Rachel Cotten
Madison,AL
Summary
Dedicated Early Head Start Teacher with a proven track record at YMCA, enhancing young learners' development through innovative curricula and play-based learning. Expert in child development and positive reinforcement, I've significantly boosted student satisfaction and engagement. Skilled in first aid and CPR, I excel in creating safe, nurturing environments for preschoolers to thrive.
Dedicated teacher provides students with safe and nurturing learning environment. Possesses excellent communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Early Head Start Teacher
Community Action Partnership of North Alabama
08.2023 - Current
- Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
- Established positive relationships with students and families.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
- Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
- Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback on educational development.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
- Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
- Increased student satisfaction by frequently communicating with students about needs and adapting lessons to interests and classroom progress.
- Helped new preschool children get used to classes by giving one-on-one support.
Early Head Start Teacher
YMCA
07.2020 - 08.2023
- Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
- Established positive relationships with students and families.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
- Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
- Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback on educational development.
- Helped new preschool children get used to classes by giving one-on-one support.
- Increased student satisfaction by frequently communicating with students about needs and adapting lessons to interests and classroom progress.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
- Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
Toddler Teacher
YMCA
08.2019 - 07.2020
- Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Allowed for ample outdoor discovery time in schedule each day.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships and promote learning.
- Implemented curriculum to enhance classes with learning-focused activities.
- Instructed children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toileting.
- Intervened in disruptive behavior, using positive reinforcement strategies to redirect and calm children.
- Taught hand washing and proper use of utensils to promote good hygiene and etiquette habits.
- Maintained tidy environment to comply with cleanliness and sanitation standards.
- Assisted in preparation of meals and snacks to provide children with proper nutrition.
- Actively encouraged children to develop their communication, problem-solving and social skills.
- Gathered materials and resources to prepare for lessons and activities.
- Increased student satisfaction by frequently communicating with students about needs and adapting lessons to interests and classroom progress.
- Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans.
- Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback on educational development.
- Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
- Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Established positive relationships with students and families.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
- Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
- Helped new preschool children get used to classes by giving one-on-one support.
Toddler Teacher
Lil Angels Child Development Center
09.2017 - 08.2019
- Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Allowed for ample outdoor discovery time in schedule each day.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships and promote learning.
- Implemented curriculum to enhance classes with learning-focused activities.
- Instructed children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toileting.
- Intervened in disruptive behavior, using positive reinforcement strategies to redirect and calm children.
- Taught hand washing and proper use of utensils to promote good hygiene and etiquette habits.
- Maintained tidy environment to comply with cleanliness and sanitation standards.
- Assisted in preparation of meals and snacks to provide children with proper nutrition.
- Actively encouraged children to develop their communication, problem-solving and social skills.
- Gathered materials and resources to prepare for lessons and activities.
- Increased student satisfaction by frequently communicating with students about needs and adapting lessons to interests and classroom progress.
- Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
- Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
- Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
- Established positive relationships with students and families.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
- Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
- Helped new preschool children get used to classes by giving one-on-one support.
Education
Northeast Alabama Community College
Rainsville, ALBachelor of Science - Technical Education
Athens State University
Athens, AL05-2026
Associate of Science - General Studies
Calhoun Community College
Tanner, AL12-2024
High School Diploma -
Scottsboro High School
Scottsboro, AL05-2002
Skills
- First aid and CPR
- Child development expertise
- Developmental tracking
- Special needs support
- Mealtime supervision
- Child assessment
- Positive reinforcement
- Plan activities
- Play-based learning
- Parent and guardian relations
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Documentation and reporting
- Lesson planning
- Early childhood education
- Toileting and feeding
- Relationship building
- Conflict resolution
- Child observation
Accomplishments
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
Certification
CDA-Child Development Associate
Associate of Science-General Studies
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Early Head Start Teacher
Community Action Partnership of North Alabama
08.2023 - Current
Early Head Start Teacher
YMCA
07.2020 - 08.2023
Toddler Teacher
YMCA
08.2019 - 07.2020
Toddler Teacher
Lil Angels Child Development Center
09.2017 - 08.2019
Northeast Alabama Community College
Bachelor of Science - Technical Education
Athens State University
Associate of Science - General Studies
Calhoun Community College
High School Diploma -
Scottsboro High School
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