HEATHER LALONDE

Program Development & Safety

• Develop and maintain safe, nurturing preschool programs in full compliance with Michigan Department of Human Services, Michigan Department of Public Health, and NAEYC standards

Professional Learning Communities & Curriculum Implementation

• Lead Professional Learning Community (PLC) work using Creative Curriculum framework to enhance instructional practices across programs
• Establish planning guidelines and protocols ensuring consistent, high-quality curriculum implementation
• Facilitate collaborative planning sessions among teaching teams to align instruction with developmental standards
• Support teaching teams in implementing curriculum and assessments with fidelity

Supervision & Staffing

• Oversee multiple before and after school care programs and facilities
• Coordinate staffing, substitute coverage, and classroom placements to meet LARA and special education requirements
• Monitor formal training and professional development for teachers to ensure quality instruction

Program Management

• Facilitate enrollment processes and family engagement for preschool and school-age programs
• Collaborate with special education to ensure effective service delivery and student support

Operations & Compliance

• Manage building operations ensuring compliance with state licensing requirements and LARA guidelines
• Oversee implementation of the state Quality Rating System
• Maintain program compliance for GSRP programming
• Manage school budget and allocate resources to support instructional priorities
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, including special education and Title requirements

Leadership & Communication

• Report regularly to Superintendent on program activities and operational metrics
• Promote positive school culture with high academic and social expectations
• Engage staff, families, and community through regular communication and event participation
• Develop programs in which preschool-age children are safe, well cared for, and supported to grow and learn

Student Achievement & Support

• Oversee special education services and ensure full compliance with IEP requirements and federal regulations
• Manage RTI/MTSS processes and facilitate Child Study Team meetings to identify and support students with diverse needs
• Promote social-emotional learning and positive behavior supports (PBIS) through school-wide initiatives

Data, Instruction & Student Support

• Collected, organized, analyzed, and reported student growth data to inform instructional decisions
• Facilitated staff development and collaborative conversations around students' academic and behavioral needs
• Advised staff on Child Study protocol and special education referral processes
• Built collaborative systems between PBIS and MTSS Academics to streamline interventions and support student success

RTI & Intervention Planning

• Organized, scheduled, and created RTI plans while participating in Child Study Team meetings to enhance student support strategies
• Co-planned with staff on lesson planning, differentiation, interventions, and data tracking
• Created PK–5 intervention schedules, paraprofessional hour schedules, and testing calendars
• Trained staff on testing tools and adapted interventions to meet diverse learner needs
• Partnered with special education and support staff to optimize instructional strategies for diverse learners

Professional Development & Coaching

• Provided and sourced training opportunities for teachers and paraprofessionals
• Oversaw paraprofessional development through coaching, training, and data-driven dialogues

Family & Community Engagement

• Supported relationships between parents, staff, and community partners
• Facilitated conflict resolution discussions and strengthened understanding among disputing parties

Operations & Initiatives

• Created, organized, and maintained PTC site to streamline building communication and needs
• Actively engaged school community to foster shared responsibility for student growth
• Secured grant funding to support student initiatives (e.g., Book Vending machine)

• Served as influential teacher representative for PTC, advocating for classroom needs in leadership meetings and shaping educational decisions
• Strengthened school-home partnerships by fostering transparent communication between staff and families
• Collaborated with PTC leadership to design and execute meaningful school events and fundraisers that engaged the community
• Championed initiatives aligned with school improvement priorities, ensuring volunteer efforts and resources directly supported student success

Led classroom activities and instruction

• Established classroom community focused on child safety, inclusion, and fostering love of learning
• Differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all learners
• Implemented and monitored IEP and behavior plan goals to enhance student progress
• Identified and recommended students in need of academic, social-emotional, and behavioral supports

Managed family communication processes

• Demonstrated strong organizational and communication skills with families
• Built trusting relationships with parents and assisted in complex decision-making processes
• Guided families in navigating academic and behavioral planning to empower student success