SANDRA M SMITH
1177 Post Road East, Westport
Summary
- Bachelor's Degree in Child Development
- Over 15 years experience in early childhood education including 5 years in a supervisory/leadership role
- Proficient in multi-tasking, detail oriented, record keeping
- Mature and reflective/strength building approach to teamwork and team building
- Dedication to diversity and inclusion professionally and personally
- Bringing maturity and discretion into all endeavors.
- Deep commitment and understanding of the importance of early intervention starting with infant mental health
- Quick study and excitement for learning evolving software programs. Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Google, Zoom, Wordpress, Mail Chimp and Constant Contact
- Nurturing cultures of solution based and creative problem solving
- Sensitivity and respect for teachers and their unique challenges, knowing how and when to drive change
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Preschool Coordinator Part-Time
Earthplace Preschool
Westport, CT
08.2023 - Current
- Developed relationships with families and their children. Fostered parental involvement in their child's education and overall wellbeing.
- Managed daily operations of the preschool program, ensuring smooth transitions and effective communication between staff and parents.
- Assisting Director and classroom teachers in observing and interventions of concerning behaviors, and in writing behavior plans
- Assisted Director and teachers in all aspects of operations including ordering supplies, preparing for licensing inspections, revising policies and handbooks, and improving processes aimed at enhancing overall program effectiveness
- Collaborated with and scheduling outside services to supplement the in-house curriculum
Program Manager and Curriculum Author Part-Time
Educational Excellence Consulting LLC
Remote
06.2015 - Current
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations
- Identified program obstacles and communicated possible impacts to team
- Coached team members on productivity strategies to accomplish challenging goals
- Developed and maintained logistics workflows, procedures and reports
- Engaged and worked alongside cross-functional stakeholders to manage strategic initiatives
- Provided regular financial and strategic reports to investors and held strategic planning meetings
- Created marketing materials, website for outreach to educational institutions
Executive Director
Focus On The Children
Olympia, WA And Pagosa Springs, CO
01.1997 - 12.2022
- Mission of program to provide licensed childcare for diverse population of high-risk families
- Project development of child abuse prevention program coupled with parent empowerment
- Founder of this non-profit pilot effort from its inception
- Successful donor and advocate cultivation, rallying teams of volunteers and interns to raise awareness on the inequity experienced by homeless populations
- Development of strategies and methodology for fund solicitation strategies, donor acknowledgement, and advocating for legislative policy change regarding children and homelessness
- Extensive marketing and outreach throughout Pacific Northwest
- Relationship building and public education including procuring 501 (c) 3 non-profit status, developing strategic funding plan, grant writing
- Coordinated public support for extensive public awareness program on the long-term impact of childhood trauma and the positive impact of childhood intervention
- Employee, volunteer and intern supervision
- Development of self-sufficiency project including goal setting, career coaching and financial literacy support for parents in homeless situations
- Board recruitment
Teacher Mentor
Family Central Inc.
Miami, Florida
08.2011 - 10.2013
- Professional development presentations and classroom mentoring for teachers to promote student wellness and academics using video playback as a tool
- Worked independently taking the initiative in school recruitment and outreach
- Building trusting, safe relationships with a diverse cross section of school teachers and administrators including Hebrew school, Catholic private schools, French Creole, and schools in primarily Spanish speaking communities
Child Development Coordinator
San Juan College
Farmington, NM
08.2002 - 06.2004
- Enrollment of Pre-K children and building parent relationships
- Reflective supervision of 20 early childhood staff
- Managed the addition of and infant center including licensing compliance
- Creating a culture of inclusion, acceptance and respect in staff and parents
- Ongoing supervision of child screening, developmental assessments, and licensing compliance
- Development and writing of policy manuals
Adjunct Faculty Instructor
San Juan College
Durango CO
01.2001 - 04.2003
- Fostered a supportive learning environment by addressing diverse student needs through accommodations or additional support services referrals when necessary.
- Taught a variety of classes including early childhood administration, early childhood development and best practices
- Developed innovative course materials that catered to various learning styles, ensuring accessibility for all students.
- Enhanced student engagement by incorporating real-world examples and multimedia resources into lectures.
- Established strong rapport with students by demonstrating genuine interest in their academic progress and personal growth as scholars.
Executive Assistant and Communications
NM Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Remote
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Providing responsive support to Policy Coordinator, Policy Committee and Executive Director including development of educational materials, posters, brochures, annual multi-day meeting coordination and press releases
- Community relations, member relations, event planning, including advocacy days, web development and social media, creating a positive outreach approach
- Strategic outreach opportunity planning and maintaining positive relationships with state legislators and organizational membership
- Acting as go-to person as a clearing house for organizational questions
- Proficient in managing deadlines and highly responsive to the needs of the Executive Director, staff and membership
Writing Instructor
Maple Lane School/The Evergreen State College
Olympia, WA
09.1998 - 05.2000
- Challenged and engaged students through one-to-one interactions
- Guided students from the first draft to the final editing process
- Created with student feedback using empowerment strategies
- Employed visual, auditory and sensory approaches to make lessons more interesting and interactive for students
Development Director
Ramah In The Rockies
Denver, CO Remote
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Working 90% remotely with participation in office and at camp
- Jewish youth outdoor program attracting youth across the US and 4 other countries
- In person and online meeting preparation and implementation
- Maintain data base of donors and wealth research using Raiser's Edge CRM program
- Event planning and implementation
- Initiated annual gratitude week and cultivated culture of extreme gratitude for the smallest of charitable gifts
- Extensive use of Asana project management program
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development And Early Education
The Evergreen State College
Olympia, WA05.2000
Accomplishments
- Authored A Better Day Curriculum, a 4-step process designed to support educators in student engagement, resiliency and social emotional wellness, customized for diverse populations of teachers and students. Based in empowerment and inclusion principles
- Focuses on our children of the future and the growing unique needs of our youngest children
References
Amanda Ciardi (Director, Earthplace Preschool)
Current Employer (Please Wait for permission to check this reference)
a.ciardi@earthplace.org
203-557-4400
Holly Wu (Former School Director and Colleague)
hollyd37@aol.com
505-5731-692
Wendy Salomon (COO Family Central Inc, Miami)
Former Supervisor
wsalomon@familycentral.org
305-749-8611
Dr. Carmen Diaz (Professional Colleague)
drcarmendiaz@gmail.com
575-915-6140
Dr. Elliott Rosengarten (Shareholder, Educational Excellence Consulting LLC)
eyedoc1770@aol.com
502-553-2889
Timeline
Preschool Coordinator Part-Time
Earthplace Preschool
08.2023 - Current
Executive Assistant and Communications
NM Coalition Against Domestic Violence
01.2018 - 01.2022
Program Manager and Curriculum Author Part-Time
Educational Excellence Consulting LLC
06.2015 - Current
Development Director
Ramah In The Rockies
01.2013 - 01.2015
Teacher Mentor
Family Central Inc.
08.2011 - 10.2013
Child Development Coordinator
San Juan College
08.2002 - 06.2004
Adjunct Faculty Instructor
San Juan College
01.2001 - 04.2003
Writing Instructor
Maple Lane School/The Evergreen State College
09.1998 - 05.2000
Executive Director
Focus On The Children
01.1997 - 12.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development And Early Education
The Evergreen State College