Sheryl Bates
Buffalo
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at YWCA WNY, excelling in strategic planning and employee development. Successfully enhanced team collaboration and morale, while implementing data-driven decision-making processes. Recognized for cultivating high-performing teams and achieving compliance with regulatory standards, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and engagement.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Early Childhood Learning & Development
YWCA WNY
04.2025 - Current
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
- Leveraged data analytics insights for informed decision-making in critical areas such as sales forecasting, budgeting, or personnel management.
- Enhanced data-driven decision-making by implementing advanced analytics and reporting tools.
Senior Training Development Specialist
Fruits of Labor Training
04.2015 - Current
- Conducted regular assessments of employee competencies, identifying areas for improvement and tailoring development plans accordingly.
- Reduced compliance risks by implementing mandatory regulatory trainings that ensured adherence to industry-specific rules and regulations.
- Enhanced employee performance by developing comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs and job requirements.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning through hosting guest speakers, organizing seminars, and facilitating access to external courses or certifications.
- Strengthened leadership capabilities at all levels with custom development programs focused on strategic decision-making, emotional intelligence, and effective delegation techniques.
- Organized cross-functional training sessions to enhance collaborative problem-solving skills within teams and foster interdepartmental synergies.
- Established a consistent training curriculum across departments, promoting uniform skill development and knowledge transfer among team members.
- Alternated training methods to diversify instruction, strengthen learning opportunities, and enhance program success.
- Communicated all learning and performance objectives, schedules, and training assessments to upper management.
- Collaborated with other departments to align training programs with organizational goals and objectives.
- Facilitated virtual, in-person and blended learning sessions.
Early Childhood Manager
CAO WNY Head Start
04.2010 - 12.2012
- Advocated for the importance of high-quality early childhood education in various community settings, raising awareness about its long-term benefits.
- Facilitated ongoing professional development opportunities for staff members, supporting their growth as educators within the field of early childhood education.
- Developed strong relationships with parents and caregivers, fostering open communication about each child''s progress.
- Managed daily operations of the early childhood facility, ensuring compliance with state regulations and maintaining a safe environment for children and staff members.
- Analyzed data on student outcomes to inform continuous improvement efforts, identifying areas of strength and opportunities for growth within the program.
- Developed comprehensive policies and procedures to guide daily operations, ensuring consistency in program delivery and adherence to best practices in early childhood education.
- Enhanced early childhood curriculum by incorporating play-based learning activities and hands-on experiences.
- Spearheaded efforts to achieve accreditation from national organizations, demonstrating commitment to excellence in early childhood education.
- Oversaw staff recruitment and retention efforts, cultivating a team of dedicated professionals who shared a passion for nurturing young learners'' growth and development.
- Implemented developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum for children, creating positive, and safe classroom environments.
Education
Master of Science - Early Childhood Education
Dyouville College
Buffalo, NY12-2024
Skills
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Operations management
- Team management
- Strategies and goals
- Employee development
- Goal setting
- Program management
Affiliations
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
New York Works for Children
Certification
NYS Pyramid Model Master Cadre Trainer and Coach
Level 3 (T-Tap) NYS Credentialed Trainer and Coach
First Aid and CPR Instructor
Timeline
Director of Early Childhood Learning & Development
YWCA WNY
04.2025 - Current
Senior Training Development Specialist
Fruits of Labor Training
04.2015 - Current
Early Childhood Manager
CAO WNY Head Start
04.2010 - 12.2012
Master of Science - Early Childhood Education
Dyouville College