Heather Torrence
Carthage,North Carolina
Summary
Expert at guiding and leading activities with compassion and positive energy, have worked and provided excellent care of adults and children who may have physical or mental disabilities. Proactive and caring worker with over 15 years of experience combined with communication strengths and good observational skills. Skillfully handles day-to-day activities while looking for opportunities to make a difference. Dedicated to supporting emotional and social development. Trained in developmental stages and knowledgeable about offering safe, nurturing environments.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher, Childcare Specialist
Sandhills Children's Center
Southern Pines, North Carolina
08.2019 - Current
- Created and implemented diverse educational strategies to boost development, modified classroom and lesson plans for exceptional children based on needs and age. Planned and guided age-appropriate tasks like reading, crafts, music and movement.
- Kept notes of behavior issues, food served and medications administered to children.
- Offered top-notch care to 10+ children at once, ranging in age from 1 to 2 years old.
- Observed play activities to identify positive behaviors and areas in need of improvement, implementing behavior redirection where appropriate.
- Prepared healthy foods and beverages for children based on optimal dietary guidelines and individual restrictions.
- Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs.
- Monitored entrances and exits to maintain safety and organized environments.
- Applied positive behavior management techniques to enhance social interactions and emotional development.
- Met with parents about daily activities, positive developments and issues.
- Maintained effective schedule balance between rest periods, active play and instruction.
- Assessed babies and toddlers against established early childhood developmental milestones, preparing regular progress reports for each child.
- Communicated with parents through enrollment, tours, newsletters, conferences and direct personal communication.
- Monitored students' academic, social and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Developed age-appropriate activities and programs
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Promoted physical, academic and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
Teacher's Assistant
Sandhills Children's Center
Southern Pines, North Carolina
08.2018 - 02.2019
- Kept classrooms clean, neat and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Handed out classroom materials, like pencils, paper and crayons.
- Worked with lead teacher to monitor class schedule and take attendance.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules and support lead teacher.
- Collaborated with teachers for lesson preparation by preparing materials and setting up equipment.
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
- Assisted lead teachers with lesson plan creation and materials development .
- Provided support to help students with special needs learn and grow.
- Partnered with teacher to plan and implement lessons following school's curriculum, goals and objectives.
- Used behavior modeling and specialized teaching techniques to share and reinforce social skills.
- Documented student progress and communicated with parents to keep informed.
Exceptional Children Teacher's Assistant
Moore County Schools
Cameron, NC
08.2012 - 08.2018
- Provided instruction and support under supervision of teacher.
- Assisted in preparation of classroom and instruction materials.
- Promoted positive and safe environment for student learning.
- Worked collaboratively to support student independence, empowerment and learning.
- Set up classroom equipment and organized activities.
- Responded to emergency situations to resolve immediate safety concerns or direct appropriate personnel for resolution.
- Observed individuals or groups of students in variety of settings to maintain safe and positive learning environment.
- Instructed student activities to implement goals for remediation of deficiencies and drive student success.
- Implemented behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions to present and reinforce learning concepts.
- Observed students' performance and recorded relevant data to assess progress.
- Communicated with teachers and other district personnel to assist in evaluating progress and implementing IEP objectives.
CNA 2
Private Duty Home Care
Carthage, NC
01.2007 - 09.2010
- Supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns and medically relevant symptoms.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing and teeth brushing.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy Alzheimer's/dementia.
- Participated in fun group activities with patients to boost mood, improve overall memory and provide light entertainment.
- Conferred with multidisciplinary healthcare team to help effectively manage patient conditions with regular testing and vitals assessments.
- Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms and allergies.
- Facilitated personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
- Maintained patient stability by checking vital signs and weight and recording intake and outtake information.
- Transported patients between rooms and appointments or testing locations.
- Reduced risks of patient infection and cross-contamination by cleaning and sterilizing equipment.
Education
Continued Education Certification - Teacher Assistant Certification
Sandhills Community College
Pinehurst, NC12.2014
Certification - Certified Nursing Assistant 2
Central Carolina Community College
Sanford, NC05.2007
Certification - Certified Nursing Assistant
Sandhills Community College
Pinehurst, NC05.2005
Skills
- Schedule creation and scheduling activities
- Progress Reporting
- Organizational and Planning Skills
- Educational knowledge
- Observed and documented patient/student status
- Nurturing Approach
- Encouraging Participation and Inclusivity
- Strategy Management
- Experience with Diverse Student Populations
- Educational Material Development
- School Policy and Rules Enforcement
Timeline
Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher, Childcare Specialist
Sandhills Children's Center
08.2019 - Current
Teacher's Assistant
Sandhills Children's Center
08.2018 - 02.2019
Exceptional Children Teacher's Assistant
Moore County Schools
08.2012 - 08.2018
CNA 2
Private Duty Home Care
01.2007 - 09.2010
Continued Education Certification - Teacher Assistant Certification
Sandhills Community College
Certification - Certified Nursing Assistant 2
Central Carolina Community College
Certification - Certified Nursing Assistant
Sandhills Community College
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