Merry Kirkpatrick
Wichita,KS
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.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Toddler Teacher
Wichita State Child Development Center
06.2018 - 03.2024
- Created a nurturing classroom environment that supported the social-emotional growth of young learners.
- Promoted early literacy skills through engaging storytime sessions, interactive word games, and letter recognition activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, behavior incidents, and academic progress, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with school policies.
- Developed strong relationships with parents through regular communication, resulting in increased involvement in their children''s education.
- Increased child engagement with creative lesson plans tailored to individual needs and interests.
- Established routines and procedures that promoted a sense of orderliness, predictability, and security for toddlers.
- Allowed for ample outdoor discovery time in schedule each day.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Organized field trips to local museums, parks, or community events to supplement in-class learning experiences.
- Intervened in disruptive behavior, using positive reinforcement strategies to redirect and calm children.
- Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback on educational development.
- Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
- Encouraged use of technology to support student learning.
- Led professional development workshops for fellow teachers, sharing best practices and innovative teaching techniques.
In-Home Child Care Provider
Self-Employed
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Enhanced children''s cognitive development by conducting age-appropriate educational activities and games.
- Promoted healthy lifestyles through the preparation of nutritious meals and engaging in regular physical activities with children.
- Established a safe and nurturing environment, effectively minimizing accidents and injuries during playtime.
- Ensured children''s emotional growth by providing consistent support, comfort, and encouragement.
- Developed strong relationships with families, resulting in high levels of trust and confidence in childcare services provided.
- Strengthened social skills development among younger siblings by organizing group activities that foster cooperation, teamwork, sharing abilities while also reducing conflicts.
- Actively participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in childcare, leading to consistently high-quality services provided.
Lead Toddler Teacher
Treehouse Learning Center
11.2010 - 02.2013
- Promoted early literacy skills through engaging storytime sessions, interactive word games, and letter recognition activities.
- Increased child engagement with creative lesson plans tailored to individual needs and interests.
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
- Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
- Encouraged use of technology to support student learning.
- Implemented curriculum to enhance classes with learning-focused activities.
- Documented behavior, development and learning of children to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
- Integrated sensory-based activities to encourage fine motor skill development and hands-on learning experiences.
- Contributed to a positive school culture by collaborating effectively with colleagues and administration on various initiatives and projects.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education And Elementary Education
Wichita State University
Wichita, KS12.2021
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Cowley County Community College And Area Vocational-Technical School
Arkansas City, KS06.2017
Skills
- Child-Centered Approach
- Adaptive Teaching Strategies
- Age-Appropriate Activities
- Observation and Assessment
- Group and individual instruction
- Parent-Teacher Communication
- Early Childhood Education
- Storytelling and crafts
- Curriculum Planning
- Lesson implementation
- Child Care
- Literacy development
- Parent Communication
- Classroom Instruction
- Child Development
Certification
- Child Care Certificate
- KDHE Directing Liscence
Timeline
Lead Toddler Teacher
Wichita State Child Development Center
06.2018 - 03.2024
In-Home Child Care Provider
Self-Employed
01.2016 - 01.2018
Lead Toddler Teacher
Treehouse Learning Center
11.2010 - 02.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education And Elementary Education
Wichita State University
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Cowley County Community College And Area Vocational-Technical School
- Child Care Certificate
- KDHE Directing Liscence
Similar Profiles
Zoe GhirardiZoe Ghirardi
Childcare Provider at Missouri State University Child Development CenterChildcare Provider at Missouri State University Child Development Center
Carolina GaviaCarolina Gavia
Toddler Student Practicum Volunteer at Cal State Long Beach Child Development CenterToddler Student Practicum Volunteer at Cal State Long Beach Child Development Center
Sophia CatonSophia Caton
Educator in Training at Child Development Center, Missouri StateEducator in Training at Child Development Center, Missouri State