Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Kara Steele

Cudahy

Summary

Productive Assistant Director with many years of experience handling and overseeing various business operations. Well-versed in formulating business goals and initiating policies, guiding, and training staff and monitoring administrative functions. Organized and analytical problem-solver commended for building and maintaining excellent customer relationships. Brings a calm presence and a strong sense of responsibility, with a commitment to upholding rules, promoting accountability, and contributing to a safe and healthy environment.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

The Learning Experience
New Berlin
05.2024 - 06.2025
  • Managed daily workflow of personnel by assigning tasks, tracking progress and providing assistance when needed.
  • Supervised recruitment process including interviewing candidates, making hiring decisions and onboarding new hires.
  • Implemented billing procedures, audited and reconciled accounts and recorded transactions.
  • Implemented policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws.
  • Assisted in the coordination of special events and corporate functions.
  • Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
  • Coordinated daily operations and managed workflow to enhance productivity.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment that fosters creativity and growth in children.
  • Oversaw purchasing and inventory to retain physical assets.
  • Oversaw the maintenance and updating of organizational databases and records.
  • Managed inventory and resources to ensure availability and cost-effectiveness.
  • Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.

ACADEMIC SPECIALIST

The Learning Exchange
Milwaukee
02.2024 - 05.2024
  • Developed individualized learning plans for diverse students' needs.
  • Assisted in creating resource materials for classroom instruction.
  • Conducted individual and group tutoring sessions in Math, Science, English, and Social Studies for students of all ages.
  • Developed strategies to motivate students to perform at higher levels academically.
  • Maintained records of student progress in a secure database system.
  • Assisted students in developing effective study skills such as note taking, time management, organization.

LEAD TEACHER

The Kids Connection
Franklin
10.2023 - 02.2024
  • Establish a safe, healthy, and welcoming preschool setting and oversee programs and activities to engage and educate young children
  • Develop open lines of communication with staff, parents, and children--and conduct one-on-one meetings with parents to discuss each child's progress
  • Build and support a qualified team of childcare educators to promote our superior reputation in early-childhood education
  • Meet or exceed financial goals and objectives
  • Participate in marketing events, campaigns, and community relations
  • Provide unparalleled customer service
  • Ensure full compliance with corporate policies as well as federal, state, and company standards, regulations, and requirements including licensing, safety, and sanitation
  • Help manage hiring and recruitment of new staff
  • Upholds company standard and set the example by consistently modeling professional leadership, management and instructional skills while interacting with others
  • Maintain the physical center environment and all health/safety standard operating procedures are always in full compliance with local and state licensing regulations
  • Deliver consistent business results, measured through family retention and conversion, enrollment growth, and business operations. Processes and maintains accounts receivable and payable, monthly P&L's, and employee payroll
  • Effectively engages prospective families through in person tours and orientations
  • Maintain child and staff files
  • Data entry and running reports

LEAD TEACHER/ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Faith Academy
Franklin
02.2018 - 10.2023
  • Fostered a collaborative learning environment, enhancing student engagement and promoting a positive classroom culture.
  • Implemented individualized lesson plans, leading to noticeable improvements in student performance and academic achievement.
  • Coordinated parent-teacher conferences, strengthening relationships and fostering a supportive community around student success.
  • Cultivated a nurturing atmosphere that encouraged student participation, resulting in increased confidence and enthusiasm for learning.
  • Fostered open communication with parents and guardians, building trust and collaboration that contributed to a thriving school community.
  • Designed training program to teach new teachers school guidelines and protocols
  • Maintained the physical center environment and all healthy/safety standard operating procedures are always in full compliance with local and state regulations
  • Maintained professional calm demeanor at all times
  • Fostered a nurturing learning environment, enhancing student engagement and promoting positive behavioral outcomes in the classroom.
  • Assessed student progress regularly through formative assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed to meet individual needs
  • Developed strong relationships with students, fostering a supportive and nurturing learning environment that encouraged academic success.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development to stay up to date on best practices in early childhood education.
  • Coordinated with parents and staff to develop individualized education plans, ensuring tailored support for students with diverse needs.
  • Cultivated a nurturing classroom environment that fostered student engagement, leading to noticeable improvements in overall academic performance.
  • Coordinated with parents and staff to develop individualized learning strategies, strengthening community relations and student success.
  • Passionately engaged with students, creating a positive learning atmosphere that encouraged curiosity and creativity.
  • Fostered a collaborative classroom culture, enhancing student motivation and promoting a love for learning.

