Kelly Li
Summary
Passionate early childhood educator who loves creating joyful, meaningful learning experiences for young children. With a strong foundation in early childhood development, and a special skill set in teaching Mandarin, I enjoy bringing language and culture into the classroom in playful, age-appropriate ways. I believe in the power of relationships, hands-on exploration, and bilingual learning to support each child’s growth. Whether I’m designing engaging activities or supporting social-emotional development, I bring enthusiasm, patience, and a deep commitment to helping children thrive.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Early Childhood Educator&Mandarin program lead
Tessellations
Cupertino, CA
01.2024 - Current
- Design and implement project-based learning experiences aligned with children’s interests and developmental stages.
- Encourage exploration, creativity, and inquiry, facilitating open-ended activities across areas like literacy, math, science, and the arts.
- Create a warm, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that reflects the values of the school.
- Promote children’s independence, social-emotional development, and executive functioning skills.
- Observe and document children’s learning through anecdotal notes, photos, and learning stories.
- Communicate regularly and transparently via conferences, emails, and classroom documentation.
- Work closely with co-teachers and team members to plan, reflect, and problem-solve.
- Participate in professional development, staff meetings, and school events.
- Design and implement developmentally appropriate Mandarin language lessons that align with the school’s educational philosophy and student learning goals.
Lead teacher
Casa dei Bambini School
Redwood City, CA
07.2022 - 12.2023
- Design and prepare preschool class objectives and outline for course of study according to curriculum guidelines or the requirements of state and school;
- Instruct children in activities designed to promote their social, physical and intellectual development;
- Plan individual and group activities to stimulate growth in language, social and emotional skills;
- Evaluate and discuss students’ academic and behavioral attitudes and achievements and progress with parents.
- Maintain Montessori & NAEYC Standards.
- Encourage family involvement and participation. Manage our online Montessori reporting system for your families.
- Maintain all records assigned to the Guide: Attendance, Daily Observations, Class/Progress Records, Family Communications, etc.
- Manage day-to-day classroom activities, including Montessori lessons, art, free play, bathroom breaks, lunch and snack.
- Support & respect the Culture and Vision of Casa dei Bambini
Bilingual program lead teacher
Appleseed Montessori School
Sunnyvale, CA
01.2017 - 06.2022
- Design and prepare preschool class objectives and outline for course of study according to curriculum guidelines or the requirements of state and school;
- Instruct children in activities designed to promote their social, physical and intellectual development;
- Plan individual and group activities to stimulate growth in language, social and emotional skills;
- Evaluate and discuss students’ academic and behavioral attitudes and achievements and progress with parents.
Education
Early Childhood Education Administration
UCLA Extension
Montessori Early Childhood Teacher Credential
Montessori Teacher Education Center
Sunnyvale, CAMaster of Arts - Education
Heidelberg University
Tiffin, OhioBachelor of Education - Early Childhood Education
Tianjin Normal University
Tianjin, ChinaSkills
- Project-based learning
- Mandarin instruction
- Classroom management
- Curriculum development
- Observation techniques
- Child development
Certification
- Child Development Master Teacher Permit
- Child Development Site Supervisor Permit
Volunteer Experience
- Krout Elementary School, Volunteer Assistant Chinese teacher, Tiffin, Ohio, 2016-08, 2016-12, Assisted teacher with organizing and preparing materials for daily instruction in social studies and language arts class;, Make educational plans and document student’s developmental progress;, Served as a substitute teacher to teach social studies and language arts and helped to organize group activities for students.
- Heidelberg University, Volunteer Assistant Chinese teacher, Tiffin, Ohio, 2016-01, 2016-05, Assisted teacher with organizing and preparing materials for daily instruction, includes video, textbooks, etc;, Develop individualized educational plans to report and document student’s developmental progress;, Helped to organize group activities for learners and keep recording student’s academic progress.
Timeline
Early Childhood Educator&Mandarin program lead
Tessellations
01.2024 - Current
Lead teacher
Casa dei Bambini School
07.2022 - 12.2023
Bilingual program lead teacher
Appleseed Montessori School
01.2017 - 06.2022
Early Childhood Education Administration
UCLA Extension
Montessori Early Childhood Teacher Credential
Montessori Teacher Education Center
Master of Arts - Education
Heidelberg University
Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood Education
Tianjin Normal University
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