Gidget Pangelinan

Provide daily oversight and leadership for Child Development Center (ages 0–5) and/or School-Age/Youth Programs, ensuring high-quality care, staff performance, and full compliance with Department of the Army and regulatory standards. Supervise direct care staff, manage schedules, and maintain appropriate adult-to-child ratios at all times. Act as Assistant Director or Director in their absence and oversee extended evening or weekend operations as needed across CYS facilities.

Key Responsibilities & Achievements:

• Ensure strict compliance with Army Higher Headquarters Inspection (AHHI) requirements by conducting internal reviews, addressing deficiencies, and implementing corrective action plans in coordination with leadership.
• Maintain program readiness for Army Public Health Nursing (APHN) inspections by ensuring all sanitation, hygiene, and health-related protocols are followed, including diapering, handwashing, food handling, and illness reporting.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines, including proper food storage, meal service, portion sizes, and documentation for meal counts and menus.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate direct care staff; provide performance feedback and ensure completion of required training through Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
• Develop and manage staff schedules to meet ratio and group size requirements across age groups while minimizing gaps in supervision and coverage.
• Support hiring processes by participating in onboarding of new staff using standardized Army CYS position descriptions.
• Collaborate with directors and training specialists to coordinate and implement developmentally appropriate activities and special events that support the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth of children and youth.
• Track and analyze ratio sheets, attendance records, and daily reports to ensure adequate staffing and supervision in accordance with DoD policies.
• Serve as the Acting Director up to 20% of the time, providing leadership and operational continuity in the absence of center leadership.

Served as a Pre-Kindergarten Program Associate in the Strong Beginnings Program, supporting early learners in developing essential “Kindergarten Etiquette” skills such as taking turns, raising hands, following directions, and walking in line, to ensure a smooth transition into formal schooling.

Key Responsibilities:

• Motivated and guided children in developing foundational social and behavioral skills necessary for school readiness.
• Provided daily supervision, oversight, and accountability for children in compliance with Department of Defense (DoD), Army, and local policies and standards.
• Collaborated with the School Liaison Officer and local school officials to support each child’s successful transition to kindergarten.
• Completed required training and maintained records through an Individual Development Plan (IDP).
• Maintained accurate daily logs for management review and compliance purposes.
• Followed detailed instructions to complete paperwork and perform data entry tasks using internal systems.

• Planned, coordinated, and conducted structured activities based on the developmental needs and interests of individual children and youth.
• Prepared and implemented tailored program options for participants with special requirements, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
• Provided instruction and guidance to team members on specific tasks and job techniques; distributed written instructions, reference materials, and necessary supplies.
• Communicated program guidance, policies, procedures, and directives to staff to maintain consistency and quality in program delivery.
• Utilized designated evaluation tools to assess compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) and local installation standards.
• Maintained operational standards required for DoD certification and national accreditation (or equivalent).
• Completed required training modules and certifications using approved service training materials to stay current with regulations and best practices.
• Performed various additional duties as assigned to support the effective operation of the program.

With over six years of experience working with children from birth to age five, supported the comprehensive development and well-being of children and youth by planning and implementing age-appropriate curricula, activities, and special events that addressed their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs. Maintained a safe, engaging indoor and outdoor environment, ensuring compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) standards and local installation policies.

Key responsibilities included supervising children and youth (6 weeks to 18 years), preparing and maintaining activity spaces and materials, fostering positive interactions and relationships, and adapting care for participants with special needs. Communicated regularly with parents and staff, documented developmental observations, and participated in assessments, program evaluations, and compliance checks.

Acted as a mandatory reporter for suspected child abuse or neglect. Supported accreditation and certification efforts, and performed additional administrative and operational duties as required to maintain program quality and safety.