Lidia Dormier
Smithtown
Summary
Seasoned Center Director with a rich background in managing operations, staff development, and strategic planning. Possess strong leadership skills, adept at fostering a team-oriented environment that promotes productivity and efficiency. Instrumental in initiating programs and implementing new strategies to enhance center performance. Strong advocate for staff engagement and client satisfaction, consistently striving for excellence in service delivery. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, ensuring seamless center operations and staff coordination.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Center Director
The Learning Experience
RONK
2023.10 - 2024.08
- Oversee the daily operations of the childcare center.
- Manage the center's staff, including hiring, training, and supervision.
- Ensuring compliance with licensing requirements and OCFS regulations.
- Implement The Learning Experience L.E.A.P. Interactive curriculum.
- Maintain a safe and nurturing environment for children.
- Build relationships with parents and address their concerns.
- Monitor and evaluate the performance of the center and staff.
- Manage budget and financial resources.
- Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and community partners.
- Promote the center and participate in Make-A-Wish marketing activities.
Program Director
Port Washington Children's Center
Port Washington
2022.08 - 2023.09
- Developed and implemented strategic plans and goals for the early childhood program and school-age program in alignment with the organization's mission and objectives.
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of (7) program sites, ensuring compliance with all relevant OCFS (Office of Children and Family Services) regulations, policies and procedures.
- Provided leadership and guidance to program staff, including hiring, training, and performance management.
- Collaborated and delegated with community partners and funders to enhance program offerings and secure necessary resources.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with parents, addressing their concerns and ensuring their involvement in program activities, with the assistance of class parents.
- Created a comprehensive and thorough school calendar for the academic year.
- Monitored program quality and effectiveness through regular assessments, evaluations, and data analysis.
- Remained updated on best practices, research, and trends in early childhood and school-age education, incorporating them into program design and delivery.
- Knowledge of inquiry-based learning, an emergent and transformative approach, where students were empowered to actively explore and investigate topics, fostering a deep understanding for the teacher and a lifelong love for learning.
- Ensured accountability among all Port Washington Children's Center personnel.
- Fostered a positive and inclusive program environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Collaborated with other program directors and organizational leaders to ensure coordination and integration of services across different programs.
- Assist the executive director with preparing and submitting reports to the board of directors and funders, providing updates on program outcomes, achievements, and challenges.
- Participate in professional development activities to enhance leadership skills and knowledge in the field of early childhood and school-age education.
- Hold certification in CPR, first aid, and mandated reporter training, to ensure the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively in emergency situations and fulfill my responsibilities as a mandated reporter.
- Collaborate and delegate representation of the organization at community events, conferences, and meetings, advocating for the importance of early childhood and school-age programs.
Education Director
New Beginnings Preschool
Kings Park
2021.09 - 2022.07
- As the overseer of the preschool program, accountable for managing all facets, encompassing early childcare as well as school-age programs.
- Established a secure and nurturing educational environment that fostered the growth and well-being of children, staff and families, ensuring their physical and emotional safety.
- Collaboration with the regional director, to effectively oversee and manage the staff, ensuring a cohesive and productive team dynamic.
- Responsible for developing policies and designing curricula that align with state requirements, ensuring compliance and promoting a high-quality educational experience.
- Held certifications in CPR, first aid, and mandated reporter training, ensuring the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively in emergency situations and fulfill the responsibilities of a mandated reporter.
- Adhered to state, local and OCFS (Office of Children and Family Services) regulations, ensuring full compliance with all applicable guidelines and requirements.
- Created a comprehensive school calendar for the academic year, which included scheduling fire drills and shelter-in-place drills to ensure the safety and preparedness of our school community.
- Ensured the safety and proper maintenance of the playground areas, prioritizing the well-being of children and maintaining a secure and enjoyable outdoor environment.
- Managed and maintained the school's social media presence, ensuring consistent and engaging content that reflects the values and achievements of our educational community.
- Fostered an open line of communication with staff, families and children, cultivating a strong and unified relationship built on trust, collaboration and effective communication.
- Provided continuous training opportunities for staff, ensuring their professional growth and development in order to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- Responsible for supervising and managing the daily activities of staff, which included conducting classroom observations and annual performance reviews; ensuring the highest level of quality and effectiveness in the early childhood program.
