Maria Durkee
Colorado Springs,Colorado
Summary
Dedicated to supporting emotional, social and academic development of young children. Trained in developmental stages and knowledgeable about offering safe, nurturing environments to boost learning. Desire to complement education-based strategies with techniques to promote overall health and wellness. Outgoing child caregiver with experience caring for children while providing encouragement and kindness. Expert at guiding playtime, leading exercise activities and teaching rules. Creative planner with gift for keeping children engaged long-term with fun activities. Proactive and caring worker with 5+ years of experience combined with communication strengths and good observational skills. Skillfully handles day-to-day activities while looking for opportunities to make a difference.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Child and Youth Care Practitioner
Fort Carson CYS
05.2023 - 12.2024
- Implemented engaging recreational activities, promoting healthy social interactions among children and adolescents.
- Provided support to families, strengthening relationships through effective communication and problem-solving techniques.
- Enhanced children''s emotional well-being by implementing individualized care plans and addressing their unique needs.
- Applied positive behavior management techniques to enhance social interactions and emotional development.
- Managed challenging behaviors proactively through positive reinforcement techniques that encouraged self-regulation among children.
Child Care Center Director
Be You Academy
03.2022 - 11.2022
- Observed and assessed classroom activities to verify conformity with quality standards.
- Oversaw safety requirements, inspection, and certification procedures to facilitate annual licensing review.
- Stayed current on guidelines to maintain compliant program operations.
- Established and optimized program schedules to cover planned needs while capitalizing on opportunities to improve student learning.
- Attended professional meetings and conferences to maintain and improve professional competence.
- Recruited, selected, and retained high-quality staff to reduce turnover and foster stability.
- Furnished facility with supplies, equipment, food and materials to foster social and cognitive development.
- Evaluated staff and offered guidance to enhance knowledge, skills, and professional development to optimize learning environment.
Child Care Provider
Be You Academy
12.2021 - 03.2022
- Enforced rules and managed behavior through developmentally appropriate discipline.
- Liaised with parents and guardians to discuss child progress.
- Facilitated learning through play, stories and outdoor activities for successful child outcomes.
- Assisted in potty training and other daily hygiene activities to support child development.
- Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys, and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs.
- Applied positive behavior management techniques to enhance social interactions and emotional development.
- Provided emotional support and guidance to children during difficult times.
Child Care Provider
Hope Lutheran Early Childhood Education Center
05.2021 - 11.2021
- Enforced rules and managed behavior through developmentally appropriate discipline.
- Liaised with parents and guardians to discuss child progress.
- Worked with children to develop good cognitive, physical and language skills.
- Introduced children to educational games and activities to boost learning.
- Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior.
- Developed age-appropriate activities and crafts to engage children.
- Encouraged children to develop healthy social and emotional skills.
Education
No Degree - Medical Billing And Coding
Martinsburg College
Martinsburg, WV12.2019
High School Diploma -
Waianae High School
Waianae, HI05.2014
Skills
- Child Programs
- Positive Reinforcement Methods
- Lessons and Activities
- Observational Information
- Emotional Development
- Classroom Management
- Childcare Regulations
- Maintaining Safe Environment
- Early Childhood Development
- Infant Care
- Behavior Management Techniques
- Emergency Situations
- Behavior Redirection
Certification
- CPR and First Aid 02/21/2025
- Bloodborne Pathogens 02/06/2025
- Positive Guidance and Appropriate Touch 10/28/2024
- Emergency Preparedness/Procedures 10/28/2024
- Enhancing Protective factors of children and families 10/15/2024
- Preventing Abuse 08/25/2024
- Reporting ChildAbuse 09/15/2024
- Illness and injury Report 08/16/2024
Languages
Vietnamese
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Child and Youth Care Practitioner
Fort Carson CYS
05.2023 - 12.2024
Child Care Center Director
Be You Academy
03.2022 - 11.2022
Child Care Provider
Be You Academy
12.2021 - 03.2022
Child Care Provider
Hope Lutheran Early Childhood Education Center
05.2021 - 11.2021
No Degree - Medical Billing And Coding
Martinsburg College
High School Diploma -
Waianae High School
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