SANDRA "SANDY" SONJU
Kalispell,MT
Summary
Self-motivated professional with a positive attitude and over 10 years of experience working in early childhood education and social work with public and private agencies in public schools and child welfare in multiple states. Work with diverse populations with varying needs and abilities. Detail-oriented with strong organizational and excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy while still maintaining flexibility. Mission driven and able to work independently with exceptional time management skills. Very adept at all administrative activities. Lifelong learner constantly pursuing education and information. Strong technical knowledge of early childhood education in various capacities. Accomplished team member able to work under pressure and work collaboratively. Role model for leadership and led teams for project management. Instructed students requiring ESL supports. Exceptional problem-solving abilities. Maintain professional relationship while still providing personal support for students, clients, and families
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Resource Family Specialist
Montana Department Of Child And Family Services
Kalispell , MT
2021.07 - 2023.04
- Gathering all pertinent information and history to write reports for the contracted agency (examples available upon request)
- Interview all members of a household as well as references to determine the viability and aptitude of a home to meet the requirements of a licensed foster home as determined by the Montana Child & Family Services Make recommendations for a potential foster family based on their ability to provide foster care or adoptive services to a child in the conservatorship of Child Protective Services
- As senior member of team provided support and leadership
- Provide 24/7 product support to clients while also working to ensure internal employees have the tools needed to perform their job duties
- Ensure data in content management systems are accurate by data collection standards set my state supervisor
Family Development Coordinator
Youth Dynamics, Inc
Kalispell , MT
2020.06 - 2021.07
- In the human services field, managed a caseload of therapeutic foster families, acting as a resource and liaison between the referring agency, the child, community and any other support systems or legal parties
- Coordinate and conduct training for initial applicant and ongoing families utilizing video conference platforms and meeting Covid protocols
- Recruit therapeutic foster families through community engagement and coordinated advertising
- Collaborated with Marketing Dept
- To conduct mass marketing program to increase amount of foster parents
Foster Care Licensing Specialist
Elizabethtown , KY
2019.03 - 2020.09
- Advocating for families and children and referring them to various community and government programs and resources
- Facilitated family meetings to ensure communication and collaboration between family members and caseworkers
- Built solid and trusting client relationships with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs
- Facilitated groups to address specific needs such as grief and loss, anger management and social skills
- Conducted pre-license training in-person and video conference platforms.
Spouse US Army Reserve Aviation Command
Fort Knox , KY
2017.01 - 2020.08
- Presented and communicated with all levels of expertise and capacities in military, government, and private sector corporations.
Special Education Teacher
St. Mary’s County Public Schools
Leonardtown , MD
2011.01 - 2015.06
- For 3 year old program providing exceptional learning environment certified and accredited by NAEYC
- Conducted outreach to public and private agencies to support families
- Collaborated with colleagues to provide student support services to provide maximum efficiency
- Utilized data analysis and project management techniques to work with team as collaborative effort on curriculum development of math program for school district
- Responsible for data collection on monthly basis for students in special education
- Work collaboratively as member of district team to write math curriculum standards.
Childcare Provider
Prince Frederick , MD
2009.01 - 2011.06
- Teaching children 2 to 12
- Conduct literature reviews and effectively used appropriate project management principles to procedure development
- Using standards driven proposal development completed successful grant applications
- Utilizing data collection and data analysis adjusted developmentally appropriate curriculum
- Used self-reliance to improve quality of early childhood program
- Provided above standard level of childcare for children birth to age 12
- Ensured all communications with families and partners were at professional level Constant review of workflow to ensure licensing mandates are met and determine if new employees must be hired.
Licensed Family Childcare Provider
Self-employed
Spokane , WA
2005.10 - 2008.06
- Maintained safe, clean and organized environment for children to learn and play in.
- Provided nurturing care to infants and toddlers, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.
- Organized educational activities such as art projects, music, storytime, outdoor play and field trips for preschoolers.
