NICOLE KRELLER
Oak Park,Illinois
Summary
Mission-driven leader with extensive experience in early childhood education, program development, and product management. Adept at creating customer-centric, innovative solutions to enhance educational outcomes for children, educators, and families. Proven expertise in cross-functional collaboration, project leadership, and delivering impactful learning tools and professional development programs. Passionate about leveraging technology to expand access to high-quality preschool education.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Director of Educare Practice, Educare Learning Network
START EARLY
Chicago, Illinois
01.2019 - Current
- Directed the development and management of early childhood educator learning tools and programs, ensuring alignment with best practices and customer needs.
- Led a team of Early Childhood Practice Consultants, overseeing training programs, project roadmaps, and professional development initiatives to support educators and families.
- Designed and operationalized the "Essential Practices of Educare" product, managing relationships with stakeholders and ensuring effective implementation.
- Cultivated a collaborative, data-informed culture, driving continuous improvement and team innovation.
- Provided interim leadership as Vice President, contributing to strategic planning and program evolution.
Early Childhood Practice Consultant, Educare Learning Network
START EARLY
Chicago, Illinois
01.2017 - 01.2022
- Collaborated with stakeholders to design, test, and implement innovative strategies for classroom management, family engagement, and instructional quality improvement.
- Led training and technical assistance initiatives for educational leaders, emphasizing reflective practices, family engagement, and data-driven instruction.
- Presented at national conferences to disseminate findings on high-quality teaching and leadership practices.
Implementation Advisor, Educare Learning Network
START EARLY
Chicago, Illinois
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Provided technical assistance to educational leaders to ensure full implementation of high-quality practices in classrooms and family engagement.
- Supported data analysis, system improvements, and the integration of learning technologies in program delivery.
Program Associate, Educare Learning Network
START EARLY
Chicago, Illinois
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Responsible for collaborating with the Educare Learning Network division to influence change in early childhood practice at schools within the Educare Learning Network, and the larger field of early childhood education.
- Contributed to the ongoing development and integration of effective, innovative, and sustainable work systems, protocols, and practices connected to divisional and organizational goals, and strategic plans.
School Director
EVANSTON DAY NURSERY ASSOCIATION
Evanston, Illinois
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Rebuilt school operations to enhance family-school communication and staff development.
- Implemented a data-informed curriculum and aligned teaching practices with state regulations and accreditation standards.
Education
M.S. - Child Development, Infant & Toddler Specialization
Erikson Institute
Chicago01.2008
B.S. - Human Development & Family Studies
University of Illinois
Urbana01.2004
Skills
- Product Management and Development
- Staff Development
- Training and Facilitation of Learning
- Presentations and Public Speaking
- Program Coordination
- Cross-functional Team Collaboration
- Project Management and Roadmap Ownership
- Early Childhood Education Expertise
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
Presentationspublications
- Rethinking the Role of Professional Development as a Workforce Support Strategy: Stories from the field, BUILD Conference, 01/01/23
- Rethinking the Role of Professional Development as a Workforce Support Strategy: Stories from the field, Zero to Three Conference, 01/01/23
- Digging Deeper: Using a reflective approach to examine and implement high quality teaching practices, National Head Start Association Annual Conference & Expo, 01/01/19
- Building a Culture of Continuous Quality Improvement through Embedded Professional Development, National Head Start Association Fall Leadership Institute, 01/01/17
- Promoting Healthy Social Emotional Development in Young Children: Tips for Early Childhood Teachers and Providers, Webinar for Hatch Early Learning, 01/01/17
- Inclusion: Utilizing Multicultural and Anti-Bias Education Goals in the Classroom to Support Diverse Learning Needs, Chicago Metro Association for the Education of Young Children Opening Minds Conference, 01/01/10
Membershipsaffiliations
- Brazelton Touchpoints Center
- National Association for the Education of Young Children
- Association for Talent Development
Additionaleducationlicensescertifications
- Start Early Professional Learning Certification, 01/01/24
- Instructional Design Certificate, Association for Talent Development, 01/01/23
- Improv Program Graduate, Second City Chicago, 01/01/17
- Early Childhood Education Credential-Level 5, Illinois, 01/01/12
- Infant & Toddler Credential-Level 5, Illinois, 01/01/12
- Director Credential-Level 2, Illinois, 01/01/12
Certification
- Start Early Professional Learning Certification | 2024
- Instructional Design Certificate, ATD | 2023
- Early Childhood Education Credential-Level 5, IL | 2012
Timeline
Assistant Director of Educare Practice, Educare Learning Network
START EARLY
01.2019 - Current
Early Childhood Practice Consultant, Educare Learning Network
START EARLY
01.2017 - 01.2022
Implementation Advisor, Educare Learning Network
START EARLY
01.2016 - 01.2017
Program Associate, Educare Learning Network
START EARLY
01.2015 - 01.2016
School Director
EVANSTON DAY NURSERY ASSOCIATION
01.2013 - 01.2014
M.S. - Child Development, Infant & Toddler Specialization
Erikson Institute
B.S. - Human Development & Family Studies
University of Illinois
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