Tara Neuenkirk
Winterset,IA
Summary
Dynamic and compassionate professional with a proven track record at Stepping Stones Daycare, excelling in child development and classroom management. Adept at fostering creativity and critical thinking while implementing engaging lesson plans. Strong communicator and empathetic leader, dedicated to enhancing children's learning experiences and promoting a safe, nurturing environment.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Daycare Teacher
Stepping Stones Daycare
Winterset Iowa
11.2021 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans that fostered creativity and critical thinking among children.
- Maintained a safe and nurturing environment, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Collaborated with parents to address individual child needs and enhance learning outcomes.
- Monitored children's progress, providing feedback and adjustments to instructional strategies as needed.
- Implemented daily activities promoting social skills and emotional development in students.
- Led classroom management efforts, creating a structured environment conducive to learning and exploration.
- Trained new staff on best practices for child engagement and curriculum delivery techniques.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Provided a safe and nurturing environment for children, regularly monitoring indoor and outdoor spaces for potential hazards.
- Actively encouraged children to develop their communication, problem-solving and social skills.
- Maintained tidy environment to comply with cleanliness and sanitation standards.
- Developed strong relationships with parents through regular communication about their child''s progress and needs.
- Assisted in preparation of meals and snacks to provide children with proper nutrition.
- Instructed children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toileting.
- Utilized positive reinforcement strategies to encourage appropriate behaviors among students while minimizing disruptions or conflicts.
- Gathered materials and resources to prepare for lessons and activities.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships and promote learning.
- Guided students through daily routines, instilling a sense of responsibility and independence within each child.
- Improved classroom management by implementing clear expectations, consistent routines, and age-appropriate rewards systems.
- Promoted language acquisition in young learners with engaging storytelling, songs, and word games.
- Intervened in disruptive behavior, using positive reinforcement strategies to redirect and calm children.
- Enhanced children''s emotional development through empathetic communication and active listening techniques.
- Taught hand washing and proper use of utensils to promote good hygiene and etiquette habits.
- Increased daycare students'' social skills by incorporating group activities and cooperative play into daily routines.
- Collaborated with fellow daycare teachers to create a cohesive educational experience across all classrooms within the center.
- Maintained accurate documentation of student progress, behavior incidents, and parent-teacher conferences for review as needed.
- Implemented creative art projects to encourage self-expression and fine motor skill development among young children.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Led small group instruction tailored to each child''s unique abilities and interests, ensuring personalized attention during learning activities.
- Maintained open lines of communication with other staff members regarding any concerns or updates on individual students'' progress.
- Fostered critical thinking skills in daycare students through age-appropriate problem-solving exercises during circle time activities.
- Administered assessments for developmental milestones, identifying areas of growth or concern to address promptly.
- Supported diverse learners by adapting teaching methods to meet individual student needs and learning styles.
- Implemented curriculum to enhance classes with learning-focused activities.
- Assisted in the design of an updated curriculum to better align with early childhood education standards.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of special events such as holiday celebrations or parent-teacher conferences, fostering a strong sense of community within the daycare center.
- Contributed to improved program quality by participating in professional development workshops and training sessions.
- Supported children's emotional development by providing comforting presence and listening to their concerns.
- Enhanced children's social skills by organizing group activities and encouraging cooperative play.
- Monitored children's progress and adjusted teaching strategies accordingly, ensuring optimal learning outcomes.
- Maintained open and effective communication with parents about their child's progress and areas for improvement.
- Adapted teaching methodologies to suit different learning styles, ensuring all children remained engaged and motivated.
- Facilitated culture of empathy and respect among children, teaching them value of kindness and understanding.
- Strengthened team collaboration by sharing effective teaching practices and resources with colleagues.
- Fostered safe and nurturing environment for children, setting stage for positive learning experiences.
- Assisted children with special needs by providing tailored support and accommodations, ensuring inclusive learning environment.
- Strengthened children's early literacy and math skills through interactive lessons and games.
- Engaged children in environmental awareness activities, instilling sense of responsibility for nature.
- Implemented creative learning strategies, significantly increasing children's engagement with educational content.
- Conducted regular safety drills, ensuring children knew how to respond in emergency situations.
- Cultivated love for reading in children by organizing regular storytime sessions and discussions.
- Improved classroom management by establishing clear rules and using positive reinforcement techniques.
- Promoted physical health and well-being of children by incorporating daily physical activities and teaching about healthy eating habits.
- Enhanced children's problem-solving skills through guided activities and open-ended questions.
- Encouraged children to express themselves creatively through art and music, enhancing their creative thinking skills.
- Developed individualized learning plans for each child, catering to their unique needs and abilities.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
- Established positive relationships with students and families.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
- Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
- Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
- Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
- Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
- Helped new preschool children get used to classes by giving one-on-one support.
- Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback on educational development.
- Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans.
- Increased student satisfaction by frequently communicating with students about needs and adapting lessons to interests and classroom progress.
- Encouraged use of technology to support student learning.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
Baker
Bakery Unlimied
Winterset, IA
10.2018 - 11.2021
- Developed and refined recipes for artisanal breads and pastries.
- Oversaw inventory management, ensuring optimal stock levels of ingredients and supplies.
- Trained and mentored junior bakers in baking techniques and safety protocols.
- Implemented quality control measures to maintain high product standards and consistency.
- Collaborated with team to streamline production processes, enhancing overall efficiency.
- Designed seasonal menu items that increased customer interest and sales.
- Monitored equipment maintenance schedules, reducing downtime in production operations.