- Developed age-appropriate activities that promote physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of young children.
- Assisted with the preparation of nutritious meals and snacks for children according to their dietary needs.
- Ensured compliance with state licensing standards by creating lesson plans and maintaining accurate records of attendance.
- Created positive relationships with parents through open communication about their child's daily activities.
- Established positive behavior management techniques to encourage appropriate behavior from children.
- Supervised up to 10 children at a time while providing individual attention when needed.
- Implemented creative methods to engage children in learning activities such as games, stories or role playing.
- Fostered self-esteem by recognizing each child's individual strengths and weaknesses.
- Observed and documented each child's progress on an ongoing basis.
- Encouraged healthy habits such as hand washing before meals or after using the restroom.
- Provided assistance with homework assignments or other academic tasks as needed.
- Read books aloud to groups of children in order to foster literacy skills.
- Planned special events such as birthday parties or holiday celebrations.
- Responded promptly to any medical emergencies or injuries that occurred during childcare hours.
- Collaborated with other childcare providers in order to create new ideas for activities or lessons.
- Attended trainings related to early childhood education topics in order stay current on best practices.
- Followed strict confidentiality protocols regarding information about the families enrolled in the program.
- Observed and monitored children's play activities.
- Maintained safe play environment.
- Communicated with children's parents or guardians about daily activities, behaviors and related issues.
- Supported children's emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
- Established and maintained safe, supportive and welcoming environments for children of all backgrounds.
- Maintained organized and clean classroom and play areas.
- Organized and stored toys and materials to maintain order in activity areas.
- Taught children how to complete basic crafts such as paintings, drawings and decorations.
- Encouraged positive behaviors, including patience with teachers and fellow kids.
- Communicated with parents or guardians about daily activities, behaviors and upcoming events.
Kindergarten Teacher
North Broward Preparatory School
Boca Raton , FL
2004.08 - 2005.06
- Planned and implemented engaging lessons to meet the individual needs of each student.
- Assessed students' progress and created reports for parents, administrators, and other teachers.
- Developed positive relationships with students, families, staff members, and outside agencies.
- Provided a safe learning environment where children could explore their creativity.
- Organized activities that promoted physical, mental and social development.
- Encouraged students to think critically by posing questions and providing stimulating materials.
- Utilized appropriate teaching methods to motivate students in academic tasks.
- Fostered an atmosphere of respect through positive reinforcement techniques.
- Established clear expectations for classroom behavior and routines.
- Monitored student behavior throughout the day to ensure safety rules were being followed.
- Collaborated with colleagues on various projects related to curriculum development and assessment strategies.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance and grades as required by school policy.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies such as setting limits while encouraging self-discipline.
- Created a variety of learning experiences which incorporated technology into instruction.
- Adapted lesson plans based on student performance data to ensure success for all learners.
Assistant Preschool Director
First Baptist School
Coral Springs , FL
2003.08 - 2004.07
- Conducted daily meetings with staff to discuss upcoming events and activities.
- Developed, implemented and evaluated age-appropriate lesson plans in accordance with the preschool curriculum.
- Supervised students during indoor and outdoor playtime activities.
- Organized field trips for students to local museums and parks.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to parents on a regular basis.
- Assisted teachers in providing instruction, guidance, and support to students.
- Maintained accurate records of attendance, grades, behaviors, immunizations.
- Created an environment that promoted positive social interaction among peers.
- Provided professional development opportunities for teachers and staff members.
- Ensured compliance with all state licensing regulations related to preschool operations.
- Coordinated special events such as parent and teacher conferences, open house nights.
- Facilitated communication between families and faculty regarding student performance issues or concerns.
- Implemented behavior management strategies when needed in order to promote appropriate classroom conduct.
- Researched best practices for early childhood education programs in order to improve program quality.
- Trained new faculty members on program policies and procedures.
