KEYONNA BENNETT
Washington
Summary
To provide strategic leadership and support in delivering high quality early learning programs that foster the developmental, educational, and nutritional needs of young children, ensuring full compliance with OSSE regulations and food program standards. Through collaboration with staff, families, and community partners, the goal is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that promotes the success and well-being of every child.
Professional educator prepared for role with strong background in fostering student development and managing classroom dynamics. Valued for ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and adapt to changing needs. Skilled in lesson planning, classroom management, and engaging diverse student populations. Known for reliability, excellent communication, and results-driven approach.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Teacher
DCPS Excel Academy
01.2025 - Current
- Delivered high-quality instruction in the absence of the regular teacher, ensuring a structured and engaging learning environment for students in PreK3-8th grade.
- Followed lesson plans provided by teachers, adapting as needed to meet student needs while maintaining classroom routines and expectations.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, implementing positive reinforcement strategies to support student engagement and learning.
- Provided individualized support to students, assisting with assignments, activities, and overall comprehension of lesson materials.
- Maintained a safe, inclusive, and respectful classroom atmosphere aligned with DCPS policies and Excel Academy educational mission.
- Communicated with school staff and administrators regarding student progress, classroom activities, and any incidents requiring attention.
- Ensured compliance with early childhood supervision strategies for PreK classrooms, including active monitoring, hygiene assistance, and structured transitions.
- Completed daily reports for the returning teacher, documenting classroom activities, student progress, and any notable occurrences.
- Part-time
Program Director
YMCA KIPP
06.2023 - Current
- Design, implement, and evaluate school-age programs that meet the developmental, educational, and recreational needs of children.
- Oversee daily operations, ensuring compliance with OSSE licensing and regulatory requirements.
- Develop and maintain program schedules, lesson plans, and curriculum aligned with best practices and state standards.
- Monitor program outcomes and performance, implementing improvements as needed to maintain high-quality standards.
- Ensure compliance with OSSE Child Care Subsidy Program requirements, including accurate recordkeeping, timely reporting, and subsidy billing.
- Conduct internal audits to ensure adherence to OSSE regulations and guidelines.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for OSSE, responding to audits, inspections, and inquiries.
- Oversee the implementation and compliance of the OSSE food program, including meal planning, procurement, and service.
- Ensure adherence to Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines for menu planning, documentation, and reimbursement processes.
- Train staff on food safety, portioning, and CACFP requirements.
- Recruit, hire, train, and supervise program staff, including educators, support staff, and food service personnel.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment focused on quality and innovation.
- Build strong relationships with families, ensuring open communication and addressing concerns promptly.
- Collaborate with community organizations and stakeholders to enhance program offerings and support services.
- Organize parent workshops, events, and feedback sessions to promote engagement and program improvement.
- Develop and manage the program budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational goals.
- Maintain accurate records, including attendance, financial reports, and compliance documentation.
- Prepare and submit required reports to OSSE and other regulatory bodies in a timely manner.
- Ensure all programs operate in a safe and secure environment, adhering to health and safety standards.
- Stay informed on changes in OSSE policies, licensing requirements, and child development best practices.
- Conduct regular site inspections to ensure facilities and programs meet all regulatory and organizational standards.
Assistant Director
YMCA Diplotots
06.2019 - 06.2023
- Assist in planning, implementing, and evaluating early learning programs to ensure alignment with child development best practices and OSSE standards.
- Oversee daily program operations, including schedules, staffing, and resource allocation.
- Ensure compliance with OSSE regulations, including maintaining accurate records for licensing, reporting, and audits.
- Support the management of the OSSE Child Care Subsidy Program, including eligibility verification, attendance tracking, and subsidy billing.
- Monitor compliance with all OSSE program requirements and prepare for inspections and audits.
- Assist in submitting timely and accurate reports to OSSE and other regulatory agencies.
- Comprehensive understanding and application of the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale (ITERS) to evaluate and enhance the quality of care and learning environments for children ages 0-3.
- Conducting classroom assessments using ITERS to identify strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring alignment with best practices in early childhood education.
- Experience supporting programs through NAEYC Accreditation, including preparing documentation, implementing required standards, and guiding staff through the accreditation process.
- Proven ability to use ITERS and NAEYC criteria to develop action plans that improve program quality and meet accreditation benchmarks.
- Assist in the administration of the OSSE food program, ensuring compliance with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines.
- Oversee meal planning, procurement, and service to meet CACFP nutritional standards.
- Train and monitor staff on food safety, portioning, and proper documentation to ensure program compliance.
- Support the recruitment, onboarding, training, and supervision of teaching and support staff.
Education
B.A. - Sociology
Averett University
Danville, VASkills
- Classroom Management
- Student Engagement
- Lesson Implementation
- In-depth knowledge of OSSE licensing, subsidy programs, and CACFP requirements
- Early Childhood Supervision
- Positive Behavior Support
- Adaptability
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and Teams
- Behavior management
- Group and individual instruction
Timeline
Substitute Teacher
DCPS Excel Academy
01.2025 - Current
Program Director
YMCA KIPP
06.2023 - Current
Assistant Director
YMCA Diplotots
06.2019 - 06.2023
B.A. - Sociology
Averett University