KATIE LILJEDAHL
Middlefield,CT
Summary
Extensive experience in the field of Early Childhood Education in a variety of sectors including non profit, family child care programs, center based programs, ABA therapy, and advocacy for children with special needs. Experience in creating and implementing developmentally appropriate play based curricula aligned with the CT-ELDS in collaboration with a team. Well versed in the Reggio Emilia inspired philosophy as well as the Project Approach. Self Starter who takes initiative, thinks outside the box, and thrives in advocating for elevating Early Childhood Education. Author of policy report which can be found in the links section.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Early Childhood Educator
Seasons Preschool
07.2012 - 03.2014
- Served as an assistant to owner of a nonprofit family childcare program located on an organic farm and serving children aged six weeks to six years old
- Created nature based activities that promoted the values of inclusion, cooperation, and earth stewardship
- Supported in the school’s NAEYC accreditation process and used the FCCERS (Family Childcare Rating Scale) and ITERS (Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale) to assess environment
- Organized and attended community gatherings to strengthen home to school connection
Preschool Teacher
Alphabet Academy
11.2016 - 04.2020
- Developed nurturing bonds with each child and ensured each child felt like an integral member of a community
- Collaborated with team to design and implement a Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum that was aligned with the CT Early Learning Standards
- Utilized emotionally responsive care in supporting children in navigating challenging emotions
- Conducted observations and documentation to assess children's development and the CT ELDS to identify next steps
- Ensured inclusive childcare environment providing specialized support when needed
Owner and Operator
Denver Dog Hikes LLC
11.2014 - 06.2015
- Created dog hiking business that supported urban dog owners in getting their dogs into the great outdoors by providing day hikes in the Rocky Mountains
- Provided top notch dog sitting services
- Created website, marketing material, newsletters, and social media campaigns that effectively branded the company and brought in new clientele
Education Coordinator
LULAC Head Start
06.2020 - 05.2021
- Oversaw the educational component of infant/toddler and pre-school classrooms ensuring program was in compliance with local and state mandates and met the Head Start Program Performance Standards
- Supported the program in the process of becoming accredited with the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- Monitored the development and implementation of developmentally appropriate play based curricula
- Provided positive leadership and support to staff during COVID19 pandemic and handled the logistics of repeated shut downs and reopening
- Conducted classroom observations and provided feedback in productive and proactive manner
- Handled hiring, training, scheduling and employee payroll
Yoga Teacher
Source Yoga Studio
08.2011 - 06.2013
- Provided safe, creative and dynamic yoga classes for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students
- Guided gentle meditations that supported students in cultivating mindfulness
- Utilized knowledge of anatomy, chakras, energy medicine, meditation, and asanas to develop holistic and creative classes that nurtured the whole body
Children’s Yoga Teacher
Peanut Butter and Yoga
06.2010 - 08.2012
- Created yoga for kids business which provided yoga classes tailored to meet the unique needs of the preschool child
- Created website, designed marketing, conducted outreach
- Provided family yoga, preschool yoga, and private yoga sessions
- Provided specialized and adaptive yoga for children with special needs
Inclusion Specialist
Children’s Resource and Referral
02.2007 - 04.2010
- Exceeded grant expectations by increasing the availability of inclusive childcare spaces by 30 %
- Provided trainings, mentorship, technical assistance and referrals to child care providers in Santa Barbara County specifically those providers serving low income and/or at risk children and families
- Positively collaborated with local stake holders, specifically the Inclusive
- Childcare Action Team to develop, implement, and assess strategic plan for achieving goals outlined in the grant
- Coordinated and participated in county wide Project Exceptional trainings which educated over 300 childcare providers on best practice in Inclusive Childcare
- Published policy report titled "Bridging the Gap" which addresses the gaps in the system of services for children with special needs
Education
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Education
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, COMaster of Arts - English And Creative Writing
College of Charleston
Charleston, SCSkills
- Lesson Planning
- Positive Reinforcement Strategies
- Classroom Observation
- Special Needs Education
- Behavioral Modeling
- Transition Coordination
- Teaching Strategies Gold Software and Content
- Child Plus Software
- Microsoft Office and Google Suite
- Excellent Written and Verbal Skills
- Self Starter
- Skilled in grant writing, grant proposals, and grant implementation
Certification
200 hour RYT Yoga Instructor
30 hour RYT Yoga for Kids Instructor
Timeline
Education Coordinator
LULAC Head Start
06.2020 - 05.2021
Preschool Teacher
Alphabet Academy
11.2016 - 04.2020
Owner and Operator
Denver Dog Hikes LLC
11.2014 - 06.2015
Early Childhood Educator
Seasons Preschool
07.2012 - 03.2014
Yoga Teacher
Source Yoga Studio
08.2011 - 06.2013
Children’s Yoga Teacher
Peanut Butter and Yoga
06.2010 - 08.2012
Inclusion Specialist
Children’s Resource and Referral
02.2007 - 04.2010
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Education
University of Colorado Denver
Master of Arts - English And Creative Writing
College of Charleston
Similar Profiles
Amber GibsonAmber Gibson
Preschool Teacher at Cedars Preschool PreschoolPreschool Teacher at Cedars Preschool Preschool
Tina LinTina Lin
Childcare Assistant Teacher at B'above Preschool (Metrokids Preschool)Childcare Assistant Teacher at B'above Preschool (Metrokids Preschool)
Michele HanleyMichele Hanley
Teacher Assistant, Toddler Class at Abiding Presence Preschool & Building Blocks Developmental PreschoolTeacher Assistant, Toddler Class at Abiding Presence Preschool & Building Blocks Developmental Preschool
Maxwell SartorMaxwell Sartor
Sales Associate at StaplesSales Associate at Staples
Linda JonesLinda Jones
Project Manager/Office Assistant at Magnum Industries/HomesProject Manager/Office Assistant at Magnum Industries/Homes