Dana Barnes
Wyncote,PA
Summary
Perceptive Director with over 8 years of experience maintaining safe and caring environment for young children. Logical and steadfast leader with background orchestrating childcare facility activities, staffing, marketing and parent relationships. Well-versed in licensing requirements, Keystone Stars and financial assistance programs.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
Amazing Kidz Academy
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
03.2024 - Current
- Led and managed a high-quality early childhood program at a Keystone Star 4 rated center, ensuring compliance with state regulations, best practices, and accreditation standards.
- Supervised and provided mentorship to a team of educators, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment that supported professional growth and child development.
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate curriculum based on developmental milestones, ensuring children received a well-rounded education that aligned with state standards.
- Coordinated daily operations, including scheduling, staffing, and facility management, to maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for children and staff.
- Utilized CACFP guidelines to plan and implement nutritious, well-balanced meals and snacks for children, ensuring that all dietary requirements and restrictions were met.
- Maintained accurate records for CACFP participation, including meal counts, menus, and attendance, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and program audits.
- Collaborated with parents, community resources, and regulatory agencies to create a comprehensive support network for families, ensuring open lines of communication and addressing any concerns or needs.
- Conducted regular staff meetings and training sessions on topics such as child development, safety protocols, and CACFP compliance to enhance staff performance and program quality
Child Care Director
KidsPark
Willow Grove, PA
09.2017 - Current
- Communicated with parents and fostered strong professional relationships.
- Developed multilingual and multicultural staff and curriculum to serve families from diverse backgrounds.
- Inspected facility and activities to monitor safety, sanitation and procedures.
- Managed school's social media accounts to promote positive image to area families.
- Created and updated records to document employee and participant information.
- Hired, mentored and monitored qualified childcare staff.
- Launched marketing campaigns and events to attract community members and increase enrollment.
- Oversaw daily activities and programs to educate and socialize participants.
- Monitored compliance with state, federal and company regulations, standards and requirements.
- Maintained current knowledge of applicable codes and required procedures to optimize learning environments.
- Set and enhanced program schedules to meet expected demands and enhance student learning opportunities.
- Achieved budgetary targets by monitoring expenses and resource utilization, cutting waste and strengthening revenue streams.
- Worked with parents and staff to improve student behavioral and learning issues with proactive approaches.
Director
Non-Profit School
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
01.2023 - 02.2024
- Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss strategies for improving quality of childcare services.
- Trained, managed and motivated employees to promote professional skill development.
- Inspected facility and activities to monitor safety, sanitation and procedures.
- Reviewed licensing regulations regularly to maintain compliance standards.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors supplying materials necessary for operating the childcare center.
- Established and enforced modern educational standards to support student needs.
- Worked closely with Board Members to ensure alignment between strategic objectives set forth by Board Members and actual outcomes achieved by nonprofit staff.
- Cultivated relationships with donors, sponsors, partners and other stakeholders involved in the operations of the non-profit organization.
Shift Lead
KidsPark
Willow Grove, PA
02.2017 - 09.2017
- Completed opening and closing duties to facilitate business operations.
- Coached and trained employees and created daily work schedules and assignments to boost efficiency and enhance operations.
- Created and improved daily operational plans including production schedules and optimizing task flows.
- Delegated tasks to employees and monitored activities and task completion.
- Upheld company standards and compliance requirements for operations and cleanliness of all areas.
- Resolved customer complaints and reported issues to senior management.
- Supervised, motivated, and led employees to maintain productivity and customer service levels.
- Counted cash on hand at shift change and closing to determine shortages or overages and prepare bank deposit statements.
- Oversaw timely execution of promotions and marketing programs.
Summer Camp Director
Abington Police Department
Abington, PA
06.2013 - 08.2015
- Monitored safety and all procedures pertaining to complete supervision of campers and staff.
- Prepared annual budget, focusing on details to meet operational and staffing needs, including payroll, food and supplies.
- Hired, coached and directed 12+ instructors in student safety, instructional techniques and performance requirements.
- Established new program activities and expanded programs in accordance with strategic and operating plans, resulting in a increase in camp attendance.
- Negotiated with suppliers to obtain best rates and availability of arts, crafts, sports and camping equipment.
- Promoted positive work environment and staff motivation through effective communication and supportive team building activities.
- Maintained and reviewed records and evaluations of staff, programs and related infrastructure.
- Managed camp finances, setting registration fees and submitting budget requests and grant proposals to solicit funding.
- Enforced high level of safety and health standards, keeping staff trained and proficient in respective procedures and policies.
- Engaged children in arts and crafts, singing, sports activities, games and field trips while maintaining safe environment.
- Promoted fun, safe and inclusive environment by monitoring activity of campers to identify and address behavioral issues.
- Gathered, prepared, operated and maintained all equipment and supplies necessary for planned activities.
Camp Counselor
Abington Police Department
Abington, PA
09.2010 - 07.2013
- Engaged children in arts and crafts, singing, sports activities, games and field trips while maintaining safe environment.
- Promoted monthly events and activities to increase participation and revenue.
- Designed detailed daily schedules for 12 counselors and up to 75 campers to increase safety and overall camp success.
- Enforced discipline and policies to protect safety of recreational activity participants.
- Participated in camp-centered activities, including canoeing, swimming, painting and softball while monitoring campers of all ages.
- Cultivated effective relationships with campers, parents and other camp counselors by utilizing active listening and dynamic interpersonal skills.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Philadelphia University
Philadelphia, PA05.2017
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Montgomery County Community College
Blue Bell, PA05.2015
Special Education Certification - Special Education
The Education Institute For Early Intervention
Philadelphia, PASkills
- Training & Development
- First Aid/CPR
- Coordination
- Project planning
- Decision-making
- Conflict resolution
- Customer service
- Supervision
- MS Office
- Relationship building
- Teambuilding
- Data management
Timeline
Director
Amazing Kidz Academy
03.2024 - Current
Director
Non-Profit School
01.2023 - 02.2024
Child Care Director
KidsPark
09.2017 - Current
Shift Lead
KidsPark
02.2017 - 09.2017
Summer Camp Director
Abington Police Department
06.2013 - 08.2015
Camp Counselor
Abington Police Department
09.2010 - 07.2013
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Philadelphia University
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Montgomery County Community College
Special Education Certification - Special Education
The Education Institute For Early Intervention
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