Head Start Lead Teacher

Acelero Learning
Cudahy
10.2016 - 02.2018
  • Implemented individualized learning strategies for diverse student needs.
  • Designed engaging lesson plans aligned with early childhood education standards.
  • Coordinated classroom activities to promote social and emotional development.
  • Collaborated with parents to support children's learning and development at home.
  • Developed a safe, inclusive environment fostering positive behavior and learning engagement.
  • Established positive relationships with families from diverse backgrounds.
  • Maintained accurate records of student attendance and progress reports.
  • Ensured compliance with state licensing requirements for early childhood education programs.
  • Assessed students' academic performance using data collection tools such as observations, assessments, portfolios, and other records.
  • Participated in professional development activities to remain current on trends in early childhood education.
  • Led parent involvement activities including workshops on parenting skills and family literacy initiatives.
  • Observed children for signs of illness, injury, emotional disturbance, learning disorders, and speech problems.
  • Instructed and assisted children in eating, toileting, and resting to help develop healthy personal habits.

SERVER

Buffalo Wild Wings
Milwaukee
02.2011 - 10.2016
  • Fostered a welcoming environment for guests, enhancing customer experience and ensuring repeat visits through attentive service.
  • Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate food delivery, strengthening teamwork and operational efficiency.
  • Maintained comprehensive knowledge of menu items, enabling personalized recommendations and boosting sales through upselling.
  • Cultivated strong guest relationships through attentive service, fostering a welcoming atmosphere that led to increased customer loyalty.

LEAD TEACHER

The Nurturing Nook
Milwaukee
03.2014 - 03.2016
  • Led classroom activities to foster a positive learning environment.
  • Monitored student behavior and provided guidance for conflict resolution.
  • Engaged students and boosted understanding of material using focused instructional strategies and hands-on activities.
  • Created various strategies to engage students and deliver enriching educational opportunities.
  • Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff.

Education

ASSOCIATES - EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Milwaukee Area Technical College
Milwaukee, WI
12.2020

INFANT AND TODDLER CREDENTIAL -

Milwaukee Area Technical College
Milwaukee, WI
05.2014

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -

River Valley High School
Spring Green, WI
06.2005

Skills

  • Team Leadership
  • Health and Safety
  • Customer Engagement
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Data Analysis
  • Relationship Building
  • Organization
  • Time-Management
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Professionalism
  • Management
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Multitasking capacity
  • Shift scheduling
  • Data Management
  • Adaptability
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Problem Solving
  • Staff Supervision
  • Quality Assurance
  • Child Development
  • Customer Service
  • Professional Development
  • Customer service
  • Parent communication
  • Staff management
  • Operations management

Timeline

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

The Learning Experience
05.2024 - 06.2025

ACADEMIC SPECIALIST

The Learning Exchange
02.2024 - 05.2024

LEAD TEACHER

The Kids Connection
10.2023 - 02.2024

LEAD TEACHER/ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Faith Academy
02.2018 - 10.2023

Head Start Lead Teacher

Acelero Learning
10.2016 - 02.2018

LEAD TEACHER

The Nurturing Nook
03.2014 - 03.2016

SERVER

Buffalo Wild Wings
02.2011 - 10.2016

ASSOCIATES - EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Milwaukee Area Technical College

INFANT AND TODDLER CREDENTIAL -

Milwaukee Area Technical College

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -

River Valley High School

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