MICHELLE GRAHAM
Cincinnati,OH
Summary
Early Childhood Education professional with 20 years of experience in nurturing safe and inclusive environments for children. Leadership as an Assistant Director enhances staff development through targeted coaching and professional training, resulting in improved classroom practices and positive child outcomes.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Total Quality Child Care Center
Cincinnati, Ohio
09.2023 - Current
- Assisted Director with daily program operations, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment that supports children's development.
- Provide coaching, guidance, and ongoing support to teaching staff to strengthen classroom practices and quality of care and education.
- Plan, coordinate, and facilitate professional development opportunities and staff trainings based on program needs, observations, and quality-assessment results.
- Collaborate with teachers and administration to identify concerns, develop action steps, and improve program quality.
- Conduct classroom observations and provide constructive feedback related to teacher-child interactions, active supervision, classroom environments, routines, transitions, and engagement.
- Support teachers in implementing ECERS and ITERS quality practices and strengthening classroom environments.
- Supported teachers in curriculum planning and implementation, enhancing developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
- Communicated with families regarding children's development and classroom experiences, fostering strong relationships and addressing concerns.
PRESCHOOL TEACHER
Total Quality Child Care Center
Cincinnati, Ohio
01.2012 - 09.2023
- Supervised and created a safe, nurturing, engaging learning environment for children ages 4–5, fostering their social and emotional growth.
- Planned and implemented developmentally appropriate experiences based on children's interests, developmental needs, and school-readiness goals.
- Facilitated early literacy and developmental skills in children, preparing them for successful transitions to kindergarten.
- Created opportunities for children to explore, manipulate materials, experiment, ask questions, and learn through hands-on experiences.
- Observed and documented children's development and used observations to guide classroom planning and instruction.
- Communicated professionally with families and collaborated with co-teachers and administration.
- Participated in professional development to strengthen teaching practices and knowledge of child development.
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDER
Hamilton County Job and Family Services
Cincinnati, Ohio
01.2001 - 01.2018
- Provided a safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment for children from 6 weeks through 12 years of age.
- Planned and implemented age-appropriate play and learning experiences supporting individual and group development.
- Supervised infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children while maintaining appropriate safety and supervision practices.
- Maintained accurate attendance, child-count, and health and safety records, ensuring compliance with childcare regulations and enhancing program accountability.
- Conducted fire and weather emergency drills, ensuring safety preparedness and compliance with childcare licensing standards.
- Maintained First Aid and CPR certification and participated in ongoing professional development.
- Prepared and served nutritious meals and snacks, promoting healthy eating habits in alignment with USDA meal-pattern requirements.
- Communicated professionally with families and maintained positive relationships with parents and caregivers.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Early Childhood Education
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio04-2024
High School Diploma - Child Learning Program Certificate
Winton Woods / Scarlet Oaks Vocational School
Cincinnati, Ohio01-1994
Associate Degree - Early Childhood Education
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OhioSkills
- Child safety compliance
- Curriculum design
- Positive behavior support
- Professional training
- Staff coaching and mentoring
- Classroom feedback
- Family engagement
- Child development strategies
- Environment management
- Emergency planning
- Record keeping
- Team collaboration
- Inclusive practices
Current Training And Professional Development
- ODJFS Child Abuse One-Hour Overview Training, current through 08/26
- DCY Management of Communicable Disease Training, current
- First Aid & CPR Certification, current
- ECERS Classroom Quality Training, current
- ITERS Infant/Toddler Environment Quality Training, current
- Child Development, Curriculum Planning, Positive Guidance, and Classroom Quality Professional Development, current
Timeline
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Total Quality Child Care Center
09.2023 - Current
PRESCHOOL TEACHER
Total Quality Child Care Center
01.2012 - 09.2023
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDER
Hamilton County Job and Family Services
01.2001 - 01.2018
Bachelor's Degree - Early Childhood Education
University of Cincinnati
High School Diploma - Child Learning Program Certificate
Winton Woods / Scarlet Oaks Vocational School
Associate Degree - Early Childhood Education
University of Cincinnati