Katelyn Gurung

Dear Child and Youth Programs:

I am interested in becoming your Behavioral Specialist for the Child and Youth Programs. I consider myself a determined and dedicated worker who is willing to go the extra mile to provide the best quality work to my employer. I have been working in childcare for approximately twelve years and currently have the pleasure of being your Trainer Assistant for the preschool classrooms. I have a bachelor's in public health from the University of Mount Union in Ohio. With my knowledge and skills in public health I have been able to assist with procedures/protocols for cleanliness which help keep my employees and children safe and healthy. I received my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in 2021 during the pandemic in infants to toddlers. While completing my CDA, I took advantage of using the resources made available to further my knowledge and better assist our families. Working in childcare all these years has helped me understand the importance of adapting and overcoming the ever-changing rules and protocols which has helped me sharpen my skills in becoming a detail-oriented person that enjoys and takes the initiative to find a solution when encountered with a problem.

While in my journey of working in childcare, I've learned that every child learns very differently, and it is important to adapt with the programs available to help each child receive the best quality care. Taking the time to know each child is vital in helping them get the best aid from the program to better suit their needs. I have connected with children to understand how they learn, and I have changed environments to help create better systems for them. I have created classroom environments that adapt and overcome new challenges. In my current position I have worked closely with the current behavioral specialist observing children who are presented with challenging moments and their environments. I have been able to coach and mentor the classrooms to help create positive environments for any child to succeed. I work closely with families whose children we support with a behavior support plan to build better connections and encourage the families through this development. I understand the behavior support process and work on a regular basis with the current behavioral specialist to ensure each child and the classroom have the highest level of success. I am determined and believe fully in setting up my staff for success and mentoring them in creating systems in their rooms the help achieve the goals they may have for the room or themselves.

Success is not determined by achieving a goal, but by refining it over time and continuously working towards something even better. My goal is to challenge myself in this potential new job opportunity by taking what I have learned and implementing it with each child who needs more support. I have successfully worked on the behavior support plan as a leader in a classroom and understand the dedication and patience it takes to see it prosper. As a trainer assistant, I am currently mentoring preschool leaders through this process to help them succeed. I believe my skill sets in observing and creating systems will be beneficial to this position which is why I would love the opportunity to become the behavioral specialist for the Child and Youth Programs and look forward to speaking with you in detail about the job.

Sincerely,

Katelyn Gurung

• Child Development Associate (CDA)
• CPR/First Aid Certified

• Alpha Xi Delta Sisterhood Award
• Photography Student Art Exhibit