- Responsible for organizing and coordinating various school events, such as back-to-school nights, moving-up ceremonies and holiday programs, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for children, families and staff.
Arts-in-Education Committee Member
Smithtown School District
Smithtown
2008.09 - 2022.06
- Ensured that the PTA supported year-round access to the arts, by identifying and organizing monthly arts-related programs for elementary, middle and high school students.
- Collaborated with the Arts-in-Education Chairperson and school principals to review ongoing efforts and assess the need for arts materials in each school, ensuring that adequate resources are available to support arts education.
- Created and developed contracts with arts enrichment vendors, as well as managing the budget for arts in education to allocate funds appropriately.
Middle School, English Language Arts Teacher
Ivy League School
Smithtown
2020.09 - 2021.08
- Instruct middle school students in English language, literature, composition, and reading, providing them with the necessary content knowledge and skills to excel in these areas.
- Implemented the English language arts and literacy curriculum designated by the New York State Common Core Learning Standards (NYS CCLS), ensuring that students receive instruction aligned with these standards.
- Modified English materials and teaching methods to create meaningful and sequential assignments and lesson plans that effectively guided and challenged the students in their learning journey.
- Created lesson plans and supplementary materials that aligned with the instructional philosophy of the department, consistency with the standards of the course, and ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive learning experience for students.
- Delivered personalized and small group instruction to tailor the curriculum to the unique needs of every student and subgroup, ensuring that each learner received the support and guidance necessary for their academic growth and success.
- Assessed the academic and social progress of students, preparing report cards, attendance reports, checklists, and maintaining accurate records to effectively monitor and document their growth and development.
- Fostered an environment that encouraged students to think independently and express their own original ideas, promoting critical thinking and creativity in the learning process.
- Assessed the progress of each student meeting the course standards for English skills, including listening, speaking, reading and writing, ensuring that their individual growth and proficiency in these areas are effectively evaluated.
- Established and upheld standards of student behavior that are necessary to create a productive and orderly classroom environment, ensuring a conducive atmosphere for learning.
- Maintained open and effective communication with parents and administrators regarding the progress of students, providing regular updates and feedback on their academic performance and overall development.
- Managed students during designated classroom time, ensuring their supervision and guidance in assigned out-of-classroom activities.
- Actively engaged in faculty committee (Earth Day); maintained sponsorship of student activities; contributed to the collaborative decision-making process and supported the extracurricular involvement of students.
- Administered tests in accordance with the testing practices established by the division, ensuring that assessments were conducted in a fair and consistent manner.
Early Childhood Group Teacher
The Rinx Preschool Academy
Hauppauge
2017.09 - 2020.07
- Planned and implemented developmentally appropriate lessons and activities for young learners.
- Created a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment that promotes social-emotional development.
- Facilitated early literacy and numeracy skills through engaging and interactive instruction.
- Assessed and monitored the progress of students, providing individualized support and interventions as needed.
- Collaborated with parents and guardians to ensure open communication and involvement in their child's education.
- Maintained accurate records and documentation of student performance and behavior.
- Promoted positive behavior management strategies and fostered a sense of community and respect among students.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay updated on best practices in early childhood education.
- Adhered to state, local and OCFS (Office of Children and Family Services) regulations, ensuring full compliance with all applicable guidelines and requirements.
- Held certifications in CPR, first aid, and mandated reporter training, ensuring that I was well equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively in emergency situations and fulfill my responsibilities as a mandated reporter.
Adjunct Professor of Speech Communication
St. Joseph's College
Patchogue
2003.01 - 2003.05
- Provide knowledge about the communication process, including the mechanics of speaking, American English speech sounds, and the characteristics of both standard and non-standard speech.
- Provide a clear understanding of students' strengths and weaknesses in voice and diction, as well as, public speaking; in order to support their growth and development in these areas.
- Prepare students in the art of speech-making techniques such as, clear and concise organization, engaging opening, strong body language, vocal variety, use of visual aids, storytelling, audience interaction, practice and preparation, authenticity and passion, adaptation to the audience.
