Libby Johnston
Smart Start of Mecklenburg County (MECK Pre-K)
York,SC
1
Certification
2027
years of professional experience
Seasoned Executive Early Childhood Leader with 35 years of experience in enhancing and managing high-quality early childhood programs across North and South Carolina. Expertise includes program administration, quality improvement, and NAEYC accreditation. Skilled in building partnerships and achieving measurable improvements in program quality. Achieved over $900,000 in grants and fundraising, successfully launching new initiatives and fostering leadership dedicated to positive outcomes for children and families.
Work History
Site Administrator Coach
1 Year 10 Months- Coached and supported site administrators in enhancing program quality for Mecklenburg County's publicly funded pre-kindergarten program.
- Coach and support site administrators serving Mecklenburg County's publicly funded pre-kindergarten program.
- Conduct site visits, classroom observations, documentation reviews, and program quality monitoring.
- Develop individualized coaching plans and written follow-up summaries.
- Designed leadership tools and professional development materials to strengthen early childhood education practices.
Director
2 Years 10 Months- Directed operations of nationally accredited laboratory preschool, supporting educational development for 150 children and leading a team of 25 staff.
- Led successful NAEYC accreditation efforts and maintained compliance.
- Managed budgeting, personnel, strategic planning, and partnerships.
- Managed budgeting, personnel, strategic planning, and partnerships to enhance program sustainability and growth.
- Supervised student teachers and strengthened staff performance systems.
Executive Director
3 Years- Opened new 12-classroom center, expanding access to quality education.
- Hired and supervised 30 employees, enhancing team capacity and service delivery.
- Grew enrollment to 200 children, increasing community engagement and program sustainability.
- Received Rotary Club Outstanding Community Leader Award.
- Opened a new 12-classroom center.
Executive Director
5 Years- Managed daily activities of nonprofit organization.
- Developed and maintained donor partnerships to secure ongoing funding and support for programs.
- Developed strong relationships with donors to enhance support.
- Enhanced processes to improve accountability within the organization.
Strengthening Families Program Director
- Developed and implemented family support programs to assist families in need.
- Engaged with community partners to coordinate resources and services.
- Oversaw documentation and service coordination to ensure compliance and continuity of care.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Teaching
Bachelor of Arts - Human Services, Minor in Child Psychology
Skills
NAEYC Accreditation
Program Evaluation
Program Administration
Staff Coaching
Licensing Compliance
Regulatory Compliance
Reporting documentation
Strategic Planning
Documentation management
Grant Writing
Fundraising
Partnership development
Leadership Coaching
Resource Development
Organizational Leadership
PAS-3 Program Assessment
Certification
- PAS-3 Certified Assessor
- North Carolina Teaching License (K–6)
- North Carolina Level III Early Childhood Administrator
- Certified CSEFEL Trainer
- Qualified Mental Health Professional
- Rotary Club Outstanding Community Leader Award
SELECTED CAREER IMPACT
- 35+ YEARS Early Childhood Leadership
- $900K+ Grants & Fundraising
- 3 PROGRAMS Guided Through NAEYC Application
- 12 CLASSROOMS Center Opened from Concept
- 200 CHILDREN Enrollment Achieved
- 2 STATES NC & SC Leadership
Timeline
Site Administrator Coach
Smart Start of Mecklenburg County (MECK Pre-K)
09.2024 - CurrentRead More
Director
York Technical College Child Development Center Laboratory School
11.2021 - 09.2024Read More
Executive Director
The Learning Tree at Lake Forest Church
01.2018 - 01.2021Read More
Executive Director
North Mecklenburg Child Development Association
01.2013 - 01.2018Read More
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Bachelor of Arts from Human Services, Minor in Child Psychology
Read More
Strengthening Families Program Director
Children's Alliance
2008 - 2013Read More
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Graduate Certificate from Teaching
Read More