Sonia Turner-Bush
Detroit,MI
Summary
Dedicated Early Childhood Educator with over 20 years of hands-on experience creating fun and interactive learning experiences. Focused on integrating student lead educational experiences alongside traditional teaching methods. Recognized for maintaining safe, loving environment to encourage children to explore and learn as well as leadership, mentorship and community involvement.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head Start Teacher
Starfish Family Services
08.2023 - Current
- Improved classroom management through the use of positive reinforcement strategies and clear expectations.
- Enhanced parent-teacher communication by maintaining open lines of communication via mobile applications, conferences, and home visits.
- Developed strong relationships with students, fostering a supportive and nurturing learning environment that encouraged academic success.
- Participated in ongoing professional development to stay up-to-date on best practices in early childhood education.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers, providing guidance and support throughout their first year of teaching at Head Start.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
Special Needs Caregiver
Expert Care
01.2020 - 04.2024
- Improved communication skills of special needs students by incorporating visual aids, gestures, and assistive technology.
- Enhanced social skills development for students through group activities and peer interaction exercises.
- Provided compassionate care and support, fostering a nurturing environment conducive to personal growth and learning.
- Assisted students in achieving self-sufficiency through targeted life skills training and daily routine guidance.
- Advocated passionately for special needs students'' rights and inclusion in the larger school community.
- Ensured safety at all times by monitoring environments closely for potential hazards or challenges related to individual conditions or limitations.
Head Start Teacher
Development Centers
02.2023 - 08.2023
- Collaborated with fellow educators to create an engaging, inclusive educational environment for all students.
- Enhanced parent-teacher communication by maintaining open lines of communication via newsletters, conferences, and progress reports.
- Promoted social-emotional development in students by incorporating character education lessons into daily curriculum.
- Developed strong relationships with students, fostering a supportive and nurturing learning environment that encouraged academic success.
- Participated in ongoing professional development to stay up-to-date on best practices in early childhood education.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, performance data, and other relevant information for reporting purposes.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
Parent Involvement Coordinator
Choice Schools Associates LLC
08.2019 - 01.2023
- Maintained open, positive and proactive communication between educators and families.
- Prepared reports, documentation and written materials to communicate information to parents and staff.
- Coordinated and delivered public presentations to parents, staff and community agencies.
- Provided parents information on counseling, childcare, prenatal care, substance abuse treatment and job training.
- Trained and coordinated parent volunteers, delivering information on volunteer opportunities within school and community.
- Established strong communication channels with parents through newsletters, emails, and social media to keep them informed about school happenings.
- Enhanced parent participation in school programs by organizing workshops and events focused on relevant topics and skills.
Program Director /Lead Teacher
The Nurturing Nest LLC
03.2012 - 08.2019
- Oversaw administrative support staff to facilitate day-to-day program activities.
- Devised evaluation strategies to monitor performance and determine need for improvements.
- Facilitated staff meetings and educational work sessions to strengthen staff competencies.
- Met regularly with program stakeholders to make program adjustments and assess progress.
- Organized activities to promote physical, mental and social development of each child.
- Involved parents in student learning to increase family interaction and student support.
- Arranged classrooms to facilitate optimal education for student groups.
- Created various strategies to engage students and deliver enriching educational opportunities.
- Worked with teachers to design interactive lessons and increase student success.
- Completed teacher observations to identify areas for improvement and suggest changes to teaching methods.
Preschool Lead Teacher
CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY
03.2009 - 04.2011
- Maintained daily records of individual activities, behaviors, meals and naps.
- Distributed quarterly progress assessments and milestone reports to each parent.
- Promoted good behaviors by using positive reinforcement methods with children.
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies for experiential learning.
- Taught children foundational skills in colors, shapes and letters.
- Developed professional relationships with parents, teachers, directors and therapists.
- Established indoor and outdoor safe play environments for toddler-age children.
- Created and implemented developmentally appropriate curriculum addressing learning styles.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Studies
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN12.2024
Associate of Arts - Child Development
Henry Ford College
Dearborn, MI12.2008
Skills
- Parent relations
- Title I understanding
- Home visits
- Community referrals
- Evaluation and assessment
- Child development expertise
- Curriculum Planning
- Special Education Strategies
- Parent-Teacher Communication
- Lesson Planning
- Relationship Building
Certification
- CDA Certification
Affiliations
- The Council for Professional Recognition
- Progressionista
Timeline
Head Start Teacher
Starfish Family Services
08.2023 - Current
Head Start Teacher
Development Centers
02.2023 - 08.2023
Special Needs Caregiver
Expert Care
01.2020 - 04.2024
Parent Involvement Coordinator
Choice Schools Associates LLC
08.2019 - 01.2023
Program Director /Lead Teacher
The Nurturing Nest LLC
03.2012 - 08.2019
Preschool Lead Teacher
CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY
03.2009 - 04.2011
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Studies
Walden University
Associate of Arts - Child Development
Henry Ford College
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