Michelle VanGarderen
Ballston Spa,NY
Summary
Creative and energetic Early Childhood Education professional devoted to offering diverse activity plans and experiential learning opportunities to enhance individual development. Friendly, supportive and motivated with strong desire to promote student potential. Offering 16 years of experience with passion for building strong rapport with faculty, students and caregivers.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director
Kids First Childcare
06.2024 - Current
- Streamlined communication between teachers, parents, and administrators to foster a collaborative learning environment.
- Oversaw the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding process for new educators to maintain a high-quality teaching staff.
- Implemented effective conflict resolution strategies for resolving issues among faculty members or between students.
- Mentored new teachers through observation, feedback, and professional development opportunities.
- Conducted regular safety drills to ensure preparedness in case of emergency situations at school premises.
- Fostered a positive school culture by promoting open communication among staff members and celebrating successes together as a team.
Pre-K4 Teacher
Kids First Child Care
06.2021 - Current
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
- Promoted sensory development by providing access to different textures.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children feel safe.
- Improved student literacy skills by incorporating daily read-aloud, guided reading groups, and independent reading time.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback on educational development.
- Fostered a love of learning among students by maintaining an energetic teaching style and incorporating creative, interactive elements into lessons.
- Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
- Allowed for ample outdoor discovery time in schedule each day.
Special Ed Aide
Ballston Spa Central School District
03.2007 - 04.2021
- Alerted instructor to student behavior or issues requiring intervention.
- Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
- Adapted equipment and technology, boosting student engagement and motivation.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
College of St. Rose
05.1993
Skills
- Health and safety
- Group and individual instruction
- Classroom Organization
- Lesson Planning
- Music and Movement
Timeline
Assistant Director
Kids First Childcare
06.2024 - Current
Pre-K4 Teacher
Kids First Child Care
06.2021 - Current
Special Ed Aide
Ballston Spa Central School District
03.2007 - 04.2021
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
College of St. Rose
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