Kathryn Markin
Pelham,GA
Summary
Dedicated early childhood educator with a proven track record at Shelby County YMCA, skilled in curriculum planning and fostering child development. Known for implementing positive reinforcement strategies that enhanced classroom management and increased parent engagement. Passionate about creating safe, nurturing environments that promote social-emotional growth and individualized learning.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Infant and Toddler Teacher
Shelby County YMCA
06.2017 - 08.2020
- Trained new staff on curriculum delivery and classroom management techniques.
- Led parent workshops focused on early childhood education strategies and resources.
- Instructed children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toileting.
- Improved overall classroom management by implementing positive reinforcement strategies and establishing clear expectations for behavior.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Fostered independence in students by encouraging self-help skills such as dressing, feeding, and toileting when appropriate.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating play-based and age-appropriate activities into daily lesson plans.
- Assisted in the assessment of student progress through observation, documentation, and targeted interventions when needed.
- Communicated with parents through enrollment, tours, newsletters, conferences, and direct personal communication.
- Established a warm rapport with students that fostered emotional security and a sense of belonging.
- Encouraged social-emotional growth through interactive games, role-playing scenarios, and group activities.
- Supported individualized learning needs by adapting teaching methods to suit various learning styles and abilities.
- Implemented creative art projects that stimulated fine motor skill development while also allowing for personal expression among students.
- Maintained tidy environment to comply with cleanliness and sanitation standards.
- Implemented curriculum to enhance classes with learning-focused activities.
- Documented behavior, development and learning of children to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
Teachers Assistant
Miracle Kids Success Academy
06.2016 - 05.2017
- Assisted lead teacher in implementing lesson plans and classroom activities.
- Supported students with individualized learning needs, adapting materials for diverse learners.
- Facilitated communication between teachers and parents regarding student progress and concerns.
- Organized classroom resources, maintaining an efficient and conducive learning environment.
- Facilitated effective learning experiences for students by utilizing a variety of instructional techniques to meet their unique needs.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on the latest teaching trends and methodologies, enhancing overall effectiveness as an educator.
- Ensured the safety of all students by adhering strictly to school policies regarding proper supervision during class times as well as extracurricular activities.
- Assisted students with special needs in achieving academic success through individualized instruction and personalized support strategies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents through regular communication about student progress and areas for growth, ultimately contributing to improved home-school partnerships.
- Maintained safety and security by overseeing students in recess environments.
Infant and Toddler Teacher
Shelby County YMCA
08.2010 - 06.2016
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate lesson plans for infants and toddlers.
- Fostered a safe and nurturing environment to promote healthy development.
- Collaborated with parents to support children's growth and learning.
- Monitored child behavior, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and guidelines.
- Conducted assessments to track developmental milestones and progress.
- Engaged children in interactive activities that enhance cognitive skills.
- Provided support during transitions between classrooms or activities, ensuring smooth adjustments for young children.
- Managed classroom materials effectively, ensuring a clean, organized space conducive to learning at all times.
- Increased parent involvement in children''s education by maintaining open communication and providing regular updates on child progress.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships and promote learning.
- Maintained a safe and nurturing environment by adhering to state regulations and implementing consistent routines for care.
- Participated in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
- Contributed to team meetings focused on enhancing program quality through continuous improvement initiatives.
- Promoted early literacy development through storytelling, songs, and guided reading activities.
Toddler Teacher
Little Scholars Development Center
03.1997 - 02.2009
- Developed engaging lesson plans that fostered cognitive and social development in toddlers.
- Implemented daily routines to promote structure and consistency for young learners.
- Created a safe, nurturing environment that encouraged exploration and creativity.
- Collaborated with parents to support children's growth and address developmental concerns.
- Integrated educational tools and resources to enhance learning experiences for toddlers.
- Led assessments to evaluate individual progress and tailor instruction accordingly.
- Organized community events to strengthen family involvement and support educational initiatives.
- 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.
- Developed individualized lesson plans tailored to each child''s needs, promoting overall growth and development.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Worked closely with fellow teachers to share ideas, exchange feedback, and collaborate on curriculum planning efforts across classrooms.
- Collaborated with parents to establish consistent routines and maintain open communication channels for optimal child support.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating age-appropriate activities and play-based teaching methods.
- Managed classroom materials and resources effectively to ensure a well-stocked learning environment at all times.
- Allowed for ample outdoor discovery time in schedule each day.
- Implemented positive discipline strategies to reinforce appropriate behavior in the classroom.
- Ensured all children felt valued, respected, and included within the classroom by fostering a culture of empathy and support.
- Maintained accurate records of children''s developmental milestones and prepared detailed reports for parent-teacher conferences.
- Established strong relationships with families, fostering trust and collaboration in supporting each child''s development.
- Taught hand washing and proper use of utensils to promote good hygiene and etiquette habits.
- Assisted in preparation of meals and snacks to provide children with proper nutrition.
- Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships and promote learning.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
Head Start Teacher
Tri County Community Action Agency
06.1990 - 09.1996
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate curriculum fostering cognitive, social, and emotional development.
- Collaborated with families to create individualized education plans supporting children's unique needs.
- Monitored student progress and assessed developmental milestones using standardized evaluation tools.
- Trained and mentored new staff on classroom management techniques and educational best practices.
- Coordinated community resources to enhance learning opportunities for children and families.
- Led parent engagement activities, strengthening family involvement in children's education and school events.
- Advocated for children's rights and needs within the educational framework, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Participated in ongoing professional development to stay up-to-date on best practices in early childhood education.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, performance data, and other relevant information for reporting purposes.
- Enhanced parent-teacher communication by maintaining open lines of communication via newsletters, conferences, and progress reports.
- Increased student participation by implementing interactive and hands-on learning activities.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formative assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed to meet individual needs.
- Collaborated with fellow educators to create an engaging, inclusive educational environment for all students.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
- Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
- Established positive relationships with students and families.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
Education
Child Development CDA
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, ARGED -
Shelbyville High School
Shelbyville, TXChild Development CDA
Austin Community College
Austin, Texas, TXSkills
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Patience and empathy
- Confidentiality and privacy
- Child-centered approach
- Safety awareness
- Hygiene and cleanliness
- Classroom organization
- Positive reinforcement
- Documentation and recordkeeping
- Observation and assessment
- Outdoor play supervision
- Fine motor skills
- Gross motor skills
- Music and movement
- Child development
- Curriculum planning
- Motor skills development
- Diaper changing
- Community involvement
- Special needs support
- Nutrition
- Language development
- Naptime routines
- Potty training strategies
- First aid and CPR
- Loves children
- Multitasking and organization
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Child safety
- Play-based learning
- Arts, crafts, and games
- Parental communication
- Lesson planning
- Social development activities
- Early childhood education
Timeline
Infant and Toddler Teacher
Shelby County YMCA
06.2017 - 08.2020
Teachers Assistant
Miracle Kids Success Academy
06.2016 - 05.2017
Infant and Toddler Teacher
Shelby County YMCA
08.2010 - 06.2016
Toddler Teacher
Little Scholars Development Center
03.1997 - 02.2009
Head Start Teacher
Tri County Community Action Agency
06.1990 - 09.1996
Child Development CDA
Arkansas State University
GED -
Shelbyville High School
Child Development CDA
Austin Community College