Sylvia Herrera
Chicago,United States
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with 20 years sustaining activity programs that excel and showcase high character standards, performance, and participation. Demonstrated leadership to coordinate activities and events with maximum participation. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Special Recreation Coordinator
Chicago Park District
Chicago, Illinois
01.2000 - Current
- Tracked program spending, enrollments and attendance.
- Prepared and distributed flyers, newsletters and brochures to generate interest in established programs and events.
- Designed wide variety of activities to stimulate interest, involvement and engagement of participants.
- Planned and evaluated recreation and athletic programs with park supervisor.
- Collaborated with community agencies to provide youth program opportunities and community involvement programs.
- Researched, planned and organized mentally stimulating activities for individuals between ages of 3 and 40.
- Encouraged involved parties to follow company's safety procedures and protocols.
- Coordinated staff to supervise events and facilitate scheduled activities.
- Attended training seminars, staff meetings, coaching clinics and community meetings to promote organization and educational opportunities.
- Established team rosters, scheduled leagues and tournaments and enforced rules and regulations of recreation and athletic programs.
- Interviewed, trained and supervised part-time and seasonal personnel to perform job functions.
- Maintained inventory of supplies and equipment.
- Managed timesheets for support staff.
- Stretched minimum annual budget of $600 to cover planned activities through creative use of resources.
- Planned and special events to mark holidays and celebrate special occasions.
- Conducted performance evaluations.
- Developed and lead intergenerational activities to encourage socialization.
- Arranged outings as part of recreational program.
- Ordered materials that were needed for certain activities.
Preschool Teacher's Assistant
Oak Park Park District
Oak Park, Illinois
08.2004 - 05.2006
- Communicated with parents to inform about child's progress and classroom behavior.
- Prepared for lessons by gathering educational materials and setting up equipment.
- Promoted physical, academic and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities.
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Assisted teacher by developing lesson plans to meet educational goals for each child.
- Engaged and entertained children through recreational and educational activities.
- Interacted with children one-on-one and in small groups to enhance and support learning activities.
- Collaborated with lead teacher to promote appropriate care and education for 20 children.
- Created weekly newsletter to keep families informed about school activities.
- Maintained classrooms by disinfecting and sterilizing surfaces and toys.
- Assisted teacher with developing creative program suitable for preschool children.
- Promoted sensory development by providing access to different textures.
- Taught children with creative approaches, methods and techniques.
- Organized snack time and nap hours.
- Encouraged children to interact with each other and participate in group activities.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers and letters.
Special Recreation Leader
Chicago Park District
Chicago, Illinois
10.1997 - 01.2000
- Managed timesheets for recreation attendants, instructors and coaches.
- Planned and evaluated recreation and athletic programs with recreation director to support community.
- Developed positive and productive relationships with kids, parents and staff.
- Maintained inventory of supplies and equipment.
- Supervised groups of up to 30 children under age 6 in fitness activities.
- Transitioned participants between activities, rest periods and field trips.
- Attended training seminars, staff meetings, coaching clinics and community meetings to promote organization and educational opportunities.
- Engaged participants in recreational activities and team-building exercises.
- Planned, promoted and executed more than 2 events each year.
- Provided technical assistance to site leader to help coordinate diverse projects.
- Provided clear instruction to activity and program participants to deliver fun and maintain safety.
- Supervised camper activities to address behavioral issues and promote fun, safety and inclusivity.
- Kept athletic and games equipment and facilities organized and maintained.
- Resolved conflicts that arose between campers by listening to complaints and finding appropriate solutions.
- Escorted program participants to and from activities and on field trips.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Sciences
National Lewis University
Chicago, IL 01.2002 - 05.2004
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Harold Washington College
Chicago, Il 01.1996 - 05.2003
Skills
Event planning experience
Staff Scheduling
Program Improvement
Recreational activities
Activity Planning
Program planning
Group Coordination
Community Relations
Mental and physical wellness
Organizational skills
Activity Organization
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 7 staff members.
- Collaborated with the Special Recreation team of in the development of the Adult Social Club intake.
- Documented and resolved behavioral issues which led to positive results.
Certification
CPR/AED
Timeline
Preschool Teacher's Assistant
Oak Park Park District
08.2004 - 05.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Sciences
National Lewis University
01.2002 - 05.2004
Special Recreation Coordinator
Chicago Park District
01.2000 - Current
Special Recreation Leader
Chicago Park District
10.1997 - 01.2000
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Harold Washington College
01.1996 - 05.2003