Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Relevant Interests
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

Shirley Wells

Martinsville,VA

Summary

I'm a seasoned EHS-HS Director with a background in developing and implementing strategies in ECE learning environments. Strengths include strong leadership, strategic planning, curriculum implementation, and staff training. Previous roles demonstrate a significant commitment to the Head Start mission, to promote school readiness.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Early Childhood Education Director

Step Inc.
Rocky Mount, Virginia
11.2016 - Current
  • Successfully oversaw operations of the Community Action Agency's Head Start/Early Head Start program and team.
  • Implemented management systems and procedures for effective program coordination based on HS Performance Standards.
  • Ensured completion of annual reviews, Policy and Procedure Manuals, Program Calendar, Parent Handbook, Job Descriptions, Strategic Plans, and Annual Time Table.
  • Develop program financial plans and budgets with Finance Director and Executive Director for operating costs and capital expenditures.
  • Collaborated with fiscal team to develop financial plans for federal grant funds, monitoring budget expenses, property procurement, and inventory management.
  • Prepared program reports, proposals, and budgets for submission to the appropriate office, governing bodies, and the community.
  • Efficiently manages efforts in ensuring program compliance with non-federal obligations.
  • Engages in conducting Onsite reviews for the Office of Head Start Monitoring System and VA State.
  • Successfully secured program funding by identifying and pursuing potential supplemental funding sources.
  • Conveyed agency philosophy, goals, and objectives effectively to both staff and parents.
  • Works in collaboration with the Policy Council to promote shared decision-making and maintain well-organized, trained, and efficient operations.
  • Provided current information on program operations to Policy Council, Board of Directors, and staff, including parent activities and personnel changes.
  • Promotes active participation in the policymaking process through recruitment and training of council members.
  • Coordinate with relevant stakeholders for effective implementation of the program mission while providing strategic leadership and guidance.
  • Conducted regular faculty meetings to discuss student performance, new initiatives, and policy changes.
  • Created and maintained budgeting plans for educational programs and activities.
  • Coordinated with other school officials to ensure successful integration of services.
  • Provided professional development opportunities to teachers and staff members.
  • Monitored state standards and regulations related to education quality assurance.
  • Assisted in the recruitment, hiring, training, and evaluation of teaching personnel.
  • Collaborated with community organizations on grant proposals for educational resources.
  • Facilitated both in-person and virtual training courses to provide valuable training for new and current staff.

Early Head Start Program Manager

Step Inc. Franklin & Patrick Counties
02.2010 - 11.2016
  • Established constructive relationships with both the Management Team and supervised staff to ensure smooth workflow
  • Managed and supervised a team of 14 Infant-Toddler teachers, 2 Home Visitors, and 5 Family Service staff
  • Maintained personal and confidential records of supervised staff
  • Monitored and documented monthly expenses to assist in procurement of program supplies.
  • Coordinated transportation and accommodation details for training events attended by company employees.
  • Attended trainings, workshops and conferences to learn new methods for program management and professional development.
  • Ensured effective communication and advocacy of agency and program’s mission and goals to staff
  • Ensured effective communication with director regarding program challenges
  • Facilitated recruitment activities and actively participated in agency events during evenings and weekends
  • Orientated new staff members and assisted with their professional development
  • Assisted in aggregating data reports across different service areas to support program planning and improvement.
  • Facilitated monthly staff meetings and trainings.
  • Collected monthly information from staff members, completed data reports, and submitted documentation to the director within set deadlines
  • Ensured proper monitoring of classrooms, homes visits, and files for quality control.
  • Maintained adherence to required standards for quality and accuracy
  • Oversaw the management of timesheets, leave requests, and staff evaluations
  • Attend and actively plan with the Program Management Team on a bi-monthly basis

