Elena-Maria Clayton
Marysville
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Lead Childcare Teacher with experience providing high quality care and education for toddlers, and preschool aged children. Skilled in creating safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environments that support children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Experienced in classroom management, implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum, mentoring team members, maintaining accurate documentation, and building positive relationships with families. Committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive classroom where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Toddler Lead Teacher
Close Reach Academy
Arlington
08.2024 - Current
- Planned and implemented developmentally appropriate activities for toddlers ages 2-3 years that supported social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
- Created and maintained a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment that met licensing requirements and center policies.
- Conducted daily observations and documented children's developmental progress to communicate with families and support individualized learning goals.
- Built positive relationships with children and families through consistent communication and collaboration.
- Supervised classroom staff and delegated tasks to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Assisted with potty training, diapering, meal service, and maintaining children's daily routines.
- Managed classroom schedules, transitions, and behavior using positive guidance techniques.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, including sanitizing toys, completing daily health checks, and maintaining accurate records.
- Served as the main opener and key holder, arriving before operating hours to unlock the facility, disarm security systems, complete opening safety checks, and prepare classrooms for the day.
- Performed opening duties such as setting up learning materials, reviewing staff schedules, checking attendance systems, and ensuring classrooms were clean and
- Maintained confidentiality and handled sensitive information professionally.
- Collaborated with administration and teaching staff to support center-wide initiatives and provide high-quality early childhood education.
- Responded appropriately to emergencies and followed established procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of children and staff.
Department lead of shoes,jewelry and accessories
Target
Arlington
11.2023 - 07.2024
- Pulled merchandise from inventory storage and documented quantities to maintain
Contributed to overall business growth by participating in training sessions anc taying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices in shed construction - Ability to communicate and interact with guest to build an positively impact on guest experiences and resolving guest concerns.
- Guest service advocate
- Work both independently and with a team
- Supported team leads in coordinating tasks efficiently during complex projects or tight deadlines.
Cashier Assistant
JCPenney
Marysville
09.2022 - 10.2023
- Trained staff in product education, salesmanship, cash accuracy, and accountability, continuously increased monthly sales goals, guest relationships, and
- Excellent customer service by attentively listening and strategically solving complex
- Pulled merchandise from inventory storage and documented quantities to maintain accuracy and store metrics.
- Responsible for maintaining cleanliness and order the checkout areas, as well as performing other designated cleaning tasks.
- Contributed to overall business growth by participating in training sessions and staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices in shed construction techniques.
Material Handler
Staffmark
Sumner
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Loaded and unloaded materials onto and off of trucks for fast shipment.
- Transported inventory items to appropriate locations.
- Bought carts to verifier to check what goes onto truck and how much goes on trailer.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
Private Nanny
Care.com
Tacoma
04.2022 - 07.2022
- Responsible for the care of up to three children ranging from the age 4 months to 5 years old.
- Take two of kids to school and pick them up on days bus didn't drop them off
- Would make breakfast and lunch for them, clean up messes from meals
- deep clean kitchen, wash all their clothes and dry all of clothes, would even do some art and crafts with the kids
- baby had feeding tube so would clean feeding tube bag, warm up bottles and pre make bottles, did tummy time and play with toys making sure strength for tummy for growing
- Played games, worked on puzzles, and read books to young children.
Style Consultant
Target
Bonney Lake
10.2021 - 04.2022
- Delivered presentations on fashion trends and styling tips for corporate clients and special events, expanding brand"s reach and reputation in industry.
- Used device called "MyDevice" to manage floor counts of merchandised product, look item up for guest and inform them whether we have product or size they need or if another store has what they are looking for.
- Improved store reputation by consistently delivering outstanding results in personal styling sessions, leading to increased word-of-mouth referrals.
- Prioritized helping customers over completing other routine tasks in store.
- Checked pricing, scanned items, applied discounts, and printed receipts to ring up customers.
- Offered each customer top-notch, personal service to boost sales and customer satisfaction.
- Monitored customers for signs of security concerns and escalated issues to management.
- Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
- Handled returns and exchanges professionally, resolving customer issues while adhering to company policies.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
Education
Initial ECE Certification - Early Childhood Care And Education
Everett Community College
Everett, WA06-2026
ECE - ECE
Close Reach Academy
Arlington, WA08-2025
High School Diploma -
Bonney Lake High School
Bonney Lake, WA06-2021
Skills
Classroom Management
- Curriculum Planning & Implementation
- Child Observation & Documentation
- Health, Safety & Sanitation Compliance
- Conflict Resolution & Problem-Solving
- Developmentally Appropriate Practices
(DAP)
- Adaptability & Flexibility
- Record Keeping & Confidentiality
- Strong Interpersonal & Communication
Skills
- Dependable and Reliable
- Customer Service Experience
Early Childhood Development
Knowledge
- Positive Behavior Guidance
- Family Communication & Relationship
Building
- Team Leadership & Staff Mentoring
- Time Management & Organization
- Infant, toddler, and preschool care
- Attention to Detail
- Microsoft Office Proficiency
- Collaboration & Teamwork
- Multitasking in Fast-Paced
Environments
- First Aid/CPR Certified
Timeline
Toddler Lead Teacher
Close Reach Academy
08.2024 - Current
Department lead of shoes,jewelry and accessories
Target
11.2023 - 07.2024
Cashier Assistant
JCPenney
09.2022 - 10.2023
Material Handler
Staffmark
08.2022 - 08.2023
Private Nanny
Care.com
04.2022 - 07.2022
Style Consultant
Target
10.2021 - 04.2022
Initial ECE Certification - Early Childhood Care And Education
Everett Community College
ECE - ECE
Close Reach Academy
High School Diploma -
Bonney Lake High School