Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Jennifer Dufield

Springfield,VT

Summary

Dynamic Early Childhood Educator with a proven track record as Owner/Operator at Dandelion Wishes Pre-K, recognized as a 4-Star quality provider. Skilled in crisis management and relationship building, I excel in developing trauma-informed programs that enhance children's social-emotional skills and foster family engagement. I am committed to creating nurturing environments for diverse learners.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Owner/Operator Registered VT Family Childcare

Dandelion Wishes Pre-K and Family Home Childcare
06.2006 - Current
  • I run a specialized care-endorsed family childcare home. This experience has created a wealth of opportunities for me to work with DCF and the foster system.
  • The state of Vermont has recognized me as a 4-Star quality provider. I have a background in eMTSS and Second Step, as well as curriculum development that aligns with VELS.
  • I also hold a certification through the STARR Commonwealth Foundation as a Trauma and Resilience Specialist in Clinical, CTRS-C.
  • As a registered home provider, I care for children aged 6 weeks to 13 years old. I work with them to develop social-emotional awareness, as well as problem-solving skills and independence, through developmentally appropriate practices.
  • Previously, I have partnered with the Springfield School District as a Pre-K provider.
  • I currently hold a Level IVA certificate on the VT career ladder. I work with families to strengthen their relationships with their children and provide community outreach for them as necessary. I have been a member of the Springfield Area Strengthening Families cohort, which provided me with strategies for assisting with families' needs.
  • I assess children and collaborate with CIS and EEE as necessary to address developmental delays and growth.
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.

Assistant Director

Charlestown Village School
06.2002 - 06.2006
  • Streamlined communication between teachers, parents, and administrators to foster a collaborative learning environment.
  • Implemented effective conflict resolution strategies for resolving issues among faculty members or between students.
  • Mentored new teachers through observation, feedback, and professional development opportunities.
  • Conducted regular safety drills to ensure preparedness in case of emergency situations at school premises.
  • Fostered a positive school culture by promoting open communication among staff members and celebrating successes together as a team.
  • Assisted the Director in developing innovative programs to improve students'' academic performance and retention rate.
  • Planned and executed successful special events, such as college fairs, open houses, and parent-teacher conferences.
  • Ensured compliance with state education standards by regularly reviewing curriculum materials and teaching practices.
  • Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
  • Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.

Education

Master of Science - Developmental Psychology

Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester NH
08-2026

Bachelor of Arts - Developmental Psychology

Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
03-2024

Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Care And Education

Community College of Vermont
Springfield, VT
08-2016

Skills

  • Customer relations
  • Small business operations
  • Relationship building
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Financial management
  • Budget development
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Partnership development
  • Crisis management
  • Program creation and implementation
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Effective leader
  • Goal setting
  • Schedule management
  • Customer retention
  • CPR/First Aid Certified in Pediatrics
  • Child Assessment through Teaching Strategies Gold/ ASQ
  • Mandated Reporter trained
  • Strengthening Families trained and employed
  • Creation and employment of Developmentally Appropriate Practice
  • Experience with children with a trauma history
  • Experience with children who have mental health challenges, including mood dysregulation, conduct disorder, ADHD, oppositional defiance disorder, and autism
  • Starts with the Arts program informed, through Inclusive Arts Vermont
  • Art therapy training
  • Certificate in Trauma-Informed Practice from the Starr Commonwealth Program
  • multi tasking
  • relationship building through trust with a focus on resiliency

Timeline

Owner/Operator Registered VT Family Childcare

Dandelion Wishes Pre-K and Family Home Childcare
06.2006 - Current

Assistant Director

Charlestown Village School
06.2002 - 06.2006

Master of Science - Developmental Psychology

Southern New Hampshire University

Bachelor of Arts - Developmental Psychology

Southern New Hampshire University

Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Care And Education

Community College of Vermont

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