Isla Valdovinos
Santa Ana,CA
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated educator with extensive experience supporting children’s social-emotional, and academic development in preschool and elementary settings. Skilled in trauma-informed care, behavior intervention, and culturally responsive teaching within diverse, high-need communities. Demonstrates strong collaboration with families, teachers, and support staff to create safe, inclusive, and growth-oriented environments for children. Passionate about advocacy, equity, and empowerment, with a deep commitment to promoting emotional well-being and resilience in youth values that align with the core principles of social work.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Preschool Teacher
Learning Center Child Development Preschool
Fountain Valley, California
04.2024 - Current
- Observed and documented behavioral patterns, identifying emotional and developmental challengers early.
- Supported children in learning to self-regulate, self-advocate, empathy, and communication skills.
- Provided individualized support for children who experienced separation anxiety, behavioral difficulties, and learning differences.
- Built strong relationships with families, maintaining open communication about each child’s progress and needs.
- Collaborated with parents to create behavioral or developmental support plans.
- Adapted teaching strategies for children with special needs and trauma backgrounds.
- Advocated for equitable access to learning materials, and emotional support for all children.
- Worked with speech therapists and behavioral specialists to address students' needs.
- Practiced confidentiality and ethical communication regarding student information.
- Created and adjusted lesson plans that integrated the Desired Results Development Profile curriculum.
Student Teacher
Santa Ana College Early Childhood Education Center
Santa Ana, California
06.2024 - 07.2024
- Completed an accelerated student-teaching program, quickly adapting to new classroom routines, schedules, and teaching environments.
- Collaborated with mentor teachers to implement individualized learning and behavioral support plans.
- Supported children’s social-emotional development through empathy-based guidance, play-based learning, and positive reinforcement.
- Developed and delivered creative, inclusive lesson plans promoting cognitive and emotional growth.
- Adjusted quickly to classroom needs and managed transitions calmly during high-paced or changing situations.
- Observed and documented student progress, identifying developmental and emotional needs for early intervention.
- Fostered a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment that celebrated diversity and belonging.
- Communicated regularly with families, and staff, to strengthen collaboration and continuity of care.
- Practiced trauma-informed and ethical teaching strategies consistent with social work values of empathy, respect, and equity.
Student Teacher, Kindergarten
Mitchell Elementary
Garden Grove, California
02.2024 - 06.2024
- Completed student teaching in a diverse, high-need school community serving predominantly minority student populations.
- Supported children affected by severe trauma, learning to apply trauma-informed teaching strategies to foster safety and emotional regulation.
- Adapted lessons and classroom management approaches to accommodate emotional and behavioral needs stemming from trauma.
- Built trusting, compassionate relationships with students to promote healing, stability, and resilience in the classroom.
Youth Development Professional
Boys and Girls Club of Huntington Valley
Huntington Beach, California
11.2022 - 04.2024
- Modeled ethical and empathetic behavior, reinforcing trust and positive relationships with children and families.
- Participated in training on child development, mandated reporting, and trauma-informed care.
- Contributed to a team-centered environment, emphasizing collaboration, reflection, and continuous improvement.
- Championed equity and inclusion by celebrating cultural diversity, and fostering mutual respect among students.
- Collaborated with school staff and site coordinators to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
- Connected families with school and community resources to support students’ holistic development.
- Supported transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students in developing social, emotional, and behavioral skills.
- Implemented positive behavior management strategies that fostered empathy, cooperation, and self-regulation.
- Encouraged growth in confidence, communication, and conflict resolution through structured and unstructured activities.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development And Families Studies
California State University Long Beach
Long Beach05-2026
Associate of Arts - Child Development
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana06-2024
Skills
- Empathetic and active listener
- Family and community engagement
- Social-emotional learning (SEL) integration
- Behavior observation and intervention planning
- Trauma-informed care
- Building and maintaining trust with children, families, and colleagues
- Cultural humility and awareness
- Support for underrepresented and minority communities
- Anti-bias and inclusive practices
- Understanding systemic and socioeconomic barriers
- Classroom and group facilitation
- Curriculum planning and implementation
- Child development assessment and documentation
- Student documentation and progress tracking
- Reflective practice and professional growth mindset
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Accomplishments
- Teacher of the Month in November 2024
- Deans Honor Roll at CSULB Fall 2024
- Presidents List at CSULB Spring 2025
- CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT in Early Childhood Assistant Teaching
- ASSOCIATE OF ARTS in Social & Behavioral Science
- ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE in: Early Childhood Education
References
- Susan Bixler (Professional) sbixler@bgchv.com
- Harrelson Notah (Educational) harrelson.notah@csulb.edu
Timeline
Student Teacher
Santa Ana College Early Childhood Education Center
06.2024 - 07.2024
Preschool Teacher
Learning Center Child Development Preschool
04.2024 - Current
Student Teacher, Kindergarten
Mitchell Elementary
02.2024 - 06.2024
Youth Development Professional
Boys and Girls Club of Huntington Valley
11.2022 - 04.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development And Families Studies
California State University Long Beach
Associate of Arts - Child Development
Santa Ana College