Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Monica Watson

Las Cruces,NM

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Head Start Educational Assistant

Las Cruces Public Schools/University Hills
Las Cruces, New Mexico
11.2024 - 05.2025
  • Assisted teachers in classroom management and student engagement activities.
  • Supported students with special needs through individualized learning plans.
  • Collaborated with educators to develop instructional materials and resources.
  • Monitored student progress and provided feedback to teachers regularly.
  • Implemented behavioral strategies to promote positive classroom environments.
  • Communicated effectively with parents regarding student performance and needs.
  • Participated in training sessions to improve educational support techniques.
  • Monitored student behavior in the classroom, playground, cafeteria, and other school areas.
  • Assisted teachers with lesson preparation and curriculum implementation.
  • Cleaned and organized classrooms, materials, and supplies.

Head Start Lead Teacher

Midland Park Primary School
North Charleston, South Carolina
08.2023 - 09.2024
  • Led classroom activities to promote social and emotional growth among children.
  • Coordinated with parents to discuss student progress and address concerns.
  • Collaborated with staff to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.
  • Maintained classroom safety standards and ensured compliance with regulations.
  • Established positive relationships with families from diverse backgrounds.
  • Maintained accurate records of student attendance and progress reports.
  • Engaged in ongoing assessment of student needs through observation techniques such as anecdotal notes or checklists.
  • Implemented behavior management strategies designed to foster self-regulation skills among young learners.
  • Monitored staff members' interactions with students to ensure compliance with Head Start regulations.
  • Developed age appropriate lesson plans in accordance with Head Start regulations, standards, and curriculum guidelines.
  • Engaged in professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date on best practices in early childhood education.
  • Maintained accurate documentation on student attendance, behavior, health records.
  • Provided classroom instruction and facilitated learning activities for children ages 3-5.
  • Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive, trusting relationships.
  • Communicated with parents regularly to maintain student progress, schedule meetings, and increase overall student happiness.

Pre-K Teacher/Jumpstart Teacher

The Children's Garden
Las Cruces, New Mexico
01.2020 - 05.2023
  • Led a class of 20 preschoolers, developing and executing comprehensive lesson plans.
  • Created an engaging classroom environment, fostering learning and development.
  • Conducted home visits and organized parent/teacher conferences to strengthen family partnerships.
  • Participated in professional development, enhancing teaching strategies and classroom management skills.
  • Developed tailored strategies for children with challenging behaviors, promoting social-emotional growth.
  • Collaborated with families to ensure holistic child development.
  • Designed interactive activities to stimulate cognitive and social skills in young learners.
  • Meticulously prepared classroom materials and lesson plans, ensuring alignment with educational standards.
  • Maintained comprehensive student progress records for individualized learning.
  • Plan and execute lesson plans two weeks ahead, ensuring readiness for elementary school.
  • Conduct student observations and assessments, contributing to comprehensive portfolios.
  • Engage with children during various activities, fostering social and emotional skills.
  • Adhere to COVID-19 policies, ensuring a clean and safe learning environment.
  • Meticulously planned lessons two weeks in advance, ensuring comprehensive educational experiences.
  • Conducted in-depth student observations, maintaining detailed portfolios for progress tracking.
  • Implemented diverse learning centers, promoting hands-on exploration in science, art, and problem-solving.
  • Integrated COVID-19 safety protocols while maintaining an engaging classroom environment.
  • Completed Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and FOCUS trainings, enhancing teaching methodologies.
  • Prepared students for elementary school through targeted skill development initiatives.

Lead Preschool Teacher

Little Champs Academy
Franksville, Wisconsin
05.2017 - 09.2019
  • Opened and managed daily operations of the center, ensuring a welcoming and safe environment.
  • Developed and implemented weekly lesson plans, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.
  • Conducted bi-annual parent-teacher conferences, fostering strong communication and collaboration.
  • Maintained accurate student portfolios, tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Organized and led field trips, ensuring student safety and enriching educational experiences.
  • Cultivated strong parent relationships through effective communication.
  • Organized bi-annual conferences, sharing student progress and collaborating on development strategies.
  • Designed creative, theme-based art projects to enhance learning.
  • Implemented interactive circle time activities, promoting letter and number recognition skills.
  • Ensured compliance with all state regulations related to preschool education standards.
  • Organized and maintained a safe learning environment for children, including supervision of indoor and outdoor playtime.

Access Monitor-Escort-Data Collector

Atamir-WSMR
White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico
04.2013 - 10.2015
  • Checked IDs and tracked site personnel, ensuring compliance and safety on a government site.
  • Escorted foreign officials on a military base, facilitating secure and efficient visits.
  • Collected and analyzed data from military vehicles, ensuring operational readiness and reliability.
  • Collected and analyzed critical data from military vehicles, implementing proactive maintenance strategies to optimize operational readiness and performance.
  • Facilitated seamless communication between foreign officials and base personnel, fostering positive international relations and cultural understanding.

Education

Alternative Licensure Program - Elementary Education

Northern New Mexico College
New Mexico
05-2026

Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education

Grand Canyon University
12.2020

High School Diploma -

Onate High School
05.2000

Skills

  • Skills Level 17 Wisconsin Registry
  • Level 8 South Carolina Registry
  • Working with children
  • Lesson planning
  • Classroom management
  • Professional development
  • Family partnership
  • Behavior management
  • Home visits
  • Parent-teacher conferences
  • Curriculum implementation
  • Observations
  • Assessments
  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Social-emotional skills
  • Science
  • Problem-solving
  • Listening
  • Art
  • Independence
  • Coordination
  • Classroom cleaning
  • COVID policies
  • Center opening
  • Meal preparation
  • Portfolio management
  • Staff meetings
  • Circle time
  • Centers
  • Letter recognition
  • Number recognition
  • Art activities
  • Playground supervision
  • Field trips
  • Van driving

Timeline

Head Start Educational Assistant

Las Cruces Public Schools/University Hills
11.2024 - 05.2025

Head Start Lead Teacher

Midland Park Primary School
08.2023 - 09.2024

Pre-K Teacher/Jumpstart Teacher

The Children's Garden
01.2020 - 05.2023

Lead Preschool Teacher

Little Champs Academy
05.2017 - 09.2019

Access Monitor-Escort-Data Collector

Atamir-WSMR
04.2013 - 10.2015

Alternative Licensure Program - Elementary Education

Northern New Mexico College

Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education

Grand Canyon University

High School Diploma -

Onate High School