Jeni Schafer
Hart,MI
Summary
Dedicated early childhood professional with 20+ years of experience with the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP). Enthusiastic, eager to contribute to team success through hard work, attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Clear understanding of building positive relationships with administration, teachers and directors while advocating for families. Motivated to grow and excel in the early childhood field.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Early Childhood Supervisor
West Shore Educational Service District
07.2023 - Current
- Implemented a comprehensive staff performance appraisal system, providing constructive feedback and guidance for improvement.
- Elevated the quality of care provided by consistently monitoring teacher-child interactions using established observation tools and protocols.
- Enhanced children''s learning experiences by incorporating play-based activities and hands-on materials in daily routines.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of best practices in early childhood education through participation in conferences, webinars, seminars, or other professional development opportunities.
- Implemented data-driven assessment tools to track children''s progress and adjust teaching strategies accordingly.
- Collaborated with team members to create a positive and safe environment for early childhood education and care.
- Fostered strong relationships with community partners to enhance program offerings and support families'' diverse needs.
- Promoted diversity within the classroom by integrating multicultural learning materials and fostering an inclusive atmosphere for all students.
- Supported staff professional development by providing ongoing coaching, training, and resources for continuous improvement.
Early Childhood Specialist
Independent Contractor
08.2022 - 07.2023
- Developed intentional professional development and supporting activities to support skill-building needs for GSRP staff.
- Prepared teachers for success in classroom settings through goal setting, support and positive feedback.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with GSRP teaching staff, WSESD staff and district administration.
- Observed 20 GSRP staff members using CLASS observation tool to maintain high quality outcomes for all GSRP classrooms.
- Attended professional meetings and State conferences to maintain and improve professional competence.
- Coached and trained GSRP staff in Teaching Strategies GOLD, Connect4Learning, CLASS observation tool, Early Childhood Math Essentials, MTSS and Unpacking the Pyramid Model.
- Completed required trainings to become a Pyramid Model coach, allowing for additional MTSS pilot program in WSESD region.
- Collaborated with GSRP staff on strategies to enhance student learning and behavior.
- Implemented GSRP and licensing procedures and systems to promote a safe and healthy environment in compliance with state standards.
Faculty Instructor
Grand Rapids Community College
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Identified academic strengths and obstacles and developed instructional techniques to accommodate different learning styles.
- Demonstrated superb organization skills in classroom and with student records with specific attention to school policies for documentation.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
Early Childhood Program Director
Pentwater Preschool
05.2010 - 12.2021
- Supervised and mentored 4 early childhood educators, in 2 early childhood classrooms.
- Operated community-based, GSRP program located within public school district.
- Evaluated staff and offered guidance to enhance knowledge, skills and professional development to optimize learning environment.
- Collaborated with board of directors comprised of early childhood staff, family members, and community-based members.
- Planned and monitored curriculum and program activities and liaised with teachers to create developmentally appropriate and engaging learning experiences.
- Stayed current on GSRP and licensing guidelines and requirements to maintain compliant program operations in Michigan.
- Collaborated on strategies to enhance student learning and behavior alongside parents and teaching staff.
- Coordinated and facilitated development of cooperative efforts between schools and other community agencies in serving students.
- Engaged with parents and families to build positive relationships for children to thrive.
- Maintained high-quality child care standards based on developmentally appropriate practices.
- Recruited, selected and retained high-quality staff to reduce turnover and foster stability.
- Operated under licensing guidelines to protect health, safety and well-being of children.
Preschool Lead Teacher (GSRP)
Pentwater Preschool
05.2004 - 12.2021
- Improved academic performance by diversifying teaching techniques.
- Planned and prepared activities for preschool students.
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Provided open and loving environment where children learn through developmentally appropriate activities and curricula.
- Administered assessments for each child and tracked results.
- Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers and letters.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Addressed behavioral and learning issues with parents and preschool management.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Identified signs of emotional and developmental concerns in children and supported families through IEP process when necessary.
Education
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI08.2022
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI05.2014
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
West Shore Community College
Scottville, MI12.2013
Certificate Program - Child Development Associate (CDA)
Muskegon Community College
Muskegon, MI05.2004
Skills
- Collaboration
- Leadership
- Compassion
- Professional Relationships
- Training & Development
Accomplishments
- Implement and develop all areas and requirements for GSRP within the WSESD region.
- Created several cohesive systems and procedures to effectively help with GSRP staff trainings and onboarding.
- Reliable assessor of Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) and Teacher Pyramid Observation Tool (TPOT).
- Plan and deliver professional development trainings to all GSRP staff and community based organizations.
- Member of the WSESD Math Leadership Team.
- Former founding member of the WSESD GSRP Advisory Committee.
- Nominated for 2018 Champion of Children award.
- Collaborated with Senator Hansen to ensure state funding was returned for age eligible students to attend GSRP statewide.
Affiliations
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Timeline
Early Childhood Supervisor
West Shore Educational Service District
07.2023 - Current
Early Childhood Specialist
Independent Contractor
08.2022 - 07.2023
Faculty Instructor
Grand Rapids Community College
01.2022 - 06.2022
Early Childhood Program Director
Pentwater Preschool
05.2010 - 12.2021
Preschool Lead Teacher (GSRP)
Pentwater Preschool
05.2004 - 12.2021
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Northern Michigan University
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Ferris State University
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
West Shore Community College
Certificate Program - Child Development Associate (CDA)
Muskegon Community College
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