Dawn M. Laidler, MA
Detroit
Summary
Experienced Substitute Teacher with a strong background in K-12 education and over 20 years in child welfare. Skilled in classroom management, lesson plan adaptation, and engaging students to foster effective learning environments. Proven ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with families and community resources to enhance youth and family situations.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Detroit Public School Community District
Detroit
08.2025 - Current
- Implemented lesson plans and adapted materials to meet diverse learning needs, enhancing student comprehension.
- Facilitated positive learning environment, effectively addressing student behavior issues to promote engagement.
- Managed classroom activities and maintained student engagement during lessons.
- Collaborated with teachers to support instructional goals and classroom management.
- Assessed student understanding and provided feedback on assignments.
- Integrated technology into lessons, enriching learning experiences and catering to various learning styles.
- Addressed individual student needs and accommodated learning differences.
- Built strong connections with administrators, teachers, and parents to foster a collaborative educational environment.
Lead Child Welfare Specialist/Program Trainer
The Children's Center of Wayne County
Detroit
01.2007 - Current
- Evaluated child welfare cases to ensure safety and well-being of children.
- Coordinated with families, agencies, and professionals to develop comprehensive service plans.
- Developed case plans and goals for at-risk families, including referrals to community resources.
- Conducted home visits to assess living conditions and support needs of children.
- Provided crisis intervention and emotional support to children and families in distress.
- Facilitated family meetings to discuss safety plans, service plans, and permanency options.
- Facilitated training sessions for staff on child protection policies and best practices.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery for families in need.
- Advocated for children's rights within the legal system and community resources.
- Documented case notes and maintained accurate records in compliance with regulations.
Child Welfare Supervisor
The Children's Center of Wayne County
Detroit
03.2008 - 07.2015
- Supervised case management teams to ensure compliance with child welfare policies.
- Ensured compliance with state laws and regulations governing child welfare services.
- Developed training programs for staff on best practices in child protection.
- Conducted regular meetings with caseworkers to discuss child welfare cases and provide technical assistance.
- Reviewed case files for accuracy and adherence to regulatory standards.
- Implemented quality assurance measures to improve service delivery processes.
- Coordinated with community partners to enhance family support services.
- Assisted in the recruitment, hiring, training, and supervision of child welfare staff.
- Maintained accurate records according to state and federal requirements pertaining to case management activities.
- Collaborated with other agencies responsible for providing services to vulnerable populations such as foster parents, adoptive parents, guardians.
Juvenile Probation Counselor
Starr Vista
Detroit
01.2005 - 12.2006
- Assessed probationer needs and risks to inform individualized support strategies.
- Developed individualized case plans for probationers based on assessment findings.
- Monitored compliance with probation conditions through regular check-ins, ensuring accountability and support.
- Monitored the compliance of court-ordered conditions such as drug testing, community service, or curfew checks.
- Evaluated potential violations of probation conditions and recommended appropriate sanctions to promote rehabilitation.
- Conducted investigation interviews and court processing for minors referred to juvenile court.
- Conducted home visits to observe living environments in order to assess safety risks or identify additional support systems.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress notes and case files.
Education
Master of Arts - Counseling Education
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI05-2007
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice - Youth Services
Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, MI08-1990
Skills
- Implements lesson plans
- Classroom management
- Student engagement
- Positive rapport building
- Digital learning tools/Smartboard
- Problem-solving
- Communication skills
- Active listening
- Conflict resolution
- Interpersonal skills
- Parent-teacher communication
- Professional ethics
Timeline
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Detroit Public School Community District
08.2025 - Current
Child Welfare Supervisor
The Children's Center of Wayne County
03.2008 - 07.2015
Lead Child Welfare Specialist/Program Trainer
The Children's Center of Wayne County
01.2007 - Current
Juvenile Probation Counselor
Starr Vista
01.2005 - 12.2006
Master of Arts - Counseling Education
Wayne State University
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice - Youth Services
Saginaw Valley State University