Crystal Estes
Houston,TX
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at KinderCare Learning Companies, adept in program management and team development. Excelled in building partnerships and enhancing educational growth, leveraging problem-solving and leadership skills. Achieved notable improvements in staff performance and customer satisfaction, embodying excellence in parent communication and classroom oversight. Well-qualified Center Director with proven skills in developing and managing high-quality daycare programs. Adept at marketing the business, developing relationships, and supervising classroom operations. Prepared to offer many years' experience to a challenging new role. Business-minded professional tackling any job task with gusto and precision. Determined Front Office Supervisor delivering exceptional service and responding to questions and inquiries quickly. Demonstrates positive attitude and readiness to adapt to different situations.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Center Director
KinderCare Learning Companies
Houston, TX
06.2015 - Current
- Lead and supervise a group of teachers to create unique and engaging classroom experiences, and leverage and develop 'best-in-class' educators to be passionate and committed professionals.
- Ensure your site is operating effectively; maintain licensing, safety, and educational standards.
- Partner with parents who have a shared desire to provide the best care and education for their children.
- Cultivate positive relationships with families, teachers, school and district leaders, state licensing authorities, community contacts, and corporate partners.
- Lead the recruitment and enrollment efforts of new families and children in centers.
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state regulations.
- Resolved customer complaints in an effective manner while maintaining quality standards.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations and policies regarding personnel management, health and safety standards.
- Hired and coached staff on all center policies and procedures to effectively handle full roster of children.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
Assistant Director
Kidz at the Park Child Care Center (CCLC) KinderCare Education
Houston, TX
01.2014 - 06.2015
- Assists the Center Director in operating the center in accordance with policies, procedures, and state licensing standards to provide an educational, nurturing, and safe environment for children, parents, and staff.
- Creates a positive environment that demonstrates respect for all.
- Supervised junior staff, providing guidance and professional development opportunities.
- Monitored staff performance, provided feedback and conducted annual reviews.
- Organized team activities to build camaraderie and foster pleasant workplace culture.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs
Learning Adventures Instructor
Kidz at the Park Child Care Center (CCLC) KinderCare Education
Houston, TX
08.2005 - 01.2014
- Create an environment with high standards in learning, creativity, and personal growth in accordance with children’s abilities and the curriculum.
- Assisted the Center Director and Assistant Director in consistently executing plans that ensure the company’s mission of serving families and children, in alignment with company values.
- Helped train staff to implement the curriculum in a consistent manner.
- Actively engage young children in the learning process through the use of diverse manipulatives: employing literature, fine arts, and songs to encourage participation and allow children to take ownership of their learning
Infant Teacher
Apple Childcare Day Care Center
Houston, TX
05.2004 - 08.2005
- Collaborated with parents to develop and maintain strong support networks and build rapport to foster seamless communication.
- Maintained daily records of individual activities, behaviors, meals and naps.
- Organized creative and fun activities, enhancing children's physical, emotional and social well-being.
- Modified teaching strategies and techniques to meet the individual needs of children with diverse learning styles.
- Established positive relationships with families by communicating regularly about their child's progress.
- Planned age-appropriate activities that encouraged physical, cognitive, social-emotional growth in infants.
Teacher
Kidz at the Park Child Care Center (CCLC) KinderCare Education
Houston, TX
01.2003 - 05.2004
- Responsible for participating in activities and supervising some program areas
- Provide timely and substantive feedback during the student’s course of study in ways both challenge and guide the student
- Provide support and encouragement to students
Education
B.S. - Business Administration, Human Resource Management
Western Governors University WGU
12.2024
Associate degree - Early Childhood and Family Studies
Rasmussen Online College
01.2019
CDA -
01.2016
Director Certification -
Greater Houston Director Course
05.2014
High School Diploma - Texas Scholar, biology, communication, early childhood, health, humanities, law and policy, music, nutrition, sociology, language arts, psychology, literature, mathematics, reading, sciences, history, technology, Job Core
Lamar Senior High School
06.2002
Skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Team building
- Program management
- Recordkeeping requirements
- Computer Skills
- Leadership skills
- Customer service
- Scheduling
- General office skills
- Marketing and Sales
- Front Office Operations
- Presentation skills
- Communication Skills
- Accounting/Bookkeeping
- NAEYC Accreditation
- TRS 4 Stars
- State of Texas Child Care Licensing
- Teachers Growth and Development
Certification
CPR & First Aid, 10/24/25
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Center Director
KinderCare Learning Companies
06.2015 - Current
Assistant Director
Kidz at the Park Child Care Center (CCLC) KinderCare Education
01.2014 - 06.2015
Learning Adventures Instructor
Kidz at the Park Child Care Center (CCLC) KinderCare Education
08.2005 - 01.2014
Infant Teacher
Apple Childcare Day Care Center
05.2004 - 08.2005
Teacher
Kidz at the Park Child Care Center (CCLC) KinderCare Education
01.2003 - 05.2004
B.S. - Business Administration, Human Resource Management
Western Governors University WGU
Associate degree - Early Childhood and Family Studies
Rasmussen Online College
CDA -
Director Certification -
Greater Houston Director Course
High School Diploma - Texas Scholar, biology, communication, early childhood, health, humanities, law and policy, music, nutrition, sociology, language arts, psychology, literature, mathematics, reading, sciences, history, technology, Job Core
Lamar Senior High School
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