MALERIE FERNANDES-MENDOZA
Hughson
Summary
I’ve been working in Early Childhood Education for 24 years, split between the classroom as part-time faculty and behind the scenes as a program administrator. My real passion is taking big-picture ECE theories and making them work in the real world, especially when it comes to supporting ECE professionals, students, family childcare networks and home-based services through an equity-focused lens. I’m also a huge advocate for making college affordable and accessible to all. I was named “OER Hero” in 2022 for being one of the first to move all my courses to zero-textbook-cost models. Whether I'm navigating state compliance and grants or mentoring the next generation of teachers, my goal is always the same: helping students succeed. I’m excited to bring that experience to the team at Modesto Junior College.
Knowledgeable instructor with proven ability to develop and deliver comprehensive course materials that engage and educate diverse student populations. Successfully created and implemented innovative teaching methods that enhanced student understanding and retention. Demonstrated expertise in curriculum development and student assessment.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Adjunct Instructor-Early Childhood Education BA
EDvance College
01.2026 - Current
- Courses Taught: Language and Literacy Development in children ages 0-5
- Instructional Design: deliver instruction through a zoom hybrid module
- Cohort Model: Support working professionals in a cohort model to complete their BA degree requirements along with an apprenticeship partnership.
- Faculty Learning Communities: Participate in monthly FLC’s to collaborate, reflect on my teaching, support curriculum development and measuring outcomes.
Adjunct Instructor & University Supervisor- Early Childhood Education BA
UMass Global (formerly Brandman University)
01.2016 - Current
- Courses Taught: Upper-division courses including Infant and Toddler Development, Practicum, Dual Language Learners, The Early Childhood Educator as a Professional, Curriculum and STEAM.
- Instructional Design: deliver instruction via fully online, hybrid, and face-to-face cohort models.
- Supervision: Serve as University Supervisor for student teachers, providing feedback on pedagogical application in real-world settings.
- Assessment: Evaluate signature assignments and manage grading for advanced BA-level students.
Part Time Faculty – Child Development
Modesto Junior College
Modesto, CA
01.2014 - Current
- Courses Taught: Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children, Child Growth and Development, Early Childhood Curriculum, Child Family Community, Health Safety and Nutrition, Guidance of Young Children, Infant and Toddler Development and Care, Adult Relationships and Mentoring, Observation and Assessment and scheduled to teach Infant/Toddler Practicum Summer 2026.
- Modalities include Fully Online, Hybrid, Zoom Hybrid and Face to Face
- OER & Equity Leadership: Recognized as an OER Hero for converting 100% of courses to Zero-Textbook Cost (ZTC) models to remove financial barriers for students. Enrolled in the OER cohort for May 2026 to enhance CLDDV 121 to be offered at no cost. Use universal design for learning to reach all students learning styles and needs to ensure equitable learning opportunities and access.
- Support Inclusion of all students: Provide support and resources to all students, build relationships with students and college resources to support student success, incorporate trauma informed teaching practices and opportunities to connect in all my classes by building classroom community. Surveying students after each course to reflect on where I can improve and adjust to meet the diverse student population.
- Curriculum Development: Create inclusive course outlines, lesson plans, and syllabi tailored to diverse learning styles. Successfully implemented equity frameworks in the classroom. Fully Online, Hybrid and Face to Face experience. Utilize the course outlines of record to ensure I am meeting the CLOs for each course and align with the department’s approved curriculum and practices.
- Student Support: Provide mentorship regarding permit requirements and career pathways, assisting with the start-up of mentor teacher grants and infant practicum grant applications. Connected students with job opportunities and created a contact list for local programs so students can get direct access to local program directors to support their application process.
- Outcomes and Assessment: Complete student assessments for each course and work with FT faculty to align assignments to CLOs. Analyze my student outcomes and turnover rates each semester to help me plan and make changes to increase success and reduce drop rates.
- Collaboration and Campus Community: Supported the original Child Development Club, attended and participated in advisory meetings, department/school meetings and other campus meetings and events when available. Stay current with services, events and attend opportunities to deepen my connection and relationships with students, colleagues, administration and program staff. I have supported other part time faculty by sharing curriculum, canvas shells, meeting them for support and assignment ideas. I recently joined the Mentor Teacher Committee to support recruiting new mentor teachers.
- Other: Provide updates and resources as needed from the Federal, State and local level, share materials, provide community data to support a growth position for CLDDV, support the work of the Infant Inclusion Practicum application and the mentor teacher grant with connections to community, new member of the outcomes and assessment committee. Manage and monitor attendance, drops, enrollments and all other records for my students and courses. Finalize and submit grades on time as well as syllabus and any information requested.
