Jennifer Reilly
Camp Lejeune,NC
Summary
Highly experienced and compassionate early childhood education professional with a strong background in classroom instruction, program leadership, and staff development. Proven ability to lead large teams and oversee operations serving up to 275 children and 160 staff, while ensuring regulatory compliance and high-quality care. Skilled in mentoring educators, improving program outcomes, and fostering collaborative, inclusive environments. Known for strategic thinking, attention to detail, and a deep commitment to child development and continuous improvement.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER DIRECTOR
Marine Corps Community Services
08.2024 - Current
- Directed all operations of a licensed child development center serving 275 children and 150+ staff, ensuring compliance NAEYC, and HQMC standards
- Provided strategic leadership and staff development, including recruiting, onboarding, performance evaluations, and tailored professional development plans
- Led compliance and quality assurance efforts, conducting health, safety, and sanitation inspections, and maintaining accurate documentation for internal audits and external reviews
- Oversaw financial management and resource allocation, ensuring proper accounting of appropriated and non-appropriated funds and maximizing program efficiency
- Fostered family and community partnerships through coordinated events, parent engagement strategies, and collaboration with external stakeholders
- Implemented child assessment tools and individualized learning plans, supporting developmental outcomes across age groups
- Promoted a positive, high-performing work environment through effective conflict resolution, regular communication, staff recognition, and morale-boosting initiatives
- Supported curriculum planning and classroom management, ensuring age-appropriate, inclusive practices and supporting educators through regular feedback and coaching
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER DIRECTOR
Marine Corps Community Services
10.2023 - 06.2024
- Directed daily operations of a licensed center serving 80 children and supervising 60 staff, ensuring compliance with state, federal, and HQMC standards
- Successfully led the center through NAEYC accreditation, achieving a 94% score, demonstrating excellence in curriculum, environment, and program management
- Strengthened team performance through hands-on coaching, targeted professional development, and a structured mentorship program
- Increased family engagement through monthly events, open communication strategies, and collaborative learning activities
- Collaborated with licensing and accreditation agencies to address prior compliance concerns and restore full regulatory alignment
- Enhanced staffing structure and scheduling systems to improve classroom coverage and minimize turnover
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Marine Corps Community Services
02.2022 - 10.2023
- Provided leadership and mentorship to staff by modeling Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) and facilitating ongoing professional development
- Conducted regular observations and evaluations to identify training needs and improve staff performance
- Developed and implemented targeted training plans, fostering continuous staff growth and compliance with policies
- Ensured safety and well-being of approximately 100 children and 55 staff through effective supervision and accountability
- Optimized staff schedules to maintain proper classroom coverage and operational efficiency
- Coordinated health, safety, sanitation, and fire inspections, ensuring full regulatory compliance
- Managed financial tasks including fund tracking, invoice processing, and reporting to support fiscal responsibility
- Facilitated cross-departmental communication to streamline operations and resolve concerns promptly
- Supported onboarding and technical training, enhancing staff readiness and software proficiency
- Oversaw classroom environment setup adhering to ITERS and ECERS standards, promoting quality developmental experiences
- Maintained organized administrative systems including filing, correspondence, and document management
- Conducted research and provided data insights to support strategic planning and center improvements
CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM TECHNICIAN
Marine Corps Community Services
10.2019 - 02.2022
- Modeled and promoted Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP), mentoring staff to ensure adherence to center policies and quality standards
- Collaborated with Training & Curriculum Specialists to translate professional development into effective classroom practice for program assistants
- Recorded and analyzed staff observations and competency reflections to support ongoing skill development and performance evaluations
- Provided input on promotions, reassignments, and incentive awards in partnership with management and training teams
- Assisted in developing training plans based on identified needs through direct observation and staff feedback
- Ensured safety and accountability for children and staff by supervising groups and monitoring whereabouts
- Planned and coordinated age-appropriate program activities aligned with developmental goals and center objectives
- Facilitated parent conferences, using ASQ assessments and observational data to discuss child progress and guide developmental support
- Fostered a collaborative team environment by participating in meetings and contributing constructive feedback
EDUCATION AIDE
Department Of Defense Education
06.2017 - 07.2019
- Supported students with special needs by providing tailored accommodations and modifications to ensure equitable learning opportunities
- Delivered one-on-one tutoring and small group support to improve comprehension and academic performance
- Assisted in classroom management by establishing clear expectations and promoting a positive, inclusive learning environment
