Debra House
Chicago,IL
Summary
Established Early Childhood Administrator with 30 years of experience directing enrichment activities, curriculum and caring for children in licensed childcare facility. Oversees staff and operations to meet Illinois standards and contract requirements resulting in successful inspections and monitoring reviews.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Black Pearl Early Childhood Division
Black Pearl Corp.
09.2021 - 06.2023
- Coordinated and facilitated development of cooperative efforts between schools and other community agencies in serving students.
- Delivered technical assistance and validated programmatic data for state and federal reporting.
- Offered training and support for preschool literacy programs.
- Managed program paperwork and child records to comply with state requirements.
- Supervised and managed team of childcare professionals to guarantee highest standards of care.
- Engaged with parents and families to build positive relationships for children to thrive.
Day Care Director
Lots Of Love Early Learning Center
10.2018 - 09.2021
- Brought center into full compliance with licensing and safety regulations for fire and disaster preparedness, and USDA nutritional guidelines.
- Interviewed 52 parents and children for enrollment.
- Conducted trainings and mentored staff, consistently improving performance.
- Managed, observed and evaluated lead teachers, teacher assistants and kitchen staff.
- Developed relationships with community organizations to provide additional resources and services to families.
- Furnished facility with supplies, equipment, food and materials to foster social and cognitive development.
- Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
- Communicated with owners, board members and support team concerning personnel matters.
- Oversaw safety requirements, inspection, and certification procedures to facilitate annual licensing review.
- Observed and assessed classroom activities to verify conformity with quality standards.
- Identified signs of potential emotional or developmental concerns in children and brought to parent or guardian attention.
- Operate early learning center in accordance with company and state licensing standards.
- Managed program paperwork and child records to comply with state requirements.
- Supervised and managed team of childcare professionals to guarantee highest standards of care.
- Operated under licensing guidelines to protect health, safety and well-being of children.
- Evaluated staff and offered guidance to enhance knowledge, skills, and professional development to optimize learning environment.
- Resolved conflicts and administered corrective action to foster positive experience for children and staff.
- Communicated with local and state government agencies to maintain compliance with all regulations.
- Recruited, selected, and retained high-quality staff to reduce turnover and foster stability.
Director of Day Care Center
Black Pearl Corp. Nico's Baby Academy
06.2015 - 09.2018
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships and promote learning.
- Maintained tidy environment to comply with cleanliness and sanitation standards.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Assisted in preparation of meals and snacks to provide children with proper nutrition.
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Intervened in disruptive behavior, using positive reinforcement strategies to redirect and calm children.
- Promoted physical, academic, and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
Assistant Program Director
Henry Booth House Head Start Delegate Agency
04.2005 - 04.2015
- Responsible for inputting Head Start Families into the federal computer system, COPA.
- Ensured the eligibility of all families seeking enrollment into Head Start.
- Directly reported to the President/CEO all non-compliances in Head Start according to the Performance Standards.
- Maintained information for 993 children and 823 families in our Head Start Program.
- Assisted in successfully passing 3 federal reviews which resulted in Henry Booth House and the City of Chicago maintaining their federal Head Start grant.
- Supervised a team of 30 ensuring the implementation of the policies, procedures, and timeframes of Head Start.
- Conducted performance reviews to provide feedback to staff for improvements.
- Assisted program director with developing budget and schedule.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Ashford University
San Diego, CA06.2020
Skills
- Organization and Time Management
- Decision-Making
- Active Listening
- Multitasking Abilities
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Excellent Communication
- Self-Motivated
- Passionate
- Leadership
Certification
Illinois Gateways to Opportunities:
ECE CREDENTIAL LEVEL 5
Illinois Director Credential Level I
Timeline
Director of Black Pearl Early Childhood Division
Black Pearl Corp.
09.2021 - 06.2023
Day Care Director
Lots Of Love Early Learning Center
10.2018 - 09.2021
Director of Day Care Center
Black Pearl Corp. Nico's Baby Academy
06.2015 - 09.2018
Assistant Program Director
Henry Booth House Head Start Delegate Agency
04.2005 - 04.2015
Illinois Gateways to Opportunities:
ECE CREDENTIAL LEVEL 5
Illinois Director Credential Level I
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Ashford University
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