SAMANTHA FERGUSON
San Diego
Summary
Dynamic program director with expertise in creating revenue-generating youth programs. Successfully developed multi-year growth plans with clear targets, enhancing student engagement and institutional reputation. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance while prioritizing quality educational experiences.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Director / Department Head of Auxiliary Programs
The Bishop's School
01.2022 - Current
- Built and launched a strategically aligned auxiliary department encompassing summer programs, after-school enrichment, and extended-day offerings designed to generate net operating revenue and strengthen the school's admissions pipeline.
- Developed multi-year growth plans with clear revenue targets, enrollment benchmarks, and expense controls, ensuring programs delivered both financial sustainability and a high-quality student experience.
- Led large-scale student programming and domestic travel experiences, managing logistics, safety planning, vendor partnerships, and stakeholder communication to enhance institutional reputation and build community trust.
- Established operational systems for registration workflows, risk management protocols, staffing models, and compliance oversight, ensuring scalable and efficient program delivery.
- Recruited and mentored cross-functional teams, fostering accountability, clear communication, and mission alignment during organizational transition.
Director of Childcare Services
The Bishop's School
01.2022 - Current
- Designed and implemented innovative program models, leveraging data-driven insights to enhance performance and student engagement, including development of enrichment curriculum for summer learning initiatives.
- Directed budgeting and financial oversight, fostering responsible stewardship and supporting long-term sustainability of childcare services.
- Led program evaluation and continuous improvement initiatives, resulting in enhanced outcomes and elevated program quality while ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Collaborated with local and state agencies to uphold compliance standards and effectively mitigate operational risks.
Early Childhood Education Consultant
Self Employed
01.2022 - Current
- Assessed and evaluated Early Childhood Education facilities, providing innovative solutions to address educational and staffing challenges.
- Developed and implemented training programs for clients, enhancing staff knowledge and teaching effectiveness.
- Collaborated with clients to identify program needs and created tailored solutions that enhanced educational outcomes.
Program Director
Easterseals Southern California
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Collaborated with the executive leadership team to develop and submit state and federal grant refunding applications resulting in 100% of grant funds rewarded.
- Planned, developed, and evaluated comprehensive Head Start programs and services, conducting needs analysis and providing tailored training and technical assistance to enhance program effectiveness.
- Enhanced monitoring processes to ensure compliance with operational, fiscal, and educational regulations, safeguarding program integrity and accountability.
- Effectively lead a team consisting of family support staff, and teachers, resulting in the highest retention rate in the region.
- Initiated and led the transition to a paperless practice by implementing an electronic file tracking system and a faster, more accurate upload process.
Site Director
Easterseals Southern California
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Trained and directed childcare staff in high quality programming implementation using Preschool Foundations, DRDP, and Creative Curriculum, improving educational delivery.
- Evaluated and managed early childhood classrooms with ITERS, ECERS, and CLASS to ensure compliance with quality standards.
- Analyzed program assessment data and implemented strategic action plans resulting in 85% of students meeting kindergarten readiness goals in 2020.
- Developed site monitoring system integrated into company policy and procedure to enhance operational consistency.
- Developed and monitored four departmental budgets each fiscal year which resulted in the ability to remodel five classrooms.
- Assessed and evaluated children to identify early intervention needs and managed referral processes.
Quality Assurance Coach
THINK Together
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Managed all aspects of nine 21st-century afterschool programs, servicing over 800 students K-8.
- Established and sustained partnership between THINK Together and Redlands and Upland Unified School Districts, securing ongoing program funding.
- Implemented and evaluated educational activities and assessments following California Department of Education and Common Core standards.
- Enhanced program quality and classroom environments, contributing to increased student daily attendance.
Site Coordinator / Program Leader
THINK Together
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Coordinated afterschool program for 100 students and 4 staff, ensuring a structured and supportive environment.
- Developed and nurtured relationships with district stakeholders, school site staff, and liaisons to enhance program effectiveness.
- Implemented and monitored individualized education plans to support student behavioral and developmental goals.
Education
Child Development Program Director Permit -
California Commission of Teacher Credentialing
01-2018
Master of Arts - Child Development
CSULA
01-2016
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
CSUSB
01-2014
Skills
Leadership & Strategy: Strategic Planning, Organizational Leadership, Change Management, Operational Excellence, Cross-Functional Team Leadership, Culture Building
Finance & Growth: Budget Management, Revenue Generation, Financial Oversight, Contract Negotiation, Resource Allocation, Vendor Management
Program & Operations: Program Development & Evaluation, Process Improvement, Compliance & Risk Management, Systems Implementation, Quality Assurance
Timeline
Director / Department Head of Auxiliary Programs
The Bishop's School
01.2022 - Current
Director of Childcare Services
The Bishop's School
01.2022 - Current
Early Childhood Education Consultant
Self Employed
01.2022 - Current
Program Director
Easterseals Southern California
01.2018 - 01.2022
Site Director
Easterseals Southern California
01.2018 - 01.2022
Quality Assurance Coach
THINK Together
01.2013 - 01.2018
Site Coordinator / Program Leader
THINK Together
01.2013 - 01.2018
Child Development Program Director Permit -
California Commission of Teacher Credentialing
Master of Arts - Child Development
CSULA
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
CSUSB