Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Student Teacher
Affiliations
Education Trainer
Timeline
Generic

DARLENE J. HOWLAND

Wellesley,MA

Summary

Professional with extensive background in early childhood education, ready to lead and innovate. Proven track record in developing and implementing engaging curricula, fostering inclusive environments, and enhancing program quality. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, adaptable to changing needs. Skilled in strategic planning, staff development, and effective communication. Reliable and passionate about driving positive educational outcomes.

Overview

41
41
years of professional experience

Work History

Early Childhood Program Director

Wellesley Community Children's Center
09.1987 - Current
  • Managed the day-to-day operations of a high quality childcare program serving 103 children from three months to five years old on the Wellesley College campus.
  • Provided support to families, participated in building renovations, hired and supervised a staff of 50 teachers and more than 50 Wellesley College students.
  • Set developmentally appropriate curriculum standards and goals for 8 classrooms.
  • Created a safe, nurturing environment that promoted the social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development of each child.

Fun Run Coordinator

Wellesley Community Children's Center
01.1999 - 03.2020
  • Managed the preparatory efforts and day of event work for WCCC’s largest fundraiser the FUN RUN (a children's race, activities, Silent Auction, Raffle attended by 2,000).
  • Solicited funds, delegated tasks, recruited and worked with committee chairs to increase event revenue from $10,000 to up to $24,000.

Instructor

Wellesley College Summer School
06.2012 - 06.2014
  • Co-developed and co-taught EDUC: 200 Theory and Practice in Early Childhood Education & Care

NAEYC Accreditation Specialist

Newton/Wellesley Community Partnership Grant
09.1996 - 06.2000
  • Assisted programs working to achieve accreditation through the National Association of Young Children’s Accreditation Academy
  • Conducted teacher workshops and on-site supervision visits, facilitated director group meetings, parent meetings and teacher supervision

Part-time Professor

Lasell College
01.1991 - 01.1994
  • Designed and taught the early childhood education classes, Contemporary Issues in Daycare and Children’s Literature to sophomore, junior and senior education students

Preschool Director

Wellesley Community Children's Center
06.1984 - 08.1987
  • Managed the day-to-day operations of a full day preschool program serving fifty children from two years, nine months to five years old
  • Hired and supervised a staff of eight teachers, worked with parents, the WCCC Board and implemented the High Scope curriculum

Head Teacher: Three-Year-Old Classroom

Wellesley Community Children's Center
08.1983 - 08.1984
  • Provided a quality preschool experience for nine children
  • Planned developmentally appropriate curriculum, designed the classroom environment, worked with parents and co-teachers

Education

M. S. - Early Childhood Education

Wheelock College
Boston, MA
08-1983

Bachelor of Arts - Major: English. Minors: History & Education

Colby College
Waterville, ME
05-1981

Skills

  • Early childhood education expert
  • Multicultural and gender sensitivity
  • Stellar interpersonal skills
  • Strong work ethic
  • Leader with strategic planning abilities
  • Creative problem solver

Student Teacher

  • Cambridge Friends School, Cambridge, MA, K-2, 01/83, 05/83
  • Longmeadow Children’s School, Westboro, MA, 2-4 year olds, 09/82, 12/82
  • Waterville High School, Waterville, ME, 10-12, 09/80, 02/81
  • Waterville Junior High School, Waterville, ME, 7-9, 09/79, 12/79
  • Pleasant Street School, Waterville, ME, 1, 09/78, 12/78

Affiliations

  • Wellesley Public Schools UPK Task Force Member 9/23- Present
  • Mass Bay Community College: Education Department Advisory Board, Instructor 01/09- Present
  • National Coalition of Campus Child Care Centers: Member 01/06, Present
  • Wellesley POPS: Board Member, Drama Rep, President 01/12- 07/22
  • Wellesley Players: Board Member, Current President 01/84 - Present
  • National Association of Young Children: Member 01/83 - Present
  • Wellesley Village Church King School Initiative Director 01/10, 01/13
  • Validator for NAEYC Accreditation Academy: 01/91 - 01/05
  • Boston Association for the Education of Young Children: Board Member, Vice-President 01/95 - 01/98

Education Trainer

Building Successful Relationships with Parents, Behavior Management, Reading Aloud to Children, Supervision, Language Arts Curriculum, Enhancing Language Development, The Interview Process, Strategies for Team Teaching, Preschool Group Times, Process vs. Product Art, Making Music with Children, Developing an Accreditation Committee, Building Trusting Relationships: A Child’s Key to Development and School Success

Timeline

Instructor

Wellesley College Summer School
06.2012 - 06.2014

Fun Run Coordinator

Wellesley Community Children's Center
01.1999 - 03.2020

NAEYC Accreditation Specialist

Newton/Wellesley Community Partnership Grant
09.1996 - 06.2000

Part-time Professor

Lasell College
01.1991 - 01.1994

Early Childhood Program Director

Wellesley Community Children's Center
09.1987 - Current

Preschool Director

Wellesley Community Children's Center
06.1984 - 08.1987

Head Teacher: Three-Year-Old Classroom

Wellesley Community Children's Center
08.1983 - 08.1984

M. S. - Early Childhood Education

Wheelock College

Bachelor of Arts - Major: English. Minors: History & Education

Colby College
DARLENE J. HOWLAND