Shandra Patton
New Haven,CT
Summary
Accomplished Early Childhood Education Leader with extensive experience in program innovation and team development. Expertise in regulatory compliance, curriculum design, and staff retention, coupled with a strong record of enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes through collaborative community initiatives.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Preschool Director
Wakeman Boys & Girls Club
Bridgeport, CT
01.2023 - Current
- Launched and operationalized a fully licensed preschool program, achieving full state compliance within established timelines.
- Recruited, developed, and led a high-performing team; implemented professional development systems that improved instructional quality and staff retention.
- Increased enrollment and program visibility through strategic marketing initiatives, community partnerships, and family engagement.
- Secured Easy Start Grant, expanding program capacity to serve 40 children and improving access for underserved families.
- Managed budgeting, payroll, and staffing models to optimize operational efficiency and maintain compliance ratios.
- Designed and implemented an outdoor learning environment to enhance curriculum delivery and student engagement.
DSAP Teacher
New Haven Public Schools
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Delivered data-driven instruction to improve school readiness and student performance outcomes.
- Collaborated with school leadership and families to implement targeted intervention and success plans.
School Readiness Preschool Teacher
New Haven Public Schools
01.2007 - 01.2021
- Designed and implemented play-based curriculum aligned with early learning standards.
- Led assessment and progress monitoring systems to support measurable student growth.
- Contributed to achieving and maintaining NAEYC accreditation standards.
NAEYC Coordinator & Workshop Facilitator
St. Francis Preschool
01.2016 - 01.2019
Grant Reviewer
William Gruatein Memorial Fund
01.2016 - 01.2018
Summer Camp Director
New Haven Parks & Recreation
New Haven
01.2009 - 01.2015
Education
B.S. - Child Studies
Charter Oak State College
Family Development Credential -
University of Connecticut
Skills
- Program development and expansion
- Staff leadership and retention
- Licensing and regulatory compliance
- Budget management and oversight
- Enrollment growth strategies
- Community engagement
- Grant writing and acquisition
- Curriculum design and innovation
Education Credentials
- B.S., Child Studies / ECTC, Charter Oak State College
- Family Development Credential, University of Connecticut
Affiliations Recognition
Up Bounders Toys, STEM-Works Education, Aspetuck Land Trust, Bridgeport Prospers, Sierra Club, CHILD Teacher Spotlight Award, 2021
Leadership Additional Experience
- NAEYC Coordinator & Workshop Facilitator, St. Francis Preschool, 01/01/16, 12/31/19
- Grant Reviewer, William Gruatein Memorial Fund, 01/01/16, 12/31/18
- Summer Camp Director, New Haven Parks & Recreation, 01/01/09, 12/31/15
Core Leadership Expertise
- Program Development & Expansion
- Staff Leadership & Retention
- Licensing & Regulatory Compliance
- Budget Management & Fiscal Oversight
- Enrollment Growth Strategies
- Community Engagement
- Grant Writing & Funding Acquisition
- Curriculum Design & Innovation
Timeline
Preschool Director
Wakeman Boys & Girls Club
01.2023 - Current
DSAP Teacher
New Haven Public Schools
01.2021 - 01.2023
NAEYC Coordinator & Workshop Facilitator
St. Francis Preschool
01.2016 - 01.2019
Grant Reviewer
William Gruatein Memorial Fund
01.2016 - 01.2018
Summer Camp Director
New Haven Parks & Recreation
01.2009 - 01.2015
School Readiness Preschool Teacher
New Haven Public Schools
01.2007 - 01.2021
B.S. - Child Studies
Charter Oak State College
Family Development Credential -
University of Connecticut