Lead Head Start Teacher / Assistant Pre-K Counts Teacher
KELLY GALARZA
MCIU
Lansdale,PA
32
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Experienced Early Childhood Educator with over 10 years in fostering academic and social-emotional development. Specializes in creating inclusive learning environments and implementing differentiated instruction. Skilled in curriculum planning, classroom management, and collaboration with families and professionals. Knowledgeable in early childhood best practices and effective documentation systems, committed to nurturing children's confidence and love for learning.
Work History
Lead Head Start Teacher / Assistant Pre-K Counts Teacher
4 Years 2 Months- Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support children's cognitive, language, physical, and social-emotional development.
- Established and maintained a safe, inclusive, and nurturing classroom environment that supported diverse learners' growth.
- Use differentiated teaching strategies to meet individual learning styles, developmental levels, and student needs.
- Assess, document, and monitor children's developmental progress using observation and assessment tools, including Teaching Strategies GOLD.
- Executed curriculum and learning experiences that met early childhood education standards, enhancing children's developmental outcomes.
- Provide emotional and developmental support to children while promoting independence, confidence, and positive behavior.
- Developed strong, respectful relationships with families, facilitating regular communication about children's progress and classroom experiences.
- Address parent and family concerns professionally and collaborate with families to support children's individual needs.
- Collaborate with co-teachers, specialists, administrators, and other educational staff to support student development and classroom success.
- Maintain accurate student records, assessments, documentation, and electronic daily reports.
- Apply effective classroom management and positive behavior-support strategies.
- Participate in professional development, staff meetings, trainings, and school-wide initiatives.
Lead Teacher
3 Years 1 Month- Planned and implemented developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences for children ages 4–5.
- Designed and implemented lesson plans, classroom projects, monthly themes, and indoor and outdoor learning activities to foster holistic child development.
- Adapted instruction to support different learning styles, developmental levels, and individual student needs.
- Monitored and documented children's learning, behavior, and developmental progress to inform instructional adjustments and support individual growth.
- Maintained accurate classroom records, daily rosters, student documentation, and electronic family reports.
- Established a safe, welcoming, and engaging classroom environment that encouraged exploration and learning through play.
- Shared insights on children's daily activities, accomplishments, and developmental progress with parents and guardians to strengthen home-school connections.
- Developed positive, lasting relationships with children and their families.
- Collaborated with co-teachers and school leadership to develop curriculum, classroom projects, and instructional strategies.
- Participated in parent conferences, faculty meetings, professional development, and required training.
- Maintained compliance with state, local, and school regulations, policies, and safety requirements.
- Maintained current certifications and completed required professional development.
Teacher Assistant / Lead Teacher
7 Months- Collaborated with lead teachers to identify student needs and develop appropriate classroom strategies.
- Supported teachers in implementing classroom lessons and reinforcing concepts through individual and small-group instruction.
- Supervised children during classroom activities, meals, recess, and transitions to ensure safety and engagement.
- Supported positive behavior by consistently reinforcing classroom expectations and school policies.
- Documented and communicated student progress to families and lead teachers, facilitating informed support strategies.
- Collaborated with lead teachers to assess student needs and develop targeted strategies, enhancing individualized learning.
- Maintained a safe, clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
- Recorded student attendance daily, parent-teacher conferences, and other classroom documentation.
Teacher's Aide
2 Months- Assisted toddler and Pre-K teachers with daily classroom routines, activities, meals, and nap schedules.
- Supported children with self-help skills, including feeding, dressing, toileting, and personal hygiene.
- Facilitated potty training sessions with toddlers to encourage independence and self-care skills. and age-appropriate developmental activities.
- Planned and implemented engaging indoor and outdoor educational and recreational activities to promote learning and social skills.
- Maintained clean, safe, and organized classrooms and play areas.
- Supervised children and maintained appropriate safety standards.
- Updated parents on children's daily activities, routines, and experiences to strengthen home-school connections.
- Demonstrated patience, flexibility, and positive behavior-support strategies when working with young children.
Barista
1 Month- Delivered friendly, enthusiastic customer service to enhance customer experience in fast-paced environment.
- Prepared food and beverage orders, ensuring quality and presentation standards met to drive customer satisfaction.
- Processed cash and register transactions accurately.
- Kept preparation and service areas clean and organized to support efficient operations.
- Worked collaboratively with team members during high-volume periods.
Clerk / Bakery & Salad Bar
12 Years 10 Months- Provided professional, customer-focused service in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Guided customers in product selection, addressing questions and concerns to enhance shopping experience.
- Maintained clean, organized, and sanitary bakery and salad bar areas.
- Prepared, stocked, displayed, and rotated merchandise to ensure freshness and appeal per company standards.
- Assisted with ordering inventory and maintaining appropriate product levels.
- Trained and supported new employees, facilitating smooth onboarding and effective bakery and salad bar operations.
- Oversaw training of new employees in salad bar operations to ensure adherence to company standards.
- Demonstrated strong attention to detail, organization, communication, and teamwork.
Babysitter
7 Years 6 Months- Provided safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate care for children.
- Promoted language development through reading, storytelling, and conversation.
- Used positive reinforcement to encourage appropriate behavior and social development.
- Documented daily activities, meals, naps, and behaviors to track children's development and well-being.
- Assisted children with personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, and self-help skills to promote independence and confidence.
- Maintained daily records of children's activities, meals, naps, and behaviors.
- Maintained a clean, healthy, and child-friendly environment.
- Engaged with parents to share insights on children's daily experiences and address their needs.
- Responded appropriately to emergencies and followed established safety procedures.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Early Childhood Studies
Associate's Degree - Early Childhood Education
High School Diploma
Skills
Early Childhood Education & Development
Curriculum planning
Teaching Strategies GOLD
Child Observation & Assessment
Differentiated Instruction
Creative Curriculum
Early Literacy & Math Development
Language Development
Fine & Gross Motor Development
Social-Emotional Development
Trauma-Informed Practices
Cultural Awareness & Inclusion
IEP/IFSP Collaboration
Family engagement
Family involvement strategies
Record keeping
Electronic Daily Reporting
Classroom management
Classroom Safety & Supervision
Daily Routines & Transitions
Group instruction
Personalized instruction
Tech integration
Conflict Resolution
Team Collaboration
Professional Communication
Organization & Attention to Detail
Observation assessment
Inclusive Classroom Practices
Early literacy and math
Social-Emotional Development
Professional Communication
Organization & Attention to Detail
Certification
CPR & First Aid Certified, Fire Safety Certified
Timeline
Lead Head Start Teacher / Assistant Pre-K Counts Teacher
MCIU
09.2022 - CurrentRead More
Lead Teacher
The Salvation Army
11.2016 - 12.2019Read More
Teacher Assistant / Lead Teacher
Les Petits Cherubs
03.2016 - 10.2016Read More
Teacher's Aide
Kids Paradise Daycare Center
01.2016 - 03.2016Read More
Barista
Aloha Gelato
08.2015 - 09.2015Read More
Clerk / Bakery & Salad Bar
Acme Markets
09.2002 - 07.2015Read More
Babysitter
01.1995 - 07.2002Read More
Manor College
Associate's Degree from Early Childhood Education
Read More
Central High School
High School Diploma
Read More
Eastern University
Bachelor's Degree from Early Childhood Studies
Read More
Personal Information
Title: Pre-Kindergarten Teacher | Early Childhood Educator