- Maintained open and productive lines of communication with students.
- Class objective was to foster and ignite confidence and mastery in the art of public speaking.
Adjunct Professor of Speech Communication
Pace University
New York
1997.01 - 2002.12
- Provide knowledge about the communication process, including the mechanics of speaking, American English speech sounds, and the characteristics of both standard and non-standard speech.
- Provide a clear understanding of students' strengths and weaknesses in voice and diction, as well as, public speaking; in order to support their growth and development in these areas.
- Prepare students in the art of speech-making techniques such as, clear and concise organization, engaging opening, strong body language, vocal variety, use of visual aids, storytelling, audience interaction, practice and preparation, authenticity and passion, adaptation to the audience.
- Maintained open and productive lines of communication with students.
- Class objective was to foster and ignite confidence and mastery in the art of public speaking.
Enrollment Management and Marketing, Asst to Director
Pace University
New York
1997.01 - 2002.12
- Worked exclusively with Enrollment Management Director and Director of Admissions in strategic planning and implementation of initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining students.
- Worked exclusively with the in-house production department and Director of Admissions by developing marketing campaigns, conducting outreach to prospective students, managing admission processes.
- Assisted in meetings with setting enrollment goals and target audience.
- The initiative involved a combination of marketing strategies, recruitment efforts, and enrollment strategies to effectively promote the university, increase student applications and ultimately enroll a diverse and qualified student body.
Teacher of English and Theatre Education
K240, Andries Hudde
Brooklyn
1997.01 - 2001.12
- Designed lessons that incorporated the arts to provide support for standards-based instruction.
- As both a teacher of English and Theatre for middle school students, the common goal was to foster communication, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration among their peers.
- Project Arts staff developer, provided professional development and support for teachers in integrating arts education into their curriculum, collaborated with teachers to design and implement arts-based lessons and activities that align with the educational standards and goals.
- Motivated students with relevance; connecting the subject matter to their lives and interests.
- Choice and autonomy; allowed students to have some control over their learning styles.
- Active and hands-on-learning; through group discussions, debates, improvisation, role playing and creative writing exercises.
- Positive reinforcement; recognizing and praising students' efforts and achievements.
- Real world connection; reading and writing skills, and acting and stagecraft skills.
- Goal setting; helped set and work towards achievable goals such as reading, writing, and performance.
- Implemented interdisciplinary projects and journal writing strategies for characterization.
Education
M.S. Ed. - Secondary Education/English Speech Arts
Pace University
01.1996
B.A. - Speech Communication/Marketing
Pace University
01.1992
Skills
- Leadership
- Communication
- Organizational
- Problem-Solving
- Knowledge of Child Development
- Financial Management
- Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
- Interpersonal
- Conflict Resolution
- Adaptability
- Creative and Critical Thinking
- Time Management
- Emotional Intelligence
- Networking
- Collaboration
- Advocacy
- Curriculum Development
- Developmentally Appropriate Practices
- Professional Development
- Analysis and Assessment
- The Creative Curriculum
- Exploration-based Learning
- QUALITYstars
- Aspire member #100235
- NAEYC member
Certification
- Aspire member, #100235
- NAEYC member
- Teacher of Common Branches, 731275
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Center Director
The Learning Experience
2023.10 - 2024.08
Program Director
Port Washington Children's Center
2022.08 - 2023.09
Education Director
New Beginnings Preschool
2021.09 - 2022.07
Middle School, English Language Arts Teacher
Ivy League School
2020.09 - 2021.08
Early Childhood Group Teacher
The Rinx Preschool Academy
2017.09 - 2020.07
Arts-in-Education Committee Member
Smithtown School District
2008.09 - 2022.06
Adjunct Professor of Speech Communication
St. Joseph's College
2003.01 - 2003.05
Adjunct Professor of Speech Communication
Pace University
1997.01 - 2002.12
Enrollment Management and Marketing, Asst to Director
Pace University
1997.01 - 2002.12
Teacher of English and Theatre Education
K240, Andries Hudde
1997.01 - 2001.12
M.S. Ed. - Secondary Education/English Speech Arts
Pace University
B.A. - Speech Communication/Marketing
Pace University