Monica Chitty
Crestview,FL
Summary
Driven by a passion for family advocacy and community resource coordination, I leveraged my skills in effective communication and relationship building at CDI Head Start Program to enhance the well-being of families. My adaptability and case management expertise resulted in significant improvements in family support services, demonstrating a strong commitment to child development and multicultural sensitivity.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Family Advocate
CDI Head Start Program
05.2022 - Current
- Empowered families by providing them with tools and resources needed to make informed decisions about their futures.
- Identified available community resources and programs for families of disabled children.
- Enhanced family support by conducting thorough assessments and identifying specific needs.
- Built trusting relationships with clients through active listening, empathy, and cultural sensitivity during interactions at work or home visits.
- Visited homes of families and maintained appropriate contact as directed by agency procedures.
- Conducted home visits to assess living conditions and provide personalized guidance on parenting challenges.
- Facilitated support groups for parents, fostering a sense of community and shared learning experiences.
- Maintained timely documentation of case progress, ensuring clear communication among all involved parties.
- Organized community outreach events, raising awareness about available resources for struggling families.
- Connected families with essential services such as housing, healthcare, and education opportunities to improve overall quality of life.
- Developed individualized service plans for families, resulting in improved well-being and stability.
- Managed heavy caseload using well-developed time management, organizational, and task prioritization skills.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address complex issues impacting families'' lives.
- Collaborated with families to assist in growth, development, and education to increase potential.
- Created a safe environment for open dialogue between family members during mediation sessions leading towards conflict resolution.
- Assessed progress towards goals regularly, adjusting service plans accordingly based on family feedback and professional observations.
- Advocated for families within the legal system, helping them navigate challenging situations and obtain necessary resources.
- Observed security measures to maintain confidentiality and restrict access by unauthorized individuals.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
Assistant Teacher
CDI Head Start Program
05.2022 - Current
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Supervised recess, lunch and daily student intake and dismissal.
- Ensured a safe and supportive learning environment by enforcing classroom rules and addressing behavioral issues promptly.
- Completed daily reports, meal count sheets, and attendance logs.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Assisted lead teacher in providing individualized attention to students, resulting in improved academic performance.
- Worked with teachers to design lesson plans and coordinate activities for classes.
- Monitored and reported student progress and development, offering mentoring as needed.
- Kept records of student progress for teachers and parents and made notes on behavior, grades, comprehension, and personal growth.
- Established positive relationships with parents through effective communication, fostering parental involvement in their children''s education.
- Worked with teacher to identify and target opportunities for instructional improvements.
- Assisted in implementation of new learning tools, systems and materials.
- Provided one-on-one and group-based learning support focused on student progress.
- Monitored student progress regularly, using assessments to adjust instructional strategies as needed for optimal learning outcomes.
- Increased student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and group projects into the curriculum.
- Supported lead teacher in organizing field trips, enhancing real-world connections to classroom content for increased understanding.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying informed of best practices for teaching strategies and educational technologies.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular lessons, promoting interdisciplinary learning among students.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to address diverse learning needs of the students in the class.
- Created visually appealing bulletin boards that showcased student work and reinforced key concepts from lessons.
- Conducted educational games and activities to reinforce learning concepts in enjoyable manner.
- Adapted teaching strategies to accommodate virtual learning environments, maintaining student engagement.
- Supported use of educational technology in classroom, enhancing learning experience.
- Encouraged parental involvement in student learning through effective communication of progress and challenges.
- Participated in professional development workshops, staying abreast of best practices in education.
- Contributed to development of IEPs, tailoring educational plans to individual student needs.
- Fostered positive and supportive classroom atmosphere, encouraging student participation and confidence.
- Improved learning outcomes with creation of engaging and educational activities.
- Assisted in organizing and supervising school events and field trips, ensuring safe and educational experience for all students.
- Supported students with special needs, implementing strategies to facilitate their participation and learning.
- Enhanced student motivation by recognizing and rewarding progress and achievements in timely manner.
- Boosted classroom management skills, maintaining order and discipline among students.
- Facilitated small group learning sessions, providing personalized attention to students struggling with course material.
Lead VPK Teacher
Grow With Us Learning Academy
03.2016 - 04.2022
- Mentored new teachers in VPK program best practices, leading to increased consistency across classrooms.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on teaching methods and early childhood education research findings.
- Improved literacy rates by implementing phonics-based instruction and interactive activities.
- Evaluated student performance using various assessment tools, providing targeted feedback for improvement.
- Enhanced student engagement with hands-on projects that fostered critical thinking skills.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment by promoting collaboration and open communication among students.
- Increased attendance rates through proactive outreach to families experiencing challenges or barriers to attending school regularly.
- Collaborated with special education staff to ensure the success of all students, regardless of their abilities or needs.
- Boosted parent involvement through regular communication regarding student progress and upcoming events.
- Developed individualized learning plans for students with diverse needs, ensuring progress and academic growth.
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
- Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children feel safe.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Established positive communication with parents in daily conversation and formal conferences.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Assisted and supervised 26 children through entire school day.
- Allowed for ample outdoor discovery time in schedule each day.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
- Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
- Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
Toddler Teacher
Child Care Network
05.2015 - 03.2016
- Assisted in maintaining a clean, organized classroom that met required health and safety standards according to state regulations.
- Created a safe, nurturing environment that fostered creativity, curiosity, and exploration among toddlers.
- Led small group activities designed to enhance language skills, fine motor abilities, and problem-solving techniques among toddlers.
- Provided structured daily routines that balanced physical activity, cognitive development, social-emotional growth, and rest periods.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Worked closely with fellow teachers to share ideas, exchange feedback, and collaborate on curriculum planning efforts across classrooms.
- Collaborated with parents to establish consistent routines and maintain open communication channels for optimal child support.
- Supported children during transitions between activities or environments by providing clear instructions and guidance as needed.
Cashier/Stocking Crew Member
Ross Dress for Less
02.2014 - 05.2015
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Maintained a balanced cash drawer, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
- Restocked and organized merchandise in front lanes.
- Assisted customers with returns, refunds and resolving transaction issues.
- Stocked, tagged and displayed merchandise as required.
- Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
Education
Foundations of Strengths-based Practice - Family And Community Services
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA01.2025
Florida Child Care Professional Credential - Early Childhood Education
Childcare Education Institute
Duluth, GA06.2019
High School Diploma -
Valdosta High School
Valdosta, GA05.2013
Skills
- Community Resources
- Multicultural Sensitivity
- Effective Communication
- Case Management
- Family advocacy
- Child Development
- Home visits
- Relationship Building
- Community resource coordination
- Eligibility assessments
- Family services
- Adaptability and Flexibility
Timeline
Family Advocate
CDI Head Start Program
05.2022 - Current
Assistant Teacher
CDI Head Start Program
05.2022 - Current
Lead VPK Teacher
Grow With Us Learning Academy
03.2016 - 04.2022
Toddler Teacher
Child Care Network
05.2015 - 03.2016
Cashier/Stocking Crew Member
Ross Dress for Less
02.2014 - 05.2015
Foundations of Strengths-based Practice - Family And Community Services
Temple University
Florida Child Care Professional Credential - Early Childhood Education
Childcare Education Institute
High School Diploma -
Valdosta High School
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