Paula Andrea Mercado
Lakewood,CA
Summary
Goal-oriented professional well-versed in operational practices and regulatory requirements of center-based child development programs. Skilled leader and analytical problem-solver well-versed in subsidized care, staff oversight and program management. Skillfully use relationship-building talents and diplomatic communication style to forge long-lasting connections.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Early Childhood Instructor
Westminster School District
10.2019 - Current
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Practiced inclusion and served children with mild-moderate autism or neurodiverse children.
- Implemented Developmentally Appropriate Practices for children between the ages of 3-5 years old.
- Created lesson plans based on children's interests.
- Implemented World of Wonders (State Preschool) Curriculum.
- Created IDP's/IEP's and collaborated with interdisciplinary team of school psychologists, speech pathologists, early childhood specialists and nurses.
- Implemented PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Support Program to recognize children for meeting behavior expectations and provide incentives to help foster accountability.
- Assisted families in completing ASQ's.
- Referred families to the appropriate resource as requested.
- Supervised and collaborated with teaching assistants to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
- Collaborated with parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
- Utilized assessment tools such as DRDP, CLASS, and ECERS. Conducted parent-teacher conferences twice per year.
- Received high marks on CLASS and ECERS observations.
ECE Teacher/Director
St. Anne's Maternity Home
11.2015 - 09.2019
- Served the low-income families under Head-Start Program in the East Los Angeles area.
- Conducted Home-Visits/Screenings prior to the start of the school year.
- Utilized assessments such as Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ's) and assisted families to complete the form accurately.
- Educated and helped families understand the characteristics of screenings and guided them in decision decision making, regarding their choice of resources that are available to them.
- Supervised two sessions (AM & PM) with 16 children in each session. State licensed for up to 55 children per session.
- In the absence of director, took upon the responsibilities of director.
- Abided by Title 22 Regulations.
- Assisted other lead teachers and assistant teachers conduct ASQs and home-visits as needed.
- Created developmentally appropriate lesson plans.
- Translated for Filipino families who needed clarification on certain topics.
- Ensured that all families were assisted in the language they preferred.
- Collaborated with nurses, speech pathologists, counselors.
- Utilized assessment tools such as DRDPs.
- Implemented the Pyramid Model: tiered public health approach to providing universal supports to all children.
- Promoted wellness, targeted services to those who need more support, and intensive services to those who need them.
- Implemented PBS (Positive Behavior Support) to children with challenging behaviors such as aggression, tantrums, and property destruction to social withdrawal.
- Collaborated with LACOE and attended professional development trainings such as CLASS.
Early Childhood Site Director
Bright Futures Learning Academy
07.2013 - 11.2015
- Recruited and hired staff to fill important positions (teachers, cooks, cleaning service, facility gardners, and custodians).
- Performed continuous evaluations of staff and implemented plans for improvement.
- Networked among community leaders such as the city councilman and district representatives to improve school safety and operational planning.
- Advertised the school within the community and attended events such as family nights at the local park, new business exposure opportunities such as setting up a children's activity table during Veteran's Day Parade and other special events.
- Managed facility budget and made repairs as needed.
- Ordered teachers' supplies and children's materials monthly or as needed.
- Enrolled families who are under alternative payment programs such as CHS and CDSS.
- Acted as a liaison for the families and their case-workers by ensuring that recertification paperwork are submitted in a timely manner.
- Initiated application and managed funding for free meals program through CACFP.
- Followed through Title 22 Regulations.
- Trained staff on how to implement play-based curriculum and S.T.E.A.M concepts.
- Trained staff on DRDP ratings and conduct parent-teacher conferences.
- Collaborated on strategies to enhance student learning and behavior alongside parents and teaching staff.
Social Service Designee
Downey Community Health Care Center
12.2009 - 07.2013
- Assisted in conducting Minimum Data Set to Medical or Medicare recipients in the 198-bed Skilled-Nursing Facility.
- Captured information about patients’ comorbidities, physical, psychological and psychosocial functioning in addition to any treatments (e.g., hospice care, oxygen therapy, chemotherapy, dialysis) or therapies (e.g., physical, occupational, speech, restorative nursing) received.
- Ensured safe discharge of the residents back to their previous home life or in any case, continue their new condition of life in the best way possible.
- Collaborated with doctors and multi-disciplinary team in order to provide high quality care.
- Attended quarterly meetings with DON, RN's, physical therapists, mental health director, dietary supervisor and activity director.
- Updated resident charts and ensured that all residents assigned completed their check-ups and ancillary services which include diagnostic, therapeutic, and care delivery services.
- Assessed residents and educated families about their options depending on their needs (e.g., long-term stay at SNF, senior living, assisted living, memory care).
- Ensured timely delivery of durable medical equipment (DME's) to the resident's home.
Early Childhood Instructor
Center For Community & Family Services
08.2006 - 11.2009
- Served the low-income families in the greater Los Angeles area, in close proximity to Watts.
- Assisted and supervised 24 children, aged 2-5 years, through entire school day.
- Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children feel safe.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Monitored students' academic, social, and emotional progress and recorded in individual portfolios with photos and anecdotal records.
- Implemented age-appropriate, play-based curricula to meet needs of young learners.
- Assessed student progress (DRPDs) and provided feedback on educational development.
- Conducted parent-teacher conference 2x/year.
- Attended professional development trainings throughout the year.
- Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site (field-trips) with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
- Supported children in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers through the use of ECERS assessments and ITERS.
Education
Master of Science - Early Childhood Education
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN08.2016
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ04.2014
Skills
- Classroom & Behavior Management
- Classroom Organization
- Student Records Management
- Center Based Preschool Management
- Subsidized/Alternative Payment Programs
- Resource & Referral Programs
- Head Start & State Preschool Programs
- DRDPs, IEPs/IDP's, ASQ's, ECERS, ITERS, CLASS
- Social Service for children aged 0-5 years
Certification
- Early Childhood Program Director Permit
- CPR & First Aid
Timeline
Early Childhood Instructor
Westminster School District
10.2019 - Current
ECE Teacher/Director
St. Anne's Maternity Home
11.2015 - 09.2019
Early Childhood Site Director
Bright Futures Learning Academy
07.2013 - 11.2015
Social Service Designee
Downey Community Health Care Center
12.2009 - 07.2013
Early Childhood Instructor
Center For Community & Family Services
08.2006 - 11.2009
Master of Science - Early Childhood Education
Walden University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Phoenix
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