NIKKINA COTTON
Palmdale,CA
Summary
Compassionate and experienced Parenting Facilitator and Foster Parent with knowledge of California Code of Regulations Title 22 and child welfare best practices. Skilled in supporting diverse families through education, behavioral guidance, and trauma-informed care, with a proven ability to create safe, structured, and nurturing environments for children in foster care. Adept at collaborating with social workers, service providers, and biological families to promote reunification and long-term stability. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and advocacy skills, with a deep commitment to child development and family strengthening.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Therapeutic Foster Parent
Los Angeles County Department Of Children And Family Service
Lancaster, CA
07.2025 - Current
- Provided nurturing care and emotional support to foster children in home environment.
- Facilitated communication between children, birth families, and caseworkers to ensure ongoing support.
- Implemented behavioral management strategies to promote positive development and emotional stability.
- Supervised daily activities, fostering a safe, structured environment conducive to growth and learning.
- Organized and participated in regular family meetings to discuss progress, concerns, and future goals for each child in my care.
- Participated in ongoing training programs to stay current on best practices for therapeutic foster parenting and enhance my skills as a caregiver.
- Provided emotional support to children during difficult times, offering a compassionate ear and guidance when needed.
- Facilitated smooth transitions for children entering or leaving my care by communicating effectively with relevant parties involved in placement decisions.
- Promoted positive behaviors through reinforcement strategies, contributing to the overall well-being of children in my care.
- Collaborated with treatment teams to develop and implement individualized care plans for each child.
- Addressed behavioral challenges using therapeutic techniques, resulting in improved coping skills for the child.
- Managed challenging behavior through crisis intervention techniques while maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure situations.
- Reduced problem behaviors with positive reinforcement and supportive techniques.
Certified Breakthrough Parenting Instructor
Safe Hands Family Services
Lancaster, CA
12.2020 - Current
- Offered parenting classes that fostered improved family dynamics, promoting healthier households within the community.
- Strengthened family bonds through facilitating parenting classes aimed at improving communication skills between parents/guardians and children.
- Advised clients on available services such as parenting classes, employment assistance programs, and healthcare resources to promote self-sufficiency among non-custodial parents.
- Facilitated group sessions for parents, sharing parenting strategies and resources to promote healthy family dynamics.
- Designed and delivered workshops on parenting skills, fostering healthy relationships within families.
Supervised Visitation Monitor
Safe Hands Family Services
Lancaster, CA
01.2020 - Current
- Supervised visitations to ensure safety and emotional well-being of children during family interactions.
- Facilitated communication between parents and children, fostering a supportive environment for relationship building.
- Implemented structured visitation plans tailored to individual family needs, promoting positive outcomes.
- Documented observations and incidents accurately to provide detailed reports for child welfare assessments.
- Trained new monitors on best practices in supervision and documentation standards, enhancing team effectiveness.
- Maintained compliance with legal regulations and organizational policies, ensuring safe visitations in all circumstances.
- Assisted in creating a positive environment for children and parents, promoting healthy family interactions.
- Managed challenging situations effectively using conflict resolution techniques learned from professional development trainings focused on supervised visitation monitoring.
- Supported clients in navigating complex court systems by providing education on legal processes related to custody cases whenever necessary.
- Conducted thorough assessments of visitation areas prior to appointments, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for all participants.
Foster Care Provider
Los Angeles County Department Of Children And Family Service
Lancaster, CA
01.2018 - Current
- Provided nurturing environments for foster children, promoting emotional and psychological development.
- Collaborated with social workers to ensure compliance with state regulations and foster care guidelines.
- Facilitated communication between children, biological families, and support services to enhance relationships.
- Advocated for children's rights within the foster care system, ensuring access to necessary resources and services.
- Maintained open communication with caseworkers and support teams to ensure that the needs of each child were being met effectively.
- Managed daily routines and schedules, fostering consistency and stability in the lives of foster children.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices in foster care provision.
- Established clear boundaries within the home environment that promoted respect for themselves and others.
Daycare Teacher's Assistant
Laugh and Learn Daycare
Lancaster, CA
03.2017 - 01.2018
- Assisted lead teacher in developing engaging lesson plans and activities.
- Supported children in daily routines, promoting social interaction and emotional growth.
- Maintained a safe and clean environment, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
- Observed children's behavior to identify developmental needs and provide appropriate support.
- Organized educational materials and resources for classroom activities and projects.
- Participated in training sessions to enhance teaching skills and childcare practices.
Childcare Provider
Cotton Family Child Care
Los Angeles, CA
06.2000 - 12.2017
- Supervised daily activities, ensuring safety and engagement for children in care.
- Provided nurturing care for children, ensuring safety and well-being in home environment.
- Developed engaging educational activities to promote cognitive and social development.
- Established daily routines, enhancing structure and predictability for children.
- Communicated effectively with parents, providing updates on child progress and needs.
- Implemented behavior management techniques to encourage positive social interactions among children.
Education
No Degree - Child Development
West Los Angeles College
Culver City, CAHigh School Diploma -
Susan Miller Dorsey High School
Los Angeles, CA06-1994
Skills
- Positive discipline
- Child welfare laws
- Facilitation techniques
- Workshop coordination
- Excellent communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Trained in CPR
- Multitasker
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Flexible and adaptable
- Dependable and responsible
Certification
- Certified Parenting Instructor
- Current RFA approved home
- Mandated Reporter
- CPR Certified
- Certified Domestic Violence Advocate
Timeline
Therapeutic Foster Parent
Los Angeles County Department Of Children And Family Service
07.2025 - Current
Certified Breakthrough Parenting Instructor
Safe Hands Family Services
12.2020 - Current
Supervised Visitation Monitor
Safe Hands Family Services
01.2020 - Current
Foster Care Provider
Los Angeles County Department Of Children And Family Service
01.2018 - Current
Daycare Teacher's Assistant
Laugh and Learn Daycare
03.2017 - 01.2018
Childcare Provider
Cotton Family Child Care
06.2000 - 12.2017
No Degree - Child Development
West Los Angeles College
High School Diploma -
Susan Miller Dorsey High School