Tamar McKenzie
San Diego,CA
Summary
Dedicated Criminal Justice student with over four years of experience in structured youth programs and federal child and youth services, currently serving as a Child & Youth Program Assistant within Navy Child & Youth Programs (CYP). Expertise in safety compliance, documentation standards, and developing engaging programming for children aged 18months to 5. Selected for the Jewish Family Services Immigration Fellowship, gaining valuable insights into immigration law fundamentals and client advocacy processes. Recognized for strong ethical judgment, meticulous attention to detail, and effective communication with families and multidisciplinary teams, with a keen interest in entry-level roles within criminal justice, immigration services, legal support, or federal program administration.
Experienced with developing and facilitating enriching programs for children and youth. Utilizes effective communication and behavior management strategies to foster supportive atmosphere. Strong understanding of developmental needs and importance of creating safe, inclusive environment.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Child & Youth Program Assistant
U.S. Navy Child & Youth Programs (CYP)
09.2022 - Current
- Supervise and ensure safety compliance for children ages 3–12 in structured federal youth programming environments.
- Maintain accurate documentation of attendance, incident reports, and behavioral observations in accordance with Navy CYP standards.
- Enforce safety, health, and supervision protocols to maintain 100% compliance with internal program guidelines.
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary staff to support children’s social-emotional, cognitive, and behavioral development.
- Communicate clearly with parents and guardians regarding child progress, behavioral concerns, and program expectations.
- Support implementation of structured curriculum aligned with developmental benchmarks and federal childcare requirements.
Family Nanny
Private Family – San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA
03.2020 - 05.2022
- Managed daily schedules, educational activities, and nutritional plans for multiple children.
- Ensured safe environments while balancing structured learning, recreation, and developmental engagement.
- Maintained open and consistent communication with parents regarding behavior, growth, and daily reporting.
- Coordinated complex scheduling needs while demonstrating discretion and professionalism within private household settings.
Teacher Assistant Trainee
Neighborhood Housing Association
02.2020 - 01.2022
- Assisted in preschool classrooms serving children ages 3–5, supporting early childhood curriculum implementation.
- Facilitated activities promoting cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development.
- Ensured classroom safety standards and supervision ratios were consistently maintained.
- Supported behavioral management strategies and structured learning environments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
USD School of Law
5998 Alcala Park08-2028
Associate of Arts - Political Science
San Diego City College
01.2025
Skills
- Writing and verbal communication
- Issue resolution
Conflict resolution
Emotional intelligence
Problem-solving
Organization & time management
Professional communication
Certification
- CPR & First Aid Certified
- Medication Administration Trained
LEADERSHIP & FELLOWSHIP EXPERIENCE
- Immigration Law Fellowship Participant
- Jewish Family Services (JFS)
- September 2025 – Present
- Participate in structured fellowship programming focused on immigration law fundamentals and client advocacy processes.
- Study legal documentation procedures, immigration case workflows, and community-based support services.
- Attend educational seminars and events addressing immigration policy, legal frameworks, and ethical client support.
- Develop foundational knowledge of immigration systems, documentation review, and legal terminology.
Timeline
Child & Youth Program Assistant
U.S. Navy Child & Youth Programs (CYP)
09.2022 - Current
Family Nanny
Private Family – San Diego, CA
03.2020 - 05.2022
Teacher Assistant Trainee
Neighborhood Housing Association
02.2020 - 01.2022
Associate of Arts - Political Science
San Diego City College
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
USD School of Law