Head Start Teacher

Step Inc.
Patrick Springs, Virginia
09.1997 - 02.2010
  • Developed and implemented age-appropriate lesson plans for students.
  • Ensured accurate and timely documentation of children's daily progress.
  • Conducted daily assessments of children under my care and developed appropriate plans.
  • Performed required health inspections on a daily basis for both students and the classroom setting.
  • Maintained a secure and protected environment for a group of 18-20 children regularly.
  • Supervised a team member.
  • Conducted 2 home visits and Parent-Teacher conferences per year
  • Managed organization of personal files for staff and students
  • Organized classroom environment, making necessary changes as required.
  • Instituted compliance measures in classroom to align with State License and HS Performance Standards.
  • Learned and became familiar with HS program policies and acted accordingly.
  • Made real-time decisions to represent the interests of students and facilities on a daily basis.
  • Participated in all mandatory meetings, workshops and conferences.
  • Maintained ongoing communication between school site and HS program as required.
  • Conducted home visits to assess family dynamics, health needs, and educational resources.
  • Provided guidance for children in developing appropriate problem-solving skills through classroom activities.

Child Care Teacher/Director Intern

Loving Care, Martinsville, VA
01.1996 - 09.1997
  • Managed a small group of children, ages four and five, with exceptional care
  • Developed engaging lessons tailored to individual growth and interests
  • Assumed additional duties as required
  • Enhanced the visual aesthetics of bulletin boards and window displays through creative design
  • Sought guidance from owners to understand the operations of the child care business.

Education

Bachelor of Applied Science in Teaching -

Averett University
Danville, VA
12.2011

Early Childhood Education, Associates Degree -

Patrick Henry Community College
Martinsville, VA
01.1997

Business Management -

Shaw University
Raleigh, NC
05.1982

Skills

  • All Microsoft applications
  • Internet
  • Outlook
  • Survey Monkey
  • Google Drive
  • Zoom
  • HS Data Management
  • Leadership
  • Program Management
  • Public Speaking
  • Fiscal Management
  • Performance Evaluations
  • Fiscal Management
  • Attention to Detail
  • Communication Skills
  • Goal Setting
  • Program Planning
  • Time Management
  • New System Implementation
  • Work Prioritization
  • Reliability
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Presentation Skills

Certification

  • Head Start Fiscal Training
  • UCLA Program Management Certification
  • CDL Bus Driver
  • Child Abuse
  • Mat Training
  • First Aid CPR
  • Infant CLASS
  • CSEFEL: Social-Emotional Foundation Certification
  • VA State Child Care Subsidy Vendor Certification
  • Creative Curriculum Implementation
  • CLASS

References

  • Bruce E. Simmons, (276) 650-8029
  • Jon Morris, 540-354-3541, jon.morris@pathways.com
  • Kris Landrum, 276-734-4568, kris.landrum@vdh.virginia.gov

Relevant Interests

  • Church Volunteer in Youth Ministry, Sunday School, and Benevolence.
  • Church Finance bookkeeper for 9 years.
  • Activity Planner for Community Events.
  • VA State Notary
  • Training Presenter and Consultant
  • Distinguish Service Award for Outstanding Service & Commitment during COVID-19

Accomplishments

  • NHSA Director Credential
  • Nike Starting Block Leadership & Development
  • PITC: Program for Infant-Toddler Care
  • VAHSA: Maxine McKinney Emerging Leader
  • VAHSA: The Leadership Challenge for Head Start
  • Distinguish Service Award for Outstanding Service & Commitment during COVID-19
  • UCLA Head Start Management Fellows

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Early Childhood Education Director

Step Inc.
11.2016 - Current

Early Head Start Program Manager

Step Inc. Franklin & Patrick Counties
02.2010 - 11.2016

Head Start Teacher

Step Inc.
09.1997 - 02.2010

Child Care Teacher/Director Intern

Loving Care, Martinsville, VA
01.1996 - 09.1997

Bachelor of Applied Science in Teaching -

Averett University

Early Childhood Education, Associates Degree -

Patrick Henry Community College

Business Management -

Shaw University
Shirley Wells