Kimberly Brunson
Glenwood,IL
Summary
Seeking opportunities to use my knowledge of academic based programs to help develop and create new experiences and independent thinking skills for students. Ability to support high school students through internships and STEM based programs in a positive team building atmosphere.
Diligent student advocate with solid background in early childhood education and after school programming. Assisted in creating nurturing and engaging environment for young learners and high school age students alike by implementing various community based activities. Demonstrated effective communication and teamwork skills in collaborating with teachers, parents and co-workers.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pre-K Paraprofessional
Flossmoor School District 161
06.2022 - Current
- Coordinate with classroom teacher on curriculum and activities.
- Provide support and work with students in groups during lessons.
- Assisted students with diverse abilities, providing extra support and one-on-one attention when needed.
Early Childhood Facilitator
Homewood Science Center
09.2019 - Current
- Implement engineering field trips for various schools and educational programs.
- Plan, implement and teach various STEM based programs for students during the Summer at the Homewood Science Center.
- Assist our customers with pop up science programs including nano, early math counts and makerspace.
- Fostered an inclusive learning environment by addressing diverse needs and adapting facilitation techniques as needed.
- Increased participant engagement by incorporating interactive activities and group discussions into sessions.
Field Coach
Champions at Kindercare Inc.
09.2019 - 04.2022
- Create a fun and welcoming environment for our students
- Create and implement STEM, curriculum and art programs
- Communicate with families and students regarding any concerns they may have
- Conducted ongoing assessments of employees'' skills and competencies, identifying areas requiring additional training or development opportunities.
- Supported employee growth and development through regular one-on-one coaching sessions, providing guidance on career advancement opportunities within the organization.
- Served as a mentor and role model for newer team members while sharing valuable insights gained from years of industry experience.
Visitor Experience Associate
Wonder Works Children’s Museum
09.2018 - 01.2019
- Organize and set-up Children’s Museum before opening each day
- Create and implement monthly programs and projects for Sensory, Art and Storytime
- Interact with children to keep them safe, promote fair play, and help them with the exhibits
PreK Lead Teacher
Deer Creek Christian School
06.2016 - 07.2018
- Prepare four and five-year-old students for kindergarten using developmentally appropriate practices.
- Help children understand God’s love and purpose for them.
- Implement various Bible curriculums.
- Ensure students have a safe, exciting, and engaging pre-school environment.
- Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
Youth Services Librarian
Crete Public Library
09.2013 - 01.2016
- Assist Patrons in finding and understanding information and the Dewey Decimal System.
- Instruct patrons in the use of all juvenile media equipment.
- Implement and execute various juvenile programs to entertain and educate the public.
- Coordinated outreach efforts with local communities, ensuring they had access to valuable library resources tailored to their unique needs.
- Cultivated a love for reading among children through engaging storytelling sessions and book clubs that encouraged exploration of new genres.
Pre-School Teacher
Little People’s Pre-School
06.2010 - 09.2013
- Prepare three-year-old students for preschool and four-year-old students for kindergarten using Dap practices and the Creative Curriculum
- Ensure that MPR’s, scheduling and files of children, and any other paperwork given by the Director are completed and filed appropriately
- Give the children in my classroom a fun and educational environment to grow in
Check Out Supervisor (COS) / Cashier
Sam’s Club
09.2000 - 09.2010
- Maintain appropriate cash levels and controls while accurately processing payments
- Work well with other COSs to create a great work atmosphere
- Manage five cashiers directly and twenty-five indirectly to build and maintain productivity
Education
Associates in Arts - Early Childhood Education
Prairie State College
Chicago Heights, IL09.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Governors State University
University Park, IL05-2025
Skills
- Observation and assessment
- Parent communication
- Child development
- Resourcefulness and initiative
- Special needs support
- Curriculum planning
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Strong work ethic and dependable
- Multitasking
Certification
ELS-Para certified
Certified in various programs through Gateways education
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Pre-K Paraprofessional
Flossmoor School District 161
06.2022 - Current
Early Childhood Facilitator
Homewood Science Center
09.2019 - Current
Field Coach
Champions at Kindercare Inc.
09.2019 - 04.2022
Visitor Experience Associate
Wonder Works Children’s Museum
09.2018 - 01.2019
PreK Lead Teacher
Deer Creek Christian School
06.2016 - 07.2018
Youth Services Librarian
Crete Public Library
09.2013 - 01.2016
Pre-School Teacher
Little People’s Pre-School
06.2010 - 09.2013
Check Out Supervisor (COS) / Cashier
Sam’s Club
09.2000 - 09.2010
Associates in Arts - Early Childhood Education
Prairie State College
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Governors State University
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