Jennifer Sykes
PHILADELPHIA,PA
Summary
Results-driven District Team Leader specializing in quality programming for early education. Managed four Early Learning Centers in Greater Philadelphia, enhancing learning environments through effective problem-solving and communication. Committed to advancing quality early education programming in alignment with the YMCA mission.
Overview
1
1
Certification
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
District Team Leader
Greater Philadelphia YMCA
Conshohocken, PA
06.2021 - Current
- Guide and nurture staff development, cultivating a culture of teamwork and high performance.
- Recruited, hired, and trained team leaders for early learning centers. Currently support four team leaders in their roles.
- Conduct team meetings to share best practices and foster continuous improvement initiatives.
- Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement through the establishment of open feedback loops and integration of best practices from other districts.
- Coordinate and facilitate professional development
- Oversaw multiple grant-funded programs to ensure compliance and effective resource allocation.
- Coordinate staff, resources, and programs across four early learning centers to ensure compliance with educational standards and promote child development.
Advanced Program Director
Greater Philadelphia YMCA
Northeast Family YMCA, Philadelphia PA
01.2018 - 06.2021
- Hired and trained staff on new procedures..
- Responsible for the supervision of over 30 staff members in two separate programs.
- Responsible for maintaining supplies and worked with the child care team on budgets for both programs.
- Oversaw 3 after school sites and maintained a good rapport with the school administration.
- Maintained STAR 3 level at all three BASE sites and STAR 4 level along with NAEYC accreditation in the Early Learning Center.
Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher
Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA
Northeast Family YMCA, Philadelphia PA
10.1997 - 01.2018
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with educational standards.
- Led classroom management initiatives to foster a positive learning environment.
- Mentored new teachers on curriculum delivery and instructional strategies.
- Collaborated with staff to enhance program offerings and student engagement.
- Implemented supervision, inclusion and transitions for child care and camp trainings.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and adjust teaching methods accordingly.
- Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Fargo-Moorhead YMCA
Fargo, ND
09.1994 - 07.1997
- Led curriculum development to enhance early childhood learning experiences.
- Organized engaging activities that stimulated cognitive, social, and emotional growth in children.
- Fostered positive relationships with parents and caregivers to support child development.
- Implemented behavioral management strategies to promote a safe classroom environment.
Lead Toddler Teacher
The Courtyard Child Development Center
Tonawanda, NY
09.1993 - 07.1994
- Designed and implemented engaging curriculum tailored to developmental milestones for toddlers.
- Fostered a nurturing environment that promoted social and emotional growth among children.
- Collaborated with parents to support children's learning objectives and address individual needs.
Education
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Arcadia University
Glenside, PA01-2012
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Development
University of New York At Buffalo
Amherst, NY01-1993
Associate of Science - General Studies
Erie Community College
Buffalo, NY01-1992
Skills
- Staff development
- Staff training
- Delegation
- Driven work ethic
- Customer service
- Compliance oversight
- Training and mentoring
- Coaching
Certification
- Instructional II Early Childhood Education N-4 Teaching Certification
- PA Director Credential
- CPR and First Aid Certified
- Servsafe / Food Handler Certification
- Creative Curriculum Trainer - Infant and Toddler Curriculum
Timeline
District Team Leader
Greater Philadelphia YMCA
06.2021 - Current
Advanced Program Director
Greater Philadelphia YMCA
01.2018 - 06.2021
Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher
Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA
10.1997 - 01.2018
Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Fargo-Moorhead YMCA
09.1994 - 07.1997
Lead Toddler Teacher
The Courtyard Child Development Center
09.1993 - 07.1994
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Arcadia University
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Development
University of New York At Buffalo
Associate of Science - General Studies
Erie Community College