Heather L. Johnson
Burbank,California
Summary
Flexible and caring early education professional specializing in training teachers to recognize problems early and refer students for early intervention assistance and helping teachers better manage student behavior. Knowledgeable about assessments, compliance and documentation. Customizes approaches based on individual needs and impairments. Focused on helping students build important skills for physical and mental issues impacting academic performance, social integration or physical capabilities. Compassionate in helping with struggles and adapting approaches. Adept at connecting students with resources and involving families for maximum support.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
DIR/Floortime Developmental Interventionist
Holding Hands Inc.
Burbank, CA
01.2024 - Current
- Working with neurodiverse children and advising caregivers and teachers on how best to respond when a child exhibits concerning behaviors.
- Using Floortime™ which is a specific technique to both follow the child’s natural emotional interests (lead) and at the same time challenge the child towards mastery of the social, emotional, and intellectual capacities.
- Incorporating a person-centered approach to motivate, empower, and ensure the individual is respected by providing choices.
- Looking at the individual's stage of development, interest, and targeted goals and using toys, games, sensory motor activities, social-emotional dyadic lessons to strengthen life skills, self-care, play skills, social skills, and communication.
- Maintain detailed records of all intervention activities and results that are most appropriate to the individual, in addition to what is laid out in the treatment plan
- Building relationships with children and guardians through active communication and positive feedback.
Preschool Instructional Coach
Bright Horizons Disney Children's Center
Glendale, CA
03.2022 - 01.2024
- Coached staff on effective classroom management techniques that foster positive learning environments for children with all developmental abilities.
- Observed students in diverse settings to gauge behaviors and advised teachers on how best to respond when a student exhibits concerning behaviors.
- Attended IEP meetings, parent conferences, faculty meetings, and other events related to early intervention efforts.
- Provided resources for families regarding early intervention and information on how to seek additional support and assessments through their corresponding Regional Center and/or School District.
- Administered and reviewed ASQ-3 and ASQ-SE screening tools with teachers and families to provide a baseline of where the child was in their overall development and created goals that supported with strengthening that development.
- Formulated and presented Support Plans when needed.
- Collaborated with other educational personnel and therapists to provide inclusive activities and services for children with disabilities within the Center.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Psychology And Counseling
California State University - Northridge
Northridge, CA06-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Child And Adolescent Development
California State University - Northridge
Northridge, CA05-2013
Associate of Arts - Child Development
Los Angeles Valley College
Van Nuys, CA06-2009
Skills
- Continuous Professional Development
- Classroom Management
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Assessments
- Individualized Support
- Learning Techniques
- Adapting to Student's Learning Style
- Student-Parent-Teacher Collaboration
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Computer Proficiency and Microsoft Office
- In-Class or At-Home Support
- Goal Setting
Certification
- Child Development Program Director Permit (2023-2028)
- Child and Adolescent CPR and First Aid Certified (2023-2025)
Affiliations
- Experience in DIR/Floortime therapy with ongoing weekly trainings
- Yearly presenter at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) for EPC 632 on “Supporting Children Through Grief in the Classroom” (2016-Present)
Timeline
DIR/Floortime Developmental Interventionist
Holding Hands Inc.
01.2024 - Current
Preschool Instructional Coach
Bright Horizons Disney Children's Center
03.2022 - 01.2024
Master of Arts - Educational Psychology And Counseling
California State University - Northridge
Bachelor of Arts - Child And Adolescent Development
California State University - Northridge
Associate of Arts - Child Development
Los Angeles Valley College
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