- Collaborated with teachers and staff through participation in faculty meetings, committees, and professional development
- Managed testing materials and graded assignments, tracking student progress to inform instructional decisions
- Fostered parent engagement through regular communication, conferences, and classroom events
- Enhanced literacy skills using guided reading, group discussions, and individualized instruction
- Coordinated school events including field trips and assemblies to enrich the educational experience
- Created instructional materials and classroom displays to support lesson plans and student engagement
- Served as a positive role model, encouraging student confidence and motivation through consistent reinforcement
CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM TECHNICIAN
Marine Corps Community Services
04.2014 - 05.2016
- Modeled and promoted Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP), mentoring staff to ensure adherence to center policies and quality standards
- Collaborated with Training & Curriculum Specialists to translate professional development into effective classroom practice for program assistants
- Recorded and analyzed staff observations and competency reflections to support ongoing skill development and performance evaluations
- Provided input on promotions, reassignments, and incentive awards in partnership with management and training teams
- Assisted in developing training plans based on identified needs through direct observation and staff feedback
- Ensured safety and accountability for children and staff by supervising groups and monitoring whereabouts
- Planned and coordinated age-appropriate program activities aligned with developmental goals and center objectives
- Facilitated parent conferences, using ASQ assessments and observational data to discuss child progress and guide developmental support
- Fostered a collaborative team environment by participating in meetings and contributing constructive feedback
CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Marine Corps Community Services
04.2013 - 05.2014
- Maintained an organized, nurturing classroom environment by managing materials and resources effectively
- Supported children with special needs through individualized interventions and collaboration with specialists
- Monitored and guided children’s behavior, using positive reinforcement and conflict resolution strategies to promote social skills and respectful interactions
- Planned and led creative arts, storytelling, music, and physical activities to support developmental milestones and communication skills
- Conducted developmental assessments to tailor instructional approaches and track progress
- Fostered strong parent relationships through regular updates and responsive communication
- Ensured compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards, including food handling and record keeping
- Collaborated with colleagues to design and implement age-appropriate, inclusive programs
Education
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Education
University of Arizona Global Campus
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Educational Studies
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZAssociate of Arts - Early Childhood Development and Education
The Ohio State University
Columbia, OhioSkills
- Staff supervision & development
- Team building & morale boosting
- Performance evaluation & coaching
- Strategic planning & center operations
- Conflict resolution & crisis management
- Early childhood curriculum development (Creative Curriculum, Early Learning Matters)
Certification
- National Program for Playground Safety
- PD Specialist- Council for Professional Development
Awards
Certificate of Appreciation for excellence in NAEYC accreditation
Training
- PD Specialist endorsed by the Council of Professional Recognition
- Certified NPPS Early Childhood Outdoor Playground Inspector
- CYP Staff Development and Personnel Management
- Cross-cultural Communication
- NAEYC- Onboarding: The Secret to Employee Retention and Engagement Performance Coaching
- CYP Principles of Adult Learning
- Effective Communication in the workplace
- ELM Curriculum
- Creative Curriculum
- ITERS/ECERS
- KIT- Introduction to Inclusion
- KIT- Respectful Accommodations
- KIT- Supporting Positive Behavior
- NAEYC- Perspective-taking: Understanding Challenges, Fears, and Joys of Special Needs Parents
- NAEYC- Supporting Teachers and Caregivers to Understand and Nurture Early Math Content and Process in Toddlers
- NAEYC- The Power of Words and Stories to Create the Life of the Mind
- KIT- Partnering with Families
- KIT- Lessons from the Field
- NAEYC- 4C's for Trauma- Informed Approach: Comprehensive, Connection, Cooperation, and Community
- NAEYC- Helping Little People Deal with Big Feelings
- DoD Infant & Toddler Modules
- Inclusion in the Workplace
- CPR/First Aid Certified
- 18 HR Food Handlers
- NAEYC COVID-19
- Ethos Administrator
Timeline
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER DIRECTOR
Marine Corps Community Services
08.2024 - Current
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER DIRECTOR
Marine Corps Community Services
10.2023 - 06.2024
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Marine Corps Community Services
02.2022 - 10.2023
CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM TECHNICIAN
Marine Corps Community Services
10.2019 - 02.2022
EDUCATION AIDE
Department Of Defense Education
06.2017 - 07.2019
CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM TECHNICIAN
Marine Corps Community Services
04.2014 - 05.2016
CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Marine Corps Community Services
04.2013 - 05.2014
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Education
University of Arizona Global Campus
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Educational Studies
Arizona State University
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Development and Education
The Ohio State University
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