Child Development Supervisor
Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE) - Child Family Services
Modesto, CA
05.2010 - 11.2025
- Program Management: Directed operations for Center-Based, Home-Based/Pregnant Women programs, safe environments, and supervision component areas.
- Compliance & ERSEA: Led the Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) components, ensuring strict adherence to federal/state performance standards. Revised systems and policies to break down barriers for children and families to apply and receive services.
- Quality Assurance: Supervised the Quality Assurance team; planned and facilitated monitoring reviews for 15 agencies (delegates and partners), leading a diverse management team.
- Strategic Planning: Developed grantee-wide outcome plans, work plans, and program goals based on community needs assessments.
- Grant Development: Developed grant applications and narratives as well as budget development.
- Self-Assessment and Program Outcomes: Lead the program self-assessment as well as facilitate the self-assessment of our delegate agencies and partners to measure outcomes and identify strengths/areas of growth and develop corrective action plans using a strength-based approach.
- Staff Development: Designed and delivered technical assistance and training for staff across various component areas.
- Community Collaboration: Led county-wide collaboration groups for home-based programs, ensuring a continuum of care from prenatal to school entry.
- DEI: Lead and participated in the DEI committee and work of changing and implementing systems to elevate DEI practices and create safe spaces.
- Migrant and Seasonal Head Start: Supported and monitored Migrant and Seasonal programs, staff and Family Childcare Home Providers serving children aged 0-5 in 8 counties. (10 years)
- Program Governance- Participated and monitored shared governance systems which included parent policy council, delegate policy committees, grantee policy council and the governing body.
Head Start Teacher / Site Supervisor
Keyes Union School District
Keyes, CA
02.2003 - 05.2010
- Provided direct instruction in high-risk, low-income neighborhoods, supporting families navigating disabilities, domestic violence, and addiction.
- Supervised site operations, ensuring classroom quality and regulatory compliance.
- Lesson planned to use developmentally appropriate practices and children's ongoing assessment data
- Implemented Project Based Learning
- Utilized the CA curriculum framework and foundations
- Conducted ongoing child assessments and developed parent conference summaries
- Conducted home visits to support the home school connection
- Coached newer teachers and assistants
- Provided a rich cultural environment to serve all children
- Served an average of 20% of children with disabilities each program year
Education
Continuing Graduate Education -
San Diego College of Continuing Education
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Leadership
Brandman University (now UMass Global)
Modesto, CA05-2012
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development
Concordia University
St. Paul, MN05-2009
Associate of Science - Child Development
Modesto Junior College
Modesto, CA05-2002
Skills
- LMS Proficiency: Fully certified and expert user of Canvas, Blackboard, Brightspace, Turnitin and Live Text
- Instructional Tools: Virtual Classrooms, VoiceThread, Prezi, PowerPoint, Excel
- Online Pedagogy: Over a decade of experience as an online learner (BA/MA) and online instructor, facilitating effective digital communication and community building
- Student mentoring
- Online teaching
- Academic advising
- Student engagement
- Syllabus development
- Course planning
- Classroom management
- Lesson delivery
- Inclusive teaching
Certification
- Child Development Program Director Permit | California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
- PITC Fully Certified Trainer | Program for Infant/Toddler Care (Partners for Quality)
- CLASS Certified Trainer of Trainers and Observer
- Beginning Together Inclusion Facilitator | Inclusive Early Childhood Education
- Certified Online Instructor | Distance Education Certification
- Assessment Tools: Certified/Proficient in DRDP (Desired Results Developmental Profile), ASQ (Ages & Stages Questionnaires), and ERS (Environment Rating Scales).
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS & SERVICE
Liaison/Partner: Health Services Agency & Public Health, Collaborator: Valley Mountain Regional Center (VMRC), Collaborator: Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE) and LEA’s in Stanislaus County, El Concilio, Central California Child Development Services, Quality Counts California, Initiatives: Two-Gen Home Visiting Implementation; Family Childcare Home Network Development,, Local Planning Council- Stanislaus County, UPK planning and collaboration- Stanislaus County, Member: National Head Start Association and National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association, Member: Every Child California and Head Start California, Member: NAEYC
Timeline
Adjunct Instructor-Early Childhood Education BA
EDvance College
01.2026 - Current
Adjunct Instructor & University Supervisor- Early Childhood Education BA
UMass Global (formerly Brandman University)
01.2016 - Current
Part Time Faculty – Child Development
Modesto Junior College
01.2014 - Current
Child Development Supervisor
Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE) - Child Family Services
05.2010 - 11.2025
Head Start Teacher / Site Supervisor
Keyes Union School District
02.2003 - 05.2010
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Leadership
Brandman University (now UMass Global)
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development
Concordia University
Associate of Science - Child Development
Modesto Junior College
Continuing Graduate Education -
San Diego College of Continuing Education