Cynthia Tharp
Chowchilla,CA
Summary
Experienced preschool leader with expertise in family engagement and creative problem solving. Successfully managed daily operations and developed innovative strategies to support children’s educational needs while ensuring compliance with state regulations. Innovative preschool director known for strong team management and creative problem-solving skills. Developed engaging curricula and effective behavior management strategies, contributing to improved student outcomes and family satisfaction.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Preschool Director
Cornerstone Community Church
Chowchilla, California
08.2008 - 05.2025
- Developed curriculum to enhance early childhood learning experiences.
- Managed daily operations of preschool program and staff activities.
- Collaborated with parents to support children's educational needs.
- Determined allocations of funds for staff, equipment and authorized purchases.
- Established and enforced modern educational standards to support student needs.
- Achieved budgetary targets by monitoring expenses and resource utilization, cutting waste and strengthening revenue streams.
- Set and enhanced program schedules to meet expected demands and enhance student learning opportunities.
- Maintained current knowledge of applicable codes and required procedures to optimize learning environments.
- Trained, managed and motivated employees to promote professional skill development.
- Worked with parents and staff to improve student behavioral and learning issues with proactive approaches.
- Created and updated records to document employee and participant information.
- Managed school's social media accounts to promote positive image to area families.
- Hired, mentored and monitored qualified childcare staff.
- Increased new enrollment and return enrollment .
- Developed and implemented innovative strategies to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for preschoolers.
- Reported health concerns and posted health warnings in case of illness.
- Conducted regular assessments of teaching methods and student performance in order to identify areas of improvement within the program.
- Performed various administrative tasks such as ordering supplies or equipment needed by faculty members or students.
- Prepared monthly reports outlining the overall performance of the preschool program.
- Facilitated parent-teacher conferences throughout the year in order to discuss individual student needs or concerns.
- Maintained compliance with state regulations for early childhood education programs.
- Wrote newsletters and email to communicate monthly activity schedules to parents.
- Oversaw day-to-day activities of preschool.
- Trained and supervised teachers in child development best practices.
Preschool Teacher
City of Chowchilla
Chowchilla, California
01.1995 - 05.2008
- Planned engaging lesson activities for diverse learning styles.
- Fostered a safe and nurturing classroom environment for children.
- Collaborated with parents to enhance children's developmental outcomes and track progress.
- Implemented curriculum standards aligned with early childhood education guidelines.
- Observed and documented children's behavior and developmental milestones.
- Guided creative play to enhance social skills and teamwork among students.
- Taught children foundational skills in colors, shapes and letters.
- Trained new staff on effective classroom management techniques to foster a positive learning environment.
- Established positive relationships with parents and guardians by regularly communicating student progress.
- Encouraged children to be understanding of others, show good manners and instructed in other social development behaviors.
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies for experiential learning.
- Controlled classroom environments with clearly outlined rules and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Conducted classroom activities to stimulate physical, mental, and social development of preschool students.
- Incorporated music, art, games, books, blocks, puzzles into daily instruction.
- Developed innovative lesson plans that engaged children through creative teaching methods.
- Developed professional relationships with parents, teachers, directors and therapists.
- Organized educational materials and resources to create an engaging learning environment.
- Met with parents to discuss child behavior and academic progress.
Education
Associate of Arts - Child Development
Reedley College
Reedley, CA05-2005
Skills
- Family engagement
- Creative problem solving
- Calm under pressure
- Dependable and responsible
- Behavior management
- Team management
- Child development
- Curriculum development
Timeline
Preschool Director
Cornerstone Community Church
08.2008 - 05.2025
Preschool Teacher
City of Chowchilla
01.1995 - 05.2008
Associate of Arts - Child Development
Reedley College