Tara Gardenhire
Fairview
Summary
Experienced with educational support, assisting in development and implementation of classroom activities. Utilizes strong interpersonal skills to foster supportive and engaging learning environment. Knowledge of effective classroom management techniques and instructional support.
Compassionate individual with established experience providing support to students. Demonstrated ability to create lesson plans and assess student progress.
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Welfare Specialist
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
10.2024 - Current
- Advocated for the best interests of children during court proceedings, presenting clear recommendations based on thorough evaluations.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge and skills by attending trainings, conferences, and workshops related to child welfare best practices.
- Enhanced family reunification rates through diligent monitoring and support of parent-child visitations.
- Contributed to improved inter-agency collaboration by participating in joint meetings, trainings, and initiatives focused on enhancing child welfare practice.
- Facilitated successful adoption placements by completing detailed assessments and matching children with appropriate adoptive families.
- Increased access to resources for struggling families by connecting them with relevant community organizations and programs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal service delivery for children and families.
- Improved child welfare outcomes by conducting thorough assessments and developing tailored case plans.
- Reduced risk factors for child abuse and neglect by providing timely interventions and supportive services to at-risk families.
- Managed complex caseloads effectively while adhering to strict timelines as mandated by federal regulations or state policies.
- Coordinated closely with schools, medical providers, therapists, and other relevant professionals to ensure comprehensive support for children in care.
- Ensured child safety through regular home visits, careful documentation, and ongoing communication with involved parties.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions, service referrals, case plan progressions in adherence to agency standards for quality assurance purposes.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and rapport to better support their needs throughout the case process.
- Assisted in the placement of children into safe, nurturing foster homes by conducting comprehensive home studies.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
Childcare Director Owner
Little Rascals Playhouse In-home Childcare
01.2014 - 12.2023
- Provide a safe, stable, and loving environment for the children
- Develop curriculum and program
- Oversee Staff
- Manage facilities
- Meet with parent/teachers
- Create budget
- Comply and maintained DHS licensing requirements
- Help connect families to resources within the community
Lead Teacher
Robyn’s Nest
06.2012 - 01.2014
- Interact with parents
- Create education plans
- Provide a safe, stable, and loving environment for the children
- Toilet/potty train
Pre-K Teacher Aide
Okeene Public Schools
08.2011 - 05.2013
- Maintain a safe and supportive environment for children
- Assist teacher with carrying out lesson plans
- Toilet/potty train
- Handle basic hygiene needs such as hand washing
- Observe children for developmental issues
Assistant Teacher
The Pumpkin Patch
08.2008 - 05.2011
- Observe and monitor children’s play activities
- Record observations
- Help child with personal habits such as eating, resting, and toilet habits
- Provide a safe, stable, and loving environment for the children
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Intervention & Child Development
Southeastern Oklahoma University
Durant, Ok05-2025
Associate degree - Child Development
Northern Oklahoma College
05.2023
Skills
- Trauma-informed care
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Relationship building
- Decision-making
- Effective communication
- Active listening
Awards And Acknowledgments
- Infant/Child CPR First Aid
- Certificates in Infant/toddler care
- Preschool Care
- School-age Care
- Childhood Resiliency
Timeline
Child Welfare Specialist
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
10.2024 - Current
Childcare Director Owner
Little Rascals Playhouse In-home Childcare
01.2014 - 12.2023
Lead Teacher
Robyn’s Nest
06.2012 - 01.2014
Pre-K Teacher Aide
Okeene Public Schools
08.2011 - 05.2013
Assistant Teacher
The Pumpkin Patch
08.2008 - 05.2011
Associate degree - Child Development
Northern Oklahoma College
Bachelor of Science - Early Intervention & Child Development
Southeastern Oklahoma University
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