MARIA LADISA
Bethpage,New York
Summary
Experienced and dedicated early childhood education professional with a strong background in administration, staff management, and curriculum development. With over 30 years of hands-on experience in educational settings, I am committed to fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for young children. Adept at leading teams, maintaining compliance with educational standards, and implementing innovative programs to support both academic and social-emotional growth. Exceptional organizational and communication skills, with a proven track record of collaborating with staff, parents, and community members to ensure a high-quality preschool experience. Passionate about cultivating an inclusive, supportive space where every child can thrive.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
St. Leo Catholic Academy
09.2021 - Current
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Registered a total of 84 new incoming 3K & Preschool Students
- Managed approximately 25-30 incoming calls and emails per day
Lead Pre-Kindergarten For All Teacher
St Leo Catholic Academy
09.2016 - 08.2022
- Used classroom observations to create written assessments of student performance.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Increased student satisfaction by frequently communicating with students about needs and adapting lessons to interests and classroom progress.
- Promoted sensory development by providing access to different textures.
- Applied play-based strategies, including crafts and games, to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Worked with interdisciplinary team members to evaluate children's progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
- Supervised students and enforced discipline during all Head Start activities.
- Used Work Sampling to document behavioral, emotional, academic and social growth of over 20 students.
- Identified signs of emotional and developmental problems in children and reported to parents.
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Fostered reasoning and problem solving through active exploration games and activities.
- Promoted physical, academic and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities.
- Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers and letters.
- Enhanced 4-year-old students understanding of rules, safety and behavioral guidelines and disciplinary protocols by redesigning and simplifying them..
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
1st Grade Teacher
St. Leo Catholic Academy
09.2007 - 08.2016
- Prepare lesson plans covering eight different subject matters resulting in students achieving above average passing grades.
- Met and have been recognized for teaching communication with parents.
- Initiating and implementing a new reading series affecting 60 students resulting in 80% significantly improving reading abilities.
- Conducting accelerated reading program for 25 pupils in successfully demonstrating reading comprehension, vocabulary and reading speed.
Education
Masters Degree - Special Education
ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY
Jamaica, New York2000
Bachelor Degree - Elementary Education
QUEENS COLLEGE
Flushing, New York1995
Skills
- Self-motivated: Initiative and high level of energy
- Tolerant and flexible with different situations
- Verbal communication skills, decision making, critical thinking, organized and planning (children and parent oriented)
- Able to inspire, comfort, build self-esteem
- Classroom Management
- Lesson Plan Creation
- Friendly, Positive Attitude
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Customer Service
Timeline
Director
St. Leo Catholic Academy
09.2021 - Current
Lead Pre-Kindergarten For All Teacher
St Leo Catholic Academy
09.2016 - 08.2022
1st Grade Teacher
St. Leo Catholic Academy
09.2007 - 08.2016
Masters Degree - Special Education
ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY
Bachelor Degree - Elementary Education
QUEENS COLLEGE
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