Irene C. Simmons
Hinesville,USA
Summary
Dedicated and dependable Lead Child & Youth Program Assistant (CDA) with 8+ years of experience supporting military families and promoting the healthy development, safety, and well-being of children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Skilled in activity planning, classroom management, child guidance, supervision, documentation, and compliance with DoD and installation regulations. Recognized for professionalism, reliability, strong communication, and leadership in fast-paced childcare environments. Adept at training staff, managing schedules, and supporting accreditation and certification standards.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Child and Youth Program Assistant
Child And Youth Services
Fort Stewart, Georgia
07.2023 - Current
- Provide daily supervision, care, and developmental support to infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children, ensuring health, safety, and emotional well-being.
- Serve as a team lead; train, guide, and support CYP assistants in classroom procedures, activity implementation, and child guidance strategies.
- Use approved curriculum and activity plans to deliver developmentally appropriate experiences that support cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.
- Maintain accountability for the whereabouts and safety of all children; ensure that supervision ratios and safety protocols are met at all times.
- Conduct daily health checks and identify signs of illness, abuse, or neglect; report concerns in accordance with Army and DoD policy.
- Implement indoor/outdoor schedules, group activities, special events, and transitions that meet children’s individual needs.
- Participate in program assessments, inspections, and accreditation processes using DoD certification standards, environmental rating scales, and risk assessments.
- Maintain accurate records, training logs, attendance, incident/accident reports, and inventory documentation.
- Communicate professionally with parents, coworkers, and leadership; provide updates on child progress and classroom routines.
- Ensure compliance with safety, sanitation, and emergency procedures; maintain a clean and hazard-free environment.
- Recommend and replenish supplies, materials, and equipment; support ordering and inventory of classroom resources.
- Complete required annual training and maintain an up-to-date Individual Development Plan (IDP).
Child and Youth Program Assistant
Child and Youth Service
Fort Stewart, GA
06.2017 - 07.2023
- Uses designated evaluation materials to ensure the assigned area is in compliance with the Department of Defense (DoD) and local installation standards.
- Maintains control of, and accounts for, the whereabouts and safety of children.
- Implements activities and special events that meet the physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of children and youth.
- Reviews, provides input to, and implements schedules and activity plans.
- Interacts with children using approved child guidance and youth development techniques.
- Interacts professionally with staff members, parents, and the command.
- Supervises children during the daily schedule of indoor and outdoor activities, on field trips.
- Observes program participants for signs that may indicate illness, abuse, or neglect, and reports as directed.
- Participates in program evaluation using designated instruments, such as programmatic rating scales, risk assessment tools (as required), self-inspection materials, and national accreditation.
- Complete designated training requirements, and track and record completed training on your own Individual Development Plan (IDP).
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood
Barton Community College
KansasMaster’s - Business Administration
Webster University Online Program
01.2025
Bachelor of Science - Hotel and Restaurant Management
La Consolacion College Mendiola Manila
Manila, Philippines01.1997
High School Diploma - High School
Adamson University
Ermita, Philippines01.1993
Skills
- Child Development Associates (CDA) Credential
- Dependability
- Confidentiality
- Efficient
- Reliable
- Classroom management
- Adaptable to new concepts and responsibilities
- Detail-oriented
- Management support
- Clerical support
- Time Management
- Team Leadership
- MS Office Proficient
- Type 40wpm
- Bilingual
- Strong written and oral communication skills in English and Tagalog
Timeline
Lead Child and Youth Program Assistant
Child And Youth Services
07.2023 - Current
Child and Youth Program Assistant
Child and Youth Service
06.2017 - 07.2023
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood
Barton Community College
Master’s - Business Administration
Webster University Online Program
Bachelor of Science - Hotel and Restaurant Management
La Consolacion College Mendiola Manila
High School Diploma - High School
Adamson University