environments, work tasks and challenges. Looking for a new work experience to utilize developed interpersonal, collaborative and organizational skills that will further a teaching career.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Front Desk Coordinator
Dynamic Edge Physiotherapy
09.2022 - Current
- Handled assignments independently with good judgement and critical thinking skills.
- Checked physical therapy progress reports and intake paperwork for completeness and filed with appropriate staff member.
- Drafted, copied and forwarded documents and paperwork to facilitate insurance authorizations.
- Compiled information from files and research to satisfy information regarding billing requests.
- Provided administrative support to management staff, contributing to overall office productivity.
- Coordinated correspondence and scheduling between administration, employees and clients using calendaring software.
- Kept accounts in balance and ran daily reports to verify totals.
- Maintained office supplies by taking inventory and submitted orders for low-stock items.
- Operated telephone system to answer and address scheduling, billing and insurance needs of patients.
- Sorted, received, and distributed mail correspondence between departments and personnel.
- Facilitated effective communication between clients, guests, and internal staff by serving as central point of contact.
- Contributed positively to workplace environment through friendly interactions with colleagues while promoting teamwork.
Live-Out Nanny
The Pollack Family
07.2015 - Current
- Enhanced children''s emotional well-being by providing attentive care and nurturing relationships.
- Assisted with light housekeeping duties as well as running errands.
- Supervised children engaged in physical activity, learning and social skills with peers.
- Developed games and activities using arts and crafts to support learning and verbal skills.
- Promoted intellectual development through reading, storytelling, and engaging educational activities.
- Assisted children with homework assignments and special projects across different subjects.
- Prepared meals and snacks for children based on dietary guidelines.
- Transported children to and from activities using personal vehicle.
- Provided home learning educational support and assistance for children during Covid-19 pandemic using specific curriculum and materials.
- Used flashcards and other techniques to test and improve memory through practiced information retrieval.
- Developed strong communication with parents to provide updates on childrens progress, needs, and achievements.
Long-Term Special Education Substitute
Bridgeport Public Schools
08.2013 - 06.2015
- Taught young students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Documented student progress and provided daily feedback to parents.
- Implemented data-driven instruction, regularly assessing student performance and adjusting teaching methods to improve outcomes.
- Served as resource for general education teachers, providing guidance on accommodations and modifications for students with special needs within their classrooms.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans for students with challenging behavior.
- Researched and selected age-appropriate materials and resources for classroom instruction.
- Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills.
- Implemented multisensory instructional techniques, fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students.
- Coordinated closely with related service providers such as occupational therapists, speech therapists, and psychologists to create comprehensive educational plans for each student.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in special education instruction and assessment techniques.
- Collaborated with other educators to plan and review instruction.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
Special Education Instructor
Fairfield Public Schools
10.2009 - 06.2013
- Supported classroom teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
- Implemented goals and objectives from IEP in general education classroom and resource classroom.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Responded proactively to emerging challenges by adapting instructional strategies as needed, ensuring continuous progress toward established goals for each student''s academic success and personal growth.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, enabling timely communication with parents and other school professionals regarding individual achievements and areas needing improvement.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to further assist behavior specialist to develop appropriate behavior plan for students.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Supported students with various disabilities through one-on-one tutoring sessions, improving their understanding of course materials and concepts.
- Kept open and frequent communication with families to provide regular updates on child's academic progress and individualized needs.
Long-Term Special Education Substitute Teacher
Bridgeport Public Schools
09.2006 - 06.2009
- Documented student progress and provided regular updates to parents.
- Taught students with Autism in self-contained classroom with integration into general education classroom when appropriate,
- Collaborated with other educators to plan and review instruction.
- Encouraged self-advocacy skills among students by promoting independence in decision making and problem-solving strategies during daily tasks and activities.
- Developed lesson plans to align with grade-level standards and objectives.
- Conferred with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Supported transition planning processes for students moving from one educational setting to another.
- Provided differentiated instruction that addressed diverse learning styles, abilities, and cultural backgrounds of students.
- Enhanced student learning by incorporating individualized education plans and tailored teaching methods.
- Utilized variety of instructional strategies to meet individual student needs.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Implemented multisensory instructional techniques, fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students.
Preschool Teacher 2's Classroom
Tutor Time Learning Center
08.2005 - 08.2006
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Established strong relationships and communication with parents through daily interactions regarding their child's progress.
- Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children feel safe.
- Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Utilized positive reinforcement techniques when addressing behavioral issues, maintaining a respectful and orderly classroom environment conducive to learning.
- Established positive relationships with children and families.
- Promoted sensory development by providing access to different textures.
- Utilized books, songs and games to engage students.
- Allowed for ample outdoor discovery time in schedule each day.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT08.2005
Skills
- Oral and written communications
- Parent Communication
- Instructional Methods
- Team Collaboration
- Group and individual instruction
- Classroom Management
- Positive Reinforcement
- Relationship Building
Timeline
Front Desk Coordinator
Dynamic Edge Physiotherapy
09.2022 - Current
Live-Out Nanny
The Pollack Family
07.2015 - Current
Long-Term Special Education Substitute
Bridgeport Public Schools
08.2013 - 06.2015
Special Education Instructor
Fairfield Public Schools
10.2009 - 06.2013
Long-Term Special Education Substitute Teacher
Bridgeport Public Schools
09.2006 - 06.2009
Preschool Teacher 2's Classroom
Tutor Time Learning Center
08.2005 - 08.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Southern Connecticut State University
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