Sylvia I Herrera
Special Recreation Coordinator
Chicago,IL
Summary
Special Recreation Coordinator plan 20+ recreation programs per month, activities, and events for participants in the Chicagoland area. Coordinate staff schedules, and build intergenerational activities that support engagement, safety, and community involvement. Tracks attendance, enrollment, and program spending to guide reporting and stretch limited activity budgets.
Overview
2
2
Languages
2
2
Certifications
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Recreation Coordinator
Chicago Park District
01.1999 - Current
- Prepare and distribute flyers, newsletters, and brochures to promote programs, events, and Special Recreation opportunities.
- Track program spending, enrollments, and attendance to produce reports for the park supervisor.
- Design and evaluate recreational activities for participants ages 3 to 60, tailoring offerings to fit different needs and interests.
- Coordinate staff and volunteers to supervise events, facilitate scheduled activities, and support group coordination across programs.
- Maintain supplies, inventory, and equipment, ordering materials as needed for recreational activities and activity organization.
- Train and supervise part-time and seasonal personnel, manage timesheets, and conduct performance evaluations.
- Develop monthly calendars, plan outings and special events, lead intergenerational activities, and stretch a minimum annual budget through creative resource use.
Assistant Preschool Teacher
Oak Park Park District
08.2004 - 05.2006
- Supported 15 preschool children weekly through structured play, group activities, and individual classroom guidance.
- Maintained orderly classrooms by reinforcing behavioral expectations and supporting positive routines throughout the day.
- Adapted play-based lessons to teach shapes, numbers, letters, and sensory concepts for preschool learners.
- Observed children for additional support needs and used one-on-one guidance to help new students adjust.
- Partnered with parents to strengthen support networks and communicate classroom progress and behavior expectations.
- Kept classrooms, snack time, nap hours, and recess spaces clean, safe, and age-appropriate for preschool children.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Behavioral Sciences
National Lewis University
Chicago, Illinois05.2004
Associate of Applied Science - General
Harold Washington College
Chicago, Illinois05.2003
Skills
- Program planning
- Program improvement
- Staff scheduling
- Community relations
- Budget management
- Activity planning
- Recreational activities
- Safety monitoring
- Group coordination
- Activity organization
- Strategic planning
- Program evaluation
- Grant management
- Event marketing
- Volunteer coordination
- Incident reporting
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with team of 5 in the development of integration of the Special Recreation Social Club intake.
- Supervised team of 7 staff members.
- Spearheaded Special Recreation RIT
- Highly involved in the ASM
Certification
CPR/AED
Timeline
Assistant Preschool Teacher
Oak Park Park District
08.2004 - 05.2006
Special Recreation Coordinator
Chicago Park District
01.1999 - Current
Associate of Applied Science - General
Harold Washington College
Bachelor of Science - Behavioral Sciences
National Lewis University