Jessica Ballentine
Canton,MA
Summary
Dynamic early childhood educator with extensive experience at Little Beginnings, specializing in lesson plan development and classroom management. Proven ability to enhance student engagement through play-based learning methods while fostering strong parent-teacher communication. Adept at mentoring staff and implementing effective conflict resolution strategies to create a collaborative educational environment.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Preschool Teacher
Little Beginnings
10.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with early childhood education standards.
- Fostered a nurturing environment promoting social, emotional, and cognitive development in children.
- Collaborated with parents to communicate children's progress and address developmental concerns.
- Mentored junior teachers, providing guidance on classroom management and instructional techniques.
- Organized educational activities that stimulated creativity and critical thinking among preschoolers.
- Assessed individual student progress through observation and tailored instruction accordingly.
- Established classroom routines ensuring safety and optimal learning conditions for all students.
- Coordinated with administrative staff to align resources and enhance educational programs effectively.
- Assisted and supervised Number children through entire school day.
- Established strong relationships with parents through regular communication regarding their child''s progress, fostering increased parental involvement in the educational process.
- Conducted regular parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress and areas of improvement, encouraging a collaborative approach to education.
- Incorporated play-based learning opportunities into daily routines, allowing students to explore new concepts while developing critical thinking skills through hands-on experiences.
- Utilized positive reinforcement techniques when addressing behavioral issues, maintaining a respectful and orderly classroom environment conducive to learning.
- Utilized books, songs and games to engage students.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Enhanced preschoolers'' learning experiences by incorporating creative and interactive teaching methods in daily lessons.
- Submitted weekly lesson plans.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Supported the social-emotional development of students by implementing lessons on empathy, communication skills, and conflict resolution.
Assistant Director
It Takes a Village ELC
Windham, NH
01.2023 - 09.2024
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance program participation and community engagement.
- Collaborated with leadership to refine operational processes, improving efficiency across multiple programs.
- Mentored staff in best practices for customer service and program delivery, fostering a positive environment.
- Analyzed feedback from participants to inform improvements in program quality and participant satisfaction.
- Coordinated training sessions for staff, enhancing skill sets related to youth development and community outreach initiatives.
- Oversaw budget management for various programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and financial sustainability.
- Led team meetings focused on strategic planning and performance evaluation, driving accountability among staff members.
- Conducted regular safety drills to ensure preparedness in case of emergency situations at school premises.
- Evaluated teacher performance through classroom observations and provided constructive feedback for improvement.
- Ensured compliance with state education standards by regularly reviewing curriculum materials and teaching practices.
- Led professional development workshops on topics such as classroom management, differentiated instruction, and assessment strategies.
- Implemented data-driven strategies for continuous improvement of instruction and curriculum alignment.
- Managed department budget to ensure adequate resources for staff development and instructional materials.
Assistant Director
Ymca of Greater Northshore
10.2022 - 08.2023
- Developed and implemented program strategies to enhance community engagement and service delivery.
- Coordinated training sessions for staff, fostering professional development and skill enhancement.
- Analyzed participant feedback to refine programming and improve overall member satisfaction.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline operations and maximize resource efficiency.
- Led initiatives to increase outreach efforts, resulting in expanded membership across diverse demographics.
- Managed budgeting processes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and financial sustainability.
- Oversaw volunteer recruitment and management, enhancing community involvement in YMCA programs.
- Streamlined communication between teachers, parents, and administrators to foster a collaborative learning environment.
- Oversaw the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding process for new educators to maintain a high-quality teaching staff.
- Implemented effective conflict resolution strategies for resolving issues among faculty members or between students.
- Mentored new teachers through observation, feedback, and professional development opportunities.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners to enhance educational opportunities for students.
- Planned and executed successful special events, such as college fairs, open houses, and parent-teacher conferences.
Toddler Teacher
Little Beginnings
10.2017 - 06.2023
- Developed engaging lesson plans that fostered toddler's cognitive and social development.
- Implemented daily routines that promoted consistency and security in learning environment.
- Facilitated age-appropriate activities to enhance motor skills and language acquisition.
- Collaborated with parents to provide updates on children's progress and developmental milestones.
- Maintained a safe, clean classroom environment to ensure health standards were met consistently.
- Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior and social interaction among toddlers.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices for effective toddler education strategies.
- Assisted in maintaining a clean, organized classroom that met required health and safety standards according to state regulations.
- Created a safe, nurturing environment that fostered creativity, curiosity, and exploration among toddlers.
- Led small group activities designed to enhance language skills, fine motor abilities, and problem-solving techniques among toddlers.
Teacher Assistant
Beginnings and Beyond ELC
Hampstead, NH
04.2006 - 08.2012
- Assisted lead teachers in implementing lesson plans and classroom activities.
- Supported students with diverse learning needs through individualized instruction.
- Collaborated with educators to maintain a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
- Organized classroom materials and resources for effective lesson delivery.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to enhance learning outcomes.
- Facilitated communication between teachers, parents, and support staff regarding student development.
Education
Associates in Early Childhood - Early Childhood Education
Granite State College
Concord, NH05.2021
High School Diploma -
Pinkerton Academy
Derry, NH06.2009
Skills
Early childhood education
Lesson plan development
Classroom management
Child assessment techniques
Parent communication
Staff mentoring
Program evaluation
Play-based learning methods
Budget management skills
Conflict resolution strategies
Curriculum alignment practices
Team collaboration skills
Fine motor skills
Parent-teacher communication
Certification
CPR and First Aid
Timeline
Lead Preschool Teacher
Little Beginnings
10.2024 - Current
Assistant Director
It Takes a Village ELC
01.2023 - 09.2024
Assistant Director
Ymca of Greater Northshore
10.2022 - 08.2023
Toddler Teacher
Little Beginnings
10.2017 - 06.2023
Teacher Assistant
Beginnings and Beyond ELC
04.2006 - 08.2012
Associates in Early Childhood - Early Childhood Education
Granite State College
High School Diploma -
Pinkerton Academy