Rayshonda McElroy
Summary
A discerning leader with a proven ability to cast vision, strategically plan, work cross functional to ensure compliance and quality, and impact social change through innovative solutions. Extensive knowledge in Head Start/Early Head Start, Prevention Initiative, Preschool for All, CCAP and CACFP grants and contracts.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Early Childhood
Gads Hill Center
Chicago, IL
02.2024 - Current
- Provide strategic leadership and management of all areas of the Head Start and family support programs including Preschool for All, Prevention Initiative, and Child Care
- Complete requires applications and oversee grants that support early childhood education
- Develop, implement and evaluate programmatic plans and procedures; adhere to EHS/HS federal requirements, ensure completion of NAEYC accreditation and DCFS license requirements
- Monitor recruitment and enrollment goals to ensure programs are fully enrolled
- Ensure the highest quality programming by reviewing program evaluation quarterly reports and developing goals to continue program improvement and innovation
Director of Education and Child Development
Brightpoint
Chicago, IL
07.2020 - 02.2024
- As a grantee (recipient) oversee all aspects of the region’s center-based programs day-to-day operations: Early Head Start/Head Start, Preschool for All/Prevention Initiative, CCAP, CACFP, including administrative, facilities, budget, program effectiveness, quality of services and personnel, and implemented contract deliverables
- Responsible for developing program data analysis and disseminating information to internal and external stakeholders, including Policy Council and Board, to conduct data dialogues, data integration and sharing to make informed decisions
- Collaborate and work cross-functional with Development, Communications, Human Resources, and Policy teams to develop strategic plans and execute agency initiatives
- Serve as a voice on several committees to implement trauma informed practices, through Conscious Discipline and an EDI lens
- Supervise program managers and other assigned staff, providing them with regular, reflective supervision that focuses on coaching and individual development
- Create, monitor and evaluate the department budget to optimize resources
Head Start/Early Head Start Consultant
Gia Group Inc
12.2019 - 06.2020
- Provided Head Start and Early Head Start consultation and technical assistance in the contents of education, disabilities/mental health and ERSEA
- Developed professional development plans
- Restructured education content
- Created robust comprehensive systems
- Aggregated child and family outcomes data
Education Manager
Illinois Action for Children
06.2017 - 10.2019
- Supervised and provided leadership to teacher coaches and oversaw home visiting program
- Created onboarding plan and systems to increase staff retention
- Developed coaching and intentional professional development plans for staff to meet program goals
- Created training and technical assistance plan for agency
- Developed goals and measurable objectives for early childhood program in accordance with federal guidelines
- Formulated current and long-range programs, plans, and policies for program services in accordance with federal guidelines; establish and implement systems
- Used qualitative and quantitative data to inform goals.
- Established monitoring systems te ensure compliance.
Education Director
Pillars
10.2015 - 06.2017
- Conducted assigned on-site compliance monitoring reviews and program quality standards to determine compliance with Federal Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards, including center-based and home-based programs, in under served communities
- Collected and analyzed data for program evaluation and improvement and engaged Policy Council and the Board
- Maintained a system for on-going monitoring activities, reporting of program non-compliance findings
- Oversaw completion of program improvement plans, based on monitoring results, and monitor progress on corrective plans as required
- Developed new data gathering instruments and conduct evaluation of existing tools for measurement and assessment
- Prepared monthly narrative report identifying activities, concerns, and recommendations to the Vice President; assist in the development and implementation of Head Start and Early Head Start goals, objectives, action plans, policies, and procedures; identify new program development areas and participate in the development of proposals to secure additional funds and programs
- Collaborated with Finance to maintain oversight of budgets
Director
Justice Development School
09.2014 - 10.2015
- Managed student enrollment, ISBE Food Program, mental health, nutrition, education, and family and community involvement
- Evaluated and measured child outcomes data
- Directed the daily operations of educational system: effectively guide and coordinate all systems
- Extensive compliance with state and local funds
- Cultivated and maintained partnerships with local school districts
- Created annual budgets and monitoring performance of accounts
- Managed and supervise personnel
- Grew program line to increase enrollment and funding.
Education
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Early Childhood Education, Special Education
National Louis University
Chicago, ILMaster of Arts Degree - Educational Administration
Concordia University, River Forest
Skills
- Federal, State, and Local Compliance
- Community Outreach & Engagement
- Strategic Partnerships
- Fundraising
- Board & Policy Council Engagement
- Fiscal Management
- Policies and Procedures Implementation
- Grant Writing & Research
- Budget Administration
- Program Analysis & Planning
- Training and Technical Assistance
- Supervise Management Team & Coaching
- Data Evaluation and Analysis
Accomplishments
- Created highly effective new programs that significantly impacted efficiency and improved operations
- Secretary - Kennedy King Early Childhood Advisory Board
- CLASS Certification
- ALICE Certified Instructor
- Successful FA1 and FA2 Federal Monitoring Reviews
2024 Barbara Bowman Leadership Fellow
Leverage my early childhood expertise to develop policy recommendations designed to ensure Illinois' publicly funded programs and resources are equitable, accessible, and of high quality for young children and their families.
Timeline
Director of Early Childhood
Gads Hill Center
02.2024 - Current
Director of Education and Child Development
Brightpoint
07.2020 - 02.2024
Head Start/Early Head Start Consultant
Gia Group Inc
12.2019 - 06.2020
Education Manager
Illinois Action for Children
06.2017 - 10.2019
Education Director
Pillars
10.2015 - 06.2017
Director
Justice Development School
09.2014 - 10.2015
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Early Childhood Education, Special Education
National Louis University
Master of Arts Degree - Educational Administration
Concordia University, River Forest
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