Michele Denton
Summary
Dedicated educator with a proven track record of implementing innovative teaching strategies to enhance student learning outcomes. Experienced in developing and implementing curriculum for early childhood programs. Skilled in fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment that promotes academic growth and social-emotional development. Seeking opportunity to leverage expertise in instructional leadership and curriculum design to make a positive impact on the educational experience of young learners.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assessor and Training Specialist
McCormick for Early Childhood at National Louis University
10.2015 - Current
- Conduct Environment Rating Scale-3 assessments and Compliance Checklists for Illinois State Board of Education Preschool for All and Preschool for All Expansion classrooms. The information gathered is used to produce reports with detailed valuations and guidance on best practices early childhood programs to guide continuous quality improvement plans.
Quality Specialist
Children's Home + Aid Child Care Resource + Referral
02.2010 - 10.2015
- Provide on-site mentoring and consultations for child care centers and homes. This consultation is conducted through observations using the ERS tools and the PAS and BAS. In addition, create, set up, and present trainings that support area Head Start programs, licensed and licensed exempt child care centers, licensed and unlicensed family child care providers and assisted in the implementation of a continuous improvement culture. Additionally, in pursuing ExceleRate Illinois, provide targeted technical assistance, outreach focused on ExceleRate, facilitate professional learning communities, and cross train all CCR+R staff in the Granite City office on the Environment Rating Scales and Business and Program Administration Scales.
Adjunct Professor
Southeastern Illinois College
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Creator and Instructor of early childhood education courses on-line. Taught Early Childhood Education courses, providing instruction to up to 100 undergraduate students. Courses taught are Administration of an Early Childhood Program, Health Safety and Nutrition, Intro to Early Childhood Education, Math and Science For Young Children, and Play & the Learning Environment. Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits. Boosted class participation rates by fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment.
Trainer and Technical Assistance Advisor
Children's Home + Aid Child Care Resource + Referral
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Help in set up, conduction and facilitation of workshops and trainings that support area child care providers, provide targeted technical assistance for child care providers, provide phone and on-site consultations for child care providers, write short articles for the Children's Home + Aid web page, manage customer database for checkbox mail, and manage customer database and facilitate web page targeted for childcare directors and family child care providers chat group.
Great Expectations Curriculum Specialist
Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Mentor teachers in Illinois State Board of Education Preschool for All classrooms in public school and child care settings. Mentored teachers in best practices for effective lesson planning, assessment strategies, and classroom management techniques. Supported teaching staff in blending Illinois Early Learning Standards, the schools chosen curriculum, and Project Approach.
Center Director
Step By Step, Inc.
04.2000 - 01.2007
- Oversee the day-day operations of the program in compliance with DCFS, Head Start, Illinois State Board of Education, USDA Food Program, and local health and fire agencies.
- Developed strong community relationships to support center programs and initiatives.
- Increased staff productivity with regular training sessions, clear expectations, and constructive feedback.
- Oversaw daily operations, streamlining processes for increased efficiency and effectiveness.
- Kept facility in compliance with all applicable standards and laws.
- Fostered caring and safe environment for children and parents.
- Evaluated staff performance regularly through observations, providing actionable feedback that led to professional growth.
- Enhanced center performance by implementing strategic plans and monitoring progress towards goals.
- Organized special events such as open houses or workshops to showcase center achievements while engaging parents in their children''s education.
Nursery Attendant
Bethalto United Methodist Church
01.1989 - 01.2002
- Oversee the operations of the nursery during all church functions
Lead Preschool Teacher
Step By Step, Inc.
03.1996 - 04.2000
- Assisted and supervised 20 children through entire school day.
- Established strong relationships with parents through regular communication regarding their child''s progress, fostering increased parental involvement in the educational process.
- Conducted regular parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress and areas of improvement, encouraging a collaborative approach to education.
- Incorporated play-based learning opportunities into daily routines, allowing students to explore new concepts while developing critical thinking skills through hands-on experiences.
- Utilized positive reinforcement techniques when addressing behavioral issues, maintaining a respectful and orderly classroom environment conducive to learning.
Respit Worker
Macoupin County Health Department
01.1998 - 01.1999
- Implement an Individualized Education Plan and applied behavioral analysis for a youth with autism
Education
No Degree - Adult Learning Theory
Walden University
Baltimore, MDMaster of Education - Early Childhood Educational Administration
National Louis University
Wheeling, IL05-2009
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Sociology
Southern Illinois University At Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL05-2006
Early Childhood Administration
National Louis University
Wheeling, IL01.2001
Associates in Applied Science - Child Development
Lewis and Clark Community College
Godfrey, IL01.1995
Certificate of Completion - Secretarial and Executive Secretarial/Word Processing
Professional Business school
St. Louis, MO01.1984
Skills
- Structural evaluation
- Logical problem-solving
- Team dynamics enhancement
- Collaborative communication abilities
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Effective problem resolution
- Task prioritization abilities
- Multitask management abilities
- Effective solution development
- Trustworthy commitments
- Cooperative project engagement
- Methodical and precise approach
Certification
- Level III Illinois Director's Credential
- Level I ECE Credential
- Level 5 ECE Credential
- Level 2 Infant Toddler Credential
- Level 6 Technical Assistance Credential
Affiliations
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children (IAEYC)
- Gateways Registry member
Timeline
Assessor and Training Specialist
McCormick for Early Childhood at National Louis University
10.2015 - Current
Quality Specialist
Children's Home + Aid Child Care Resource + Referral
02.2010 - 10.2015
Adjunct Professor
Southeastern Illinois College
01.2009 - 01.2013
Trainer and Technical Assistance Advisor
Children's Home + Aid Child Care Resource + Referral
01.2007 - 01.2010
Great Expectations Curriculum Specialist
Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children
01.2007 - 01.2009
Center Director
Step By Step, Inc.
04.2000 - 01.2007
Respit Worker
Macoupin County Health Department
01.1998 - 01.1999
Lead Preschool Teacher
Step By Step, Inc.
03.1996 - 04.2000
Nursery Attendant
Bethalto United Methodist Church
01.1989 - 01.2002
Early Childhood Administration
National Louis University
Associates in Applied Science - Child Development
Lewis and Clark Community College
Certificate of Completion - Secretarial and Executive Secretarial/Word Processing
Professional Business school
No Degree - Adult Learning Theory
Walden University
Master of Education - Early Childhood Educational Administration
National Louis University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Sociology
Southern Illinois University At Edwardsville
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