MARIA CASALE
Gotha,Florida
Summary
Dedicated education professional with 22+ years of experience supporting children's learning, development, creativity, and social-emotional growth. Holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and brings extensive experience teaching diverse age groups, developing engaging learning activities, managing classrooms, and building positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Experienced in adapting instruction to children's developmental needs, encouraging hands-on exploration, and creating supportive learning environments. Offers a strong foundation for helping elementary students explore artistic expression, build confidence, and develop creativity through engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences.
Overview
1
1
Certification
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Academy Director / Preschool Director
MY KIDS ACADEMY
02.2018 - 09.2026
- Led daily educational operations while supporting a safe, organized, and engaging learning environment for children and staff.
- Supported teachers in classroom planning, instructional strategies, curriculum implementation, and development of age-appropriate learning experiences, enhancing overall educational quality.
- Promoted hands-on learning, exploration, and activities that encouraged children's curiosity, communication, problem-solving, and creativity.
- Observed classroom practices and provided guidance to strengthen teaching effectiveness and children's learning experiences.
- Supported the implementation of educational programs aligned with developmental goals and program expectations.
- Fostered positive relationships with families, staff, and community members through effective communication, collaboration, and active family engagement, strengthening community ties.
- Coordinated staff training and professional development to enhance classroom practices, ensuring continuous improvement in teaching methodologies.
- Maintained program documentation and supported compliance with applicable Florida childcare requirements.
- Managed competing responsibilities, daily schedules, staffing needs, and school operations in a fast-paced educational setting.
- Organized and allocated resources required to meet the needs of state-ratio students and 1-2 instructors
Academy Director | Team Lead | VPK Lead Teacher/Lead Teacher
LA PETITE ACADEMY
04.2004 - 06.2017
- Progressed through classroom teaching and leadership roles, gaining experience across multiple age groups and educational settings.
- Taught and supported children in toddler classrooms, three-year-old classrooms, Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), and after-school programs.
- Prepared and implemented age-appropriate activities to support children's cognitive, language, physical, social-emotional, and creative development.
- Incorporated hands-on activities, creative projects, and interactive learning opportunities to encourage participation and self-expression.
- Adapted activities and classroom support to children's developmental levels, interests, and individual needs.
- Established classroom routines, maintained safe learning environments, and used positive guidance strategies to encourage appropriate behavior.
- Supported school-age children in structured after-school activities and provided supervision in a group learning environment.
- As Team Lead and Academy Director, supported staff collaboration, classroom quality, educational planning, and daily program operations.
- Communicated with families regarding children's progress, developmental needs, and classroom experiences.
- Monitored and enforced educational standards to ensure quality learning environments, program documentation, and compliance with applicable childcare requirements.
- Organized and allocated educational resources to meet the needs of up to 180 students and 15+ instructors, supporting effective classroom instruction, daily school operations, and a positive learning environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Florida International University
Miami, FL08.2023
Skills
- Student Engagement & Creative Learning
- Hands-On, Activity-Based Instruction
- Classroom Management & Student Supervision
- Age-Appropriate Lesson Planning
- Child Development & Individual Learning Needs
- Visual Arts Activities & Creative Expression
- Positive Behavior Guidance
- Differentiated Learning Support
- Family & Staff Communication
- Educational Program Implementation
- Classroom Organization & Safety
- Team Leadership & Professional Development
- Florida Childcare Regulatory Compliance
- Student Social-Emotional Development
- More than two decades of experience working with children and supporting educational programs
- Experienced in creating structured, welcoming environments where children can explore, learn, and develop confidence
- Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
- Committed to fostering creativity, inclusion, student engagement, and positive learning experiences
- Prepared to learn and implement OCPS elementary visual arts curriculum, instructional resources, and district expectations
- Student engagement
- Strong work ethic
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Multitasking
- Organizational leadership
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Classroom management
- Active listening
- Effective communication
Certification
- Florida Child Care Director Credential — Level I
- Florida VPK Endorsement / VPK Teacher Qualifications
- National Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
- Florida Childcare Training — 45 Hours
- Pediatric CPR & First Aid — Current through 2027, subject to card expiration date
Personal Information
Title: Elementary School Art Teacher Candidate | Educator | Student Development & Creative Learning
Timeline
Academy Director / Preschool Director
MY KIDS ACADEMY
02.2018 - 09.2026
Academy Director | Team Lead | VPK Lead Teacher/Lead Teacher
LA PETITE ACADEMY
04.2004 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Florida International University