Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic

Maria Drake

Cape Coral,FL

Summary

I am a dedicated and compassionate individual transitioning from being a stay-at-home mom to pursuing a career in special education. Currently working toward a degree in special education, with a strong passion for helping students who need extra support. I am a Florida native with a lifelong commitment to creating inclusive and nurturing learning environments. Driven by the desire to make a positive impact in the lives of children through personalized teaching and care and most importantly through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Overview

Work History

Daycare Worker

Allie Gator Playskool
Fort Myers, FL
  • Organized and maintained a safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate environment for children.
  • Monitored children's play activities to ensure safety.
  • Engaged children in creative play activities such as art projects, music time, story time.
  • Provided support during nap times by reading stories or performing other calming activities with the children.
  • Prepared meals, snacks and refreshments for children according to dietary needs and restrictions.
  • Secured indoor and outdoor premises to protect children.
  • Read aloud and played alphabet games to encourage early literacy.
  • Dressed children and changed diapers.
  • Maintained organized and clean classroom and play areas.
  • Maintained safe play environment.
  • Observed and monitored children's play activities.

Summer Camp Counselor

Evangelical Christian School
Fort Myers, FL
  • Provided guidance and support to campers in a safe, encouraging environment.
  • Supervised groups of children during recreational activities.
  • Conducted safety checks on all equipment used by campers.
  • Ensured that all rules were followed at the camp grounds.
  • Encouraged positive behavior among campers through role modeling and reinforcement techniques.
  • Organized games and sports activities to keep campers entertained.
  • Developed strong relationships with parents to provide updates on their child's progress at camp.
  • Engaged children in arts and crafts, singing, sports activities, games and field trips while maintaining safe environment.

ESE Paraprofessional

Pinewoods Elementary School
Estero, FL
  • Assisted classroom teacher with daily instruction, curriculum development and implementation.
  • Provided one-on-one assistance to students requiring additional help in achieving academic goals.
  • Helped maintain a safe learning environment for pre-K students by supervising activities both indoors and outdoors.
  • Provided guidance during snack time by encouraging healthy eating habits in accordance with USDA guidelines.
  • Engaged with students during circle time by leading discussions about topics related to weekly themes or units being studied.
  • Assisted in developing individualized lesson plans based on each child's needs and interests while incorporating state standards into the curriculum.
  • Supervised outdoor playtime activities that encouraged physical activity while providing an opportunity for social interactions among peers.
  • Ensured the health and safety of children under my care including administering first aid when needed.
  • Offered emotional support by listening to children, discussing feelings and helping solve problems.
  • Supported lead teacher with daily classroom activities.
  • Maintained clean, well-kept classroom to encourage children to create, explore and play with confidence.
  • Maintained safe, clean and constantly supervised play environment.
  • Instructed and assisted students during craft activities.
  • Assisted with or led story time by reading books to children.
  • Arranged classroom furniture and learning materials to keep areas neat.
  • Maintained and cleaned nap mats by making minor repairs and wiping down.
  • Organized classroom spaces to meet students' learning needs and smoothly manage planned activities.

Paraprofessional

Spring Creek Elementary School
Bonita Springs, FL
  • Provided guidance to students in the classroom setting.
  • Created and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
  • Supervised small groups of students during instruction time.
  • Conducted one-on-one tutoring sessions with struggling students when needed.
  • Developed creative learning activities that engage all types of learners.
  • Utilized effective communication strategies when interacting with diverse populations.
  • Supported English Language Learners by providing additional instruction on language acquisition skills.
  • Supported students throughout academic instruction and assignments.
  • Applied positive reinforcement to redirect negative behaviors.
  • Supplied one-on-one attention to each student during group activities.
  • Assisted children at stations during small-group learning periods.
  • Customized small group and individual classroom activities based on differentiated learning needs.
  • Planned and led activities to develop students' physical, emotional and social growth.
  • Distributed textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils to students.
  • Supervised students during non-instructional times, including lunch and recess.
  • Provided clerical support to teachers, such as photocopying and organizing materials.
  • Facilitated small group learning sessions to reinforce lesson objectives.
  • Supported English Language Learners in acquiring language skills and understanding content.
  • Collaborated with teachers to adapt materials to meet diverse learning needs.
  • Supervised students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, gymnasiums and field trips.

Preschool Teacher

Evangelical Chrisitian Preschool
Foret Myers, FL
  • Provided individualized instruction to infants and toddlers according to their developmental needs.
  • Assisted in creating a safe, nurturing, stimulating learning environment for children.
  • Supervised daily activities such as feeding, diapering, napping, toileting and playtime.
  • Observed and documented children's progress with appropriate assessments.
  • Established positive relationships with parents and families while providing support and guidance.
  • Encouraged creativity through art projects, music, stories and outdoor playtime activities.
  • Adhered to health policies related to nutrition, hygiene and sanitation practices.
  • Assisted in maintaining a clean and organized classroom environment.
  • Observed children for signs of illness, injury, emotional disturbance, learning disorders, and speech problems.
  • Removed hazards and developed appropriate boundaries and rules to create safe environment for children.
  • Organized creative and fun activities, enhancing children's physical, emotional and social well-being.
  • Maintained daily records of individual activities, behaviors, meals and naps.
  • Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
  • Instructed and assisted children in eating, toileting, and resting to help develop healthy personal habits.
  • Read stories to children and taught painting, drawing, and crafts.
  • Encouraged children's curiosity and exploration through interactive learning activities.
  • Facilitated group activities that encouraged cooperation and positive interactions among children.
  • Supervised children in classroom and playground settings, ensuring their safety and well-being.
  • Administered first aid and medication in accordance with health and safety regulations.
  • Developed and enforced positive strategies to encourage good behavior.

Education

Associate of Arts - Education

Florida SouthWestern State College
Fort Myers, FL
01-2024

High School Diploma -

South Fort Myers Highschool
Fort Myers
01-2011

Special Education

Florida Gulf Coast Univeristy
Fort Myers

Skills

  • People Skills
  • Student Engagement
  • Great work Ethic
  • Written and Oral Communication
  • Leadership
  • Creativity
  • Teamwork
  • Bilingual
  • Parent Communication
  • Elementary Education

Languages

Spanish
Native/ Bilingual

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Daycare Worker

Allie Gator Playskool

Summer Camp Counselor

Evangelical Christian School

ESE Paraprofessional

Pinewoods Elementary School

Paraprofessional

Spring Creek Elementary School

Preschool Teacher

Evangelical Chrisitian Preschool

Associate of Arts - Education

Florida SouthWestern State College

High School Diploma -

South Fort Myers Highschool

Special Education

Florida Gulf Coast Univeristy

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Maria Drake