- Communicated with parents and fostered strong professional relationships.
- Inspected facility and activities to monitor safety, sanitation and procedures.
- Hired, mentored and monitored qualified childcare staff.
- Created and updated records to document employee and participant information.
Preschool Teacher
Weston Christian Academy
Weston , FL
2001.08 - 2003.06
- Conducted classroom activities to stimulate physical, mental, and social development of preschool students.
- Developed lesson plans that incorporated creative teaching techniques.
- Established positive relationships with parents and guardians by regularly communicating student progress.
- Identified early signs of emotional and developmental problems in children to bring concerns to parents' attention.
- Met with administrators and department team members to work on curriculum planning and assessment methods.
- Observed children for signs of illness, injury, emotional disturbance, learning disorders and speech problems.
- Removed hazards and developed appropriate boundaries and rules to create safe environment for children.
- Monitored student progress to ensure cooperation and growth.
- Incorporated music and art activities to encourage creativity and expression.
- Planned and implemented lessons using various teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
- Met with parents and guardians to discuss students' progress and areas requiring improvement.
- Maintained daily records of individual activities, behaviors, meals and naps.
- Participated in workshops, trainings and conferences to improve educational skills.
- Instructed and assisted children in eating, toileting and resting to help develop healthy personal habits.
- Implemented behavior modeling and positive reinforcement into daily routines.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
- Read stories to children and taught painting, drawing and crafts.
- Communicated with parents regularly to maintain student progress, schedule meetings and increase overall student happiness.
Education
Master of Science - Curriculum And Instruction for Early Childhood Education
Florida Atlantic University
08.2005
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Armstrong Atlantic State University
12.2000
Skills
- Behavioral Modeling
- Curriculum Development
- Special Needs Education
- Early Childhood Education Specialist
- Lesson Planning
- Setting Schedules
- Curriculum Planning
- IEP Creation
- Self-Esteem Boosting
- Motor Skill Development
- Safety Awareness
- Curriculum Design
- Faculty Collaboration
- Goal Setting
- Individualized Support
- Developmental Needs
- Classroom Management
- Mediation
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Parental and Guardian Assistance
- Community Resources
- Client Advocacy
- High-Risk Populations Identification
- Behavioral Specialist
- IEP Writing Knowledge
- Home Visits
- Excellent Classroom Management
- Early Education Specialist
- Parent Communication
- Student Needs Assessment
- Elementary Education
- Differentiated Instruction
- Group and Individual Instruction
- Early Childhood Development
- Child Development
- Student Records Management
- SMART Board
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Positive Reinforcement
- Online Teaching
- Microsoft Visual Basic Proficiency
- Proficient in Zoom, Teams, and other virtual platforms
Accomplishments
- Effectively managed caseloads of more than 100 clients at any given time
- Initiated marketing plan to increase clientele interest in early childhood education business and maintained maximum capacity for 2 years
- Achieved improved home study completion timeline by 6 months by introducing EXCEL for case monitoring tasks.
Timeline
Resource Family Specialist
Montana Department Of Child And Family Services
2021.07 - 2023.04
Family Development Coordinator
Youth Dynamics, Inc
2020.06 - 2021.07
Foster Care Licensing Specialist
2019.03 - 2020.09
Spouse US Army Reserve Aviation Command
2017.01 - 2020.08
Special Education Teacher
St. Mary’s County Public Schools
2011.01 - 2015.06
Childcare Provider
2009.01 - 2011.06
Licensed Family Childcare Provider
Self-employed
2005.10 - 2008.06
Kindergarten Teacher
North Broward Preparatory School
2004.08 - 2005.06
Assistant Preschool Director
First Baptist School
2003.08 - 2004.07
Preschool Teacher
Weston Christian Academy
2001.08 - 2003.06
Master of Science - Curriculum And Instruction for Early Childhood Education
Florida Atlantic University
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Armstrong Atlantic State University
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