Susan Harris
Fairfield,OH
Summary
Dedicated professional with a strong passion for fostering children’s growth and development. Experienced in working closely with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to create tailored plans that ensure optimal outcomes. Committed to helping children reach their full potential through collaborative strategies and personalized care. Highly motivated by witnessing tangible progress in children's development and well-being.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Child Care Director
Great Miami Valley YMCA
03.2021 - Current
- Recruited, selected, and retained high-quality staff to reduce turnover and foster stability.
- Supervised and managed team of childcare professionals to guarantee highest standards of care.
- Attended professional meetings and conferences to maintain and improve professional competence.
- Observed and assessed classroom activities to verify conformity with quality standards.
- Collaborated on strategies to enhance student learning and behavior alongside parents and teaching staff.
- Oversaw safety requirements, inspection, and certification procedures to facilitate annual licensing review.
- Collaborated with local schools to coordinate seamless transitions for children entering kindergarten.
- Communicated with local and state government agencies to maintain compliance with all regulations.
- Monitored and observed child progress, interactions and behavior and reported findings to parents.
- Maintained high-quality child care standards based on developmentally appropriate practices.
- Developed relationships with community organizations to provide additional resources and services to families.
- Adhered to budgetary guidelines to set financial goals and maintain school profitability.
- Coordinated special events and field trips that enriched children''s learning experiences outside the classroom setting.
- Furnished facility with supplies, equipment, food and materials to foster social and cognitive development.
- Partnered with external organizations such as libraries or museums to broaden children''s educational exposure beyond traditional settings.
- Attended approved training and continuing education courses to maintain certifications.
- Enhanced childcare quality by implementing innovative educational programs and activities.
- Streamlined administrative processes through the adoption of new software systems, enhancing efficiency across the organization.
- Conducted regular safety audits, ensuring a secure environment for children and staff alike.
- Achieved accreditation from national childcare organizations as a reflection of exceptional care standards.
- Improved parent satisfaction rates by addressing concerns promptly and implementing feedback-driven improvements.
- Maintained accurate records of child attendance, medical information, and emergency contacts in compliance with state regulations.
- Managed program paperwork and child records to comply with state requirements.
- Mentored team members to foster professional growth and enhance overall staff performance.
- Operated under licensing guidelines to protect health, safety and well-being of children.
- Resolved conflicts and administered corrective action to foster positive experience for children and staff.
- Established strong relationships with parents through open communication and regular updates on child progress.
- Analyzed enrollment data to identify trends, optimize staffing levels, and inform future program development.
- Planned and monitored curriculum and program activities and liaised with teachers to create fun and engaging learning experiences.
- Created an inclusive environment that respected diversity in culture, language, ability level, and learning style.
- Executed marketing plan and promoted positive image to achieve enrollment goals.
- Implemented comprehensive health policies aligned with CDC guidelines to minimize illness outbreaks within the facility.
- Developed staff training programs for effective team collaboration and increased service excellence.
- Managed budget allocation, ensuring optimal resource utilization for facility maintenance and improvement initiatives.
- Organized successful fundraising events to support center programs and resources enhancement.
- Evaluated staff and offered guidance to enhance knowledge, skills, and professional development to optimize learning environment.
- Supervised childcare workers and oversaw facility to meet state requirements for education and training.
- Facilitated ongoing professional development opportunities for staff members to ensure adherence to industry best practices.
- Implemented school policies, procedures, and systems to promote safe and healthy environment in compliance with state standards.
- Spearheaded marketing efforts to increase awareness of the center''s services within the community.
- Stayed current on guidelines to maintain compliant program operations.
- Established and optimized program schedules to cover planned needs while capitalizing on opportunities to improve student learning.
- Modernized instructional plans and educational approaches to enhance student learning.
Administrative Assistant
Fort Montessori Academy
07.2019 - 03.2020
- Prepared school for all inspections (state licensing, fire, health, backflow)
- Utilized Procare, e Sign Genie, Microsoft (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Office)
- Inventory control
- New hire screening, interviewing, hiring, implementation of new hire orientation
- New family enrollment
- Parent communication
Lead Teacher/SUTQ Specialist
New Pathways Child Development Center
01.2014 - 06.2019
- Supported families in developing individualized care plans to address the specific needs of each child.
- Enhanced children''s social skills by organizing group activities and promoting positive interactions.
- Conferred with parents about student progress to boost family involvement and enhance student support.
- Communicated frequently with parents about student growth and progress, recommending at-home reinforcement to support struggling students.
- Used data-driven decision-making processes to analyze student performance trends and adjust instructional practices accordingly, leading to improved outcomes.
- Designed and executed project-based learning experiences, promoting teamwork, problem-solving skills, and real-world connections for students.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Conducted ongoing assessments to monitor student progress and inform instructional adjustments.
- Served as a member of the school''s leadership team, participating in strategic planning efforts aimed at continuous improvement initiatives.
- Incorporated culturally responsive teaching practices into curriculum design and delivery models promoting inclusivity within the educational setting.
Childcare Director
Our Loving Arms Learning Center
04.2008 - 04.2014
- Oversaw compliance with state licensing regulations, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of requirements and addressing any areas needing improvement promptly.
- Championed inclusive practices within the childcare center, ensuring that all children and families felt welcomed and supported regardless of cultural or socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Collaborated with parents to address individual child needs, fostering strong partnerships and enhancing overall family satisfaction.
- Established clear expectations for behavior management within the childcare center, promoting consistency among staff members when addressing challenging situations with children.
- Engaged with parents and families to build positive relationships for children to thrive.
- Monitored and observed child progress, interactions and behavior and reported findings to parents.
Infant & Toddler Director
Easter Seals Child Development Center
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Engaged with parents and families to build positive relationships for children to thrive.
- 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.
General Manager
Flakey Jakes & Caffe Classico Restaurants
01.1988 - 01.1996
Education
Bachelor of Science - Child Development
California State University-Fresno
Fresno, CA01.2006
Associate - Child Development
Reedley College
Reedley, CA01.1998
Skills
- Expertise in Child Growth
- Culturally Responsive Approaches
- Educational Program Design
- Administrative Operations
- Parental engagement
- Ethical Professionalism
- Encouraging Collaborative Space
- Collaborative Teamwork
Certification
- Ohio Driver's License
- Communicable Disease
- Child Abuse
- CPR/FA Certification
- Food Manager Certificate
Personal Information
Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Timeline
Regional Child Care Director
Great Miami Valley YMCA
03.2021 - Current
Administrative Assistant
Fort Montessori Academy
07.2019 - 03.2020
Lead Teacher/SUTQ Specialist
New Pathways Child Development Center
01.2014 - 06.2019
Childcare Director
Our Loving Arms Learning Center
04.2008 - 04.2014
Infant & Toddler Director
Easter Seals Child Development Center
01.2003 - 01.2005
General Manager
Flakey Jakes & Caffe Classico Restaurants
01.1988 - 01.1996
Bachelor of Science - Child Development
California State University-Fresno
Associate - Child Development
Reedley College
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