Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Training
Timeline
Generic

Tamara Garland

Waco,TX

Summary

Offers extensive knowledge of child development and education. Skilled in creating and managing programs to create safe, secure and nurturing environment for children. Experienced in successful staff management and program development.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of the Child Development Center

Summit School Waco
3701 Mockingbird Lane Lorena, Texas 76655
05.2022 - Current
  • Engaged with parents and families to build positive relationships for children to thrive.
  • Managed program paperwork and child records to comply with state requirements.
  • Supervised and managed team of childcare professionals to guarantee highest standards of care.
  • Operated under licensing guidelines to protect health, safety and well-being of children.
  • Attended approved training and continuing education courses to maintain certifications.
  • Resolved conflicts and administered corrective action to foster positive experience for children and staff.
  • Planned and monitored curriculum and program activities and liaised with teachers to create fun and engaging learning experiences.
  • Evaluated staff and offered guidance to enhance knowledge, skills, and professional development to optimize learning environment.
  • 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.
  • Recruited, selected, and retained high-quality staff to reduce turnover and foster stability.
  • Furnished facility with supplies, equipment, food and materials to foster social and cognitive development.
  • Adhered to budgetary guidelines to set financial goals and maintain school profitability.
  • Maintained high-quality child care standards based on developmentally appropriate practices.
  • Stayed current on guidelines to maintain compliant program operations.
  • Attended professional meetings and conferences to maintain and improve professional competence.
  • Oversaw safety requirements, inspection, and certification procedures to facilitate annual licensing review.
  • Supervised childcare workers and oversaw facility to meet state requirements for education and training.
  • Observed and assessed classroom activities to verify conformity with quality standards.

Early Childhood Educator

Piper Center For Family Studies…
315 Washington Ave Waco, Texas 76701
08.2010 - 05.2022
  • Maintained and fostered positive and constructive interactions with staff, families, and children.
  • Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
  • Communicated with parents and other staff about student progress.
  • Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
  • Implemented developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum for children, creating positive, and safe classroom environments.
  • Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
  • Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
  • Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
  • Enhanced sensory and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory development, by employing both traditional and modern educational strategies and techniques.
  • Promoted sensory development by providing access to different textures.
  • Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
  • Promoted physical, academic, and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities.
  • Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers, and letters.
  • Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
  • Coached, supervised and mentored education staff, imparting classroom knowledge to build strong skill sets.
  • Supervised student teachers to provide objective feedback.
  • Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
  • Established positive relationships with students and families.
  • Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
  • Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
  • Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
  • Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
  • Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
  • Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
  • Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
  • Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
  • Developed and implemented behavior management plans.
  • Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
  • Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
  • Assessed student progress and provided feedback on educational development.
  • Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
  • Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Helped new preschool children get used to classes by giving one-on-one support.
  • Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.

Director/Owner

Self Employed
Axtell, Texas 76624
05.2010 - 08.2010

Created hands on learning activities for students out of school for summer break.

Maintained enrollment records.

Created the budget.

Teacher

McLennan Community College
Waco, TX
04.2007 - 05.2010
  • Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
  • Maintained and fostered positive and constructive interactions with staff, families, and children.
  • Communicated with parents and other staff about student progress.
  • Implemented developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum for children, creating positive, and safe classroom environments.
  • Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
  • Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
  • Enhanced sensory and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory development, by employing both traditional and modern educational strategies and techniques.
  • Promoted sensory development by providing access to different textures.
  • Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
  • Promoted physical, academic, and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities.
  • Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers, and letters.
  • Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
  • Supervised student teachers to provide objective feedback.
  • Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
  • Established positive relationships with students and families.
  • Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
  • Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
  • Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
  • Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
  • Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
  • Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
  • Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
  • Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
  • Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
  • Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
  • Assessed student progress and provided feedback on educational development.
  • Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
  • Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Helped new preschool children get used to classes by giving one-on-one support.
  • Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.

