Joni Harden
PALS Preschool
Peoria,IL
19
years of professional experience
Dynamic business manager excelling in operational leadership, strategic planning, and employee management. Proven track record in enhancing preschool curriculum and optimizing resource allocation.
Work History
Business Manager
5 Years 1 Month- Developed and implemented budget strategies to maximize resource allocation.
- Managed staff schedules, ensuring optimal coverage for classroom needs.
- Oversaw compliance with safety regulations and licensing requirements for early childhood education.
- Led operational initiatives to enhance preschool curriculum and daily activities.
- Analyzed program effectiveness and recommended improvements based on feedback and observations.
- Mentored new hires, fostering a collaborative team environment focused on professional growth.
- Drafted reports and documents to improve correspondence management, schedule coordination and recordkeeping.
- Assisted with hiring process and training of new employees.
- Anticipated financial impact from operational issues and worked with leadership to develop solutions.
Receptionist
9 Months- Maintained accurate records of client interactions and inquiries using CRM software.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing client concerns and resolving issues promptly.
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Confirmed appointments, communicated with clients, and updated client records.
- Answered phone promptly and directed incoming calls to the correct offices.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive a positive first impression.
- Resolved customer problems and complaints.
- Handled cash transactions and maintained sales and payments records accurately.
- Supported office efficiency by performing clerical tasks such as data entry, photocopying, scanning, and faxing documents.
- Corresponded with clients through email, telephone, or postal mail.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities while managing numerous tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines.
Early Childhood Educator
9 Years- Fostered a nurturing environment that promoted social, emotional, and cognitive development.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles.
- Collaborated with parents to address children's individual needs and progress.
- Mentored junior educators in classroom management and curriculum delivery strategies.
- Assessed student progress regularly to inform instructional adjustments and enhance outcomes.
- Supported children with special needs, creating customized learning strategies to accommodate various abilities.
- Maintained and fostered positive and constructive interactions with staff, families, and children.
- Boosted children''s social skills development through group projects and collaborative games.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Communicated with parents and other staff about student progress.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Cultivated a safe and inclusive classroom environment that fostered respect, empathy, and cultural awareness among students.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on the entire group.
Insurance Agent
6 Months- Conducted regular market research to identify trends and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Built strong relationships with clients through consistent communication and excellent customer service.
- Responded to customer calls swiftly to resolve issues and answer questions.
- Efficiently managed policy renewals, ensuring timely processing and accurate coverage updates.
- Educated clients on the importance of adequate insurance coverage, fostering trust and loyalty among the existing client base.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing personalized insurance solutions tailored to individual needs.
- Expanded client base by actively prospecting for new business opportunities and generating referrals.
- Developed comprehensive knowledge of various insurance products, enabling effective recommendations for clients'' unique situations.
Assistant Manager
2 Years 1 Month- Trained and mentored new staff, enhancing team performance and cohesion.
- Supervised daily operations to ensure exceptional customer service and satisfaction.
- Developed employee schedules, ensuring adequate coverage during peak hours.
- Implemented inventory management systems, optimizing stock levels and reducing waste.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints efficiently, fostering positive relationships and loyalty.
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
- Oversaw daily cash reconciliations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and minimizing discrepancies.
- Completed regular inventory counts to verify stock levels, address discrepancies, and forecast future needs.
- Assisted in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding of new employees to maintain adequate staffing levels.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Associate of Science - Accounting
Skills
Financial management
Project management
Operational leadership
Staff leadership
Report generation
Documentation and reporting
Employee management
Employee scheduling
Team building and leadership
Customer relationship management
Client relationship management
Customer service
Issue resolution
Decision-making
Workforce management
Operational oversight
Timeline
Business Manager
PALS Preschool
07.2021 - CurrentRead More
Receptionist
Fortner Insurance
10.2020 - 07.2021Read More
Early Childhood Educator
PALS Preschool
10.2011 - 10.2020Read More
Insurance Agent
State Farm
09.2009 - 03.2010Read More
Assistant Manager
Family Video Movie Club
08.2007 - 09.2009Read More
Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor of Science from Accounting
Read More
Black Hawk College
Associate of Science from Accounting
Read More