Child Development Center Director

Kids & Company Child Development Center
2128 Edna Waco, TX 76708
04.2006 - 04.2007
  • Engaged with parents and families to build positive relationships for children to thrive.
  • Managed program paperwork and child records to comply with state requirements.
  • Supervised and managed team of childcare professionals to guarantee highest standards of care.
  • Operated under licensing guidelines to protect health, safety and well-being of children.
  • Attended approved training and continuing education courses to maintain certifications.
  • Resolved conflicts and administered corrective action to foster positive experience for children and staff.
  • Planned and monitored curriculum and program activities and liaised with teachers to create fun and engaging learning experiences.
  • Evaluated staff and offered guidance to enhance knowledge, skills, and professional development to optimize learning environment.
  • 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.
  • Recruited, selected, and retained high-quality staff to reduce turnover and foster stability.
  • Furnished facility with supplies, equipment, food and materials to foster social and cognitive development.
  • 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.
  • Maintained high-quality child care standards based on developmentally appropriate practices.
  • Stayed current on guidelines to maintain compliant program operations.
  • Attended professional meetings and conferences to maintain and improve professional competence.
  • Oversaw safety requirements, inspection, and certification procedures to facilitate annual licensing review.
  • Supervised childcare workers and oversaw facility to meet state requirements for education and training.
  • Collaborated on strategies to enhance student learning and behavior alongside parents and teaching staff.
  • Implemented school policies, procedures, and systems to promote safe and healthy environment in compliance with state standards.
  • Observed and assessed classroom activities to verify conformity with quality standards.
  • Established and optimized program schedules to cover planned needs while capitalizing on opportunities to improve student learning.

Early Childhood Educator

Piper Center For Child Development
315 Washington Ave Waco,TX 76701
10.2001 - 04.2006
  • Maintained and fostered positive and constructive interactions with staff, families, and children.
  • Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
  • Communicated with parents and other staff about student progress.
  • Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
  • Implemented developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum for children, creating positive, and safe classroom environments.
  • Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
  • Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
  • Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
  • Enhanced sensory and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory development, by employing both traditional and modern educational strategies and techniques.
  • Promoted sensory development by providing access to different textures.
  • Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
  • Promoted physical, academic, and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities.
  • Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers, and letters.
  • Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
  • Coached, supervised and mentored education staff, imparting classroom knowledge to build strong skill sets.
  • Supervised student teachers to provide objective feedback.
  • Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
  • Established positive relationships with students and families.
  • Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
  • Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
  • Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
  • Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
  • Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
  • Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
  • Developed and implemented behavior management plans.
  • Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
  • Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
  • Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
  • Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
  • Assessed student progress and provided feedback on educational development.
  • Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
  • Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Helped new preschool children get used to classes by giving one-on-one support.
  • Increased student satisfaction by frequently communicating with students about needs and adapting lessons to interests and classroom progress.
  • Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.

Education

Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Development

McLennan Community College
Waco

Skills

  • Program Operations, Child Programs
  • Instructional Strategies
  • Inspecting Facilities
  • Early Childhood Education, Group and individual care
  • Communicable Diseases
  • Dietary Guidelines
  • Constructive Feedback, Oversee Staff, Support Teachers
  • First Aid, Health and Wellness Management
  • Licensing Requirements
  • Childcare Requirements
  • Annual Evaluations
  • Professional Relationships
  • Infant Care
  • Staff Hiring

Additional Training

I am trained in Conscious Discipline and Touchpoints.  I have extensive knowledge of Developmentally Appropriate Practice as well as Reggio Emilia inspired environments.  My total years in the early childhood profession is 38.  

I have been successful in licensing centers and group day homes and keeping standards at best practice and not just maintaining the minimum standards.  I am very familiar with accreditation criteria for both Texas Rising Star through the Texas Workforce Commission  and NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children).  

Timeline

Director of the Child Development Center

Summit School Waco
05.2022 - Current

Early Childhood Educator

Piper Center For Family Studies…
08.2010 - 05.2022

Director/Owner

Self Employed
05.2010 - 08.2010

Teacher

McLennan Community College
04.2007 - 05.2010

Child Development Center Director

Kids & Company Child Development Center
04.2006 - 04.2007

Early Childhood Educator

Piper Center For Child Development
10.2001 - 04.2006

Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Development

McLennan Community College
Tamara Garland