- Led daily production meetings to align team goals and improve workflow communication.
- Produced consistently high-quality baked goods for customers.
- Complied with health and safety codes to protect staff and customers.
- Operated and maintained bakery equipment, including ovens and mixers.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently producing high-quality baked goods and maintaining a clean, organized workspace.
- Collaborated with team members to complete tasks and maintain smooth running of bakery.
- Maintained a safe work environment by strictly adhering to sanitation guidelines and addressing potential hazards promptly.
- Ensured product freshness by implementing proper storage techniques and regularly rotating stock.
- Collaborated with team members to complete large orders for special events, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction.
- Reduced waste and increased efficiency by accurately measuring ingredients and closely monitoring baking processes.
- Managed customer service operations, including taking orders and resolving complaints.
- Operated cash registers and processed payments accurately.
- Provided excellent customer service, answering questions about products and offering personalized recommendations based on individual preferences.
- Increased production efficiency through effective time management and multitasking during busy periods.
- Assisted in inventory management, helping maintain appropriate stock levels for essential ingredients and supplies.
- Maintained accurate inventory of baking supplies and ingredients.
- Consistently met deadlines for catering orders by effectively prioritizing tasks according to urgency.
- Frosted and iced cakes, cupcakes, cookies, doughnuts, sweet rolls, and coffee cakes.
- Trained and supervised new employees on bakery operations and procedures.
- Created appealing displays to showcase products in bakery.
- Contributed to team success by training new employees on baking techniques, safety protocols, and equipment operation.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy and professionalism, maintaining positive bakery image.
- Achieved significant reduction in customer wait times by optimizing workflow and baking schedules.
- Participated in local food fairs to promote bakery, resulting in increased foot traffic and sales.
- Trained new staff in bakery operations, improving overall team efficiency and product consistency.
- Increased customer satisfaction with friendly and efficient service.
- Initiated customer feedback system to gather insights on product preferences and areas for improvement.
- Implemented system for tracking ingredient usage, reducing costs by optimizing order quantities.
- Improved energy efficiency in bakery by optimizing equipment use and reducing unnecessary power consumption.
- Coordinated with front-of-house team to ensure timely display of fresh baked goods, enhancing customer experience.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in baking area, meeting health and safety standards.
- Enhanced bakery's reputation for quality by consistently producing high-standard baked goods.
- Followed food safety standards when handling ingredients.
- Cleaned and maintained kitchen equipment and oven.
- Operated ovens and bakery equipment to prepare products according to recipes.
- Baked consistent quality items by accurately mixing, dividing, shaping, and proofing.
- Prepared dough for variety of pastries, cakes and breads.
- Prepared all pastry items in accordance with standards of quality, quantity control, taste, and presentation.
- Packaged finished products for sale.
- Monitored temperatures of ovens, proof boxes and other equipment.
- Determined quantity of product to prepare for next day operation by maintaining detailed production schedule.
- Mixed icing and other toppings by reading recipes, scaling, and measuring ingredients and operating mixer.
- Trained new employees on bakery methods and procedures.
- Processed customer orders and payment transactions.
- Replenished bakery items in display cases.
- Replenished and rotated food items, following correct food cooling and storage procedures.
- Managed display cases to verify freshness and attractiveness of products.
- Determined baking times for various items.
- Cut and shaped dough for pies, rolls and other pastries.
Team Leader
Genesis Development
Winterset, IA
12.2016 - 11.2018
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance project delivery efficiency and quality.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering professional growth and operational excellence.
- Implemented process improvements that optimized workflow and reduced delays.
- Analyzed team performance metrics to drive strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
- Developed training programs to elevate team competencies and skills integration.
- Coordinated project timelines, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
- Facilitated communication between departments to streamline operations and improve collaboration.
- Spearheaded initiatives targeting cost reduction while maintaining service quality standards.
- Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
- Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
- Established open and professional relationships with team members to achieve quick resolutions for various issues.
- Collaborated with other department leaders to establish shared goals and ensure alignment across teams.
- Developed team members'' skills through targeted coaching sessions, resulting in improved individual performance.
- Maintained an inclusive and diverse team culture, promoting respect and understanding among all members.
- Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Evaluated team member performance against established objectives during regular reviews, offering praise for achievements or identifying areas requiring further development.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient work processes and regularly reviewing performance metrics.
- Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their leadership potential and advance in their careers.
- Increased customer satisfaction ratings by closely monitoring service quality standards and addressing any issues promptly.
- Provided ongoing support to direct reports, addressing concerns or questions promptly so they could remain focused on their tasks.
- Assisted in recruitment to build team of top performers.
- Coordinated resources effectively to meet project deadlines and achieve desired results.
- Facilitated decision-making processes within group through open dialogue and consensus-building techniques.
- Promoted culture of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback from all organizational levels and implementing actionable changes.
- Established clear communication channels to facilitate timely exchange of information between team members and stakeholders.
- Led cross-functional teams to execute projects on time, within budget, and with high-quality outcomes.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient task delegation and regular performance evaluations.
- Built and maintained strong client relationships, leading to repeat business and referrals.
- Improved operational workflows, enabling team to handle increased workloads without compromising quality.
- Implemented comprehensive reporting system to track team performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Motivated team members to surpass their targets, recognizing and rewarding their achievements.
- Enhanced communication strategies, ensuring clear and timely information exchange within team and with clients.
- Led by example, demonstrating commitment and professionalism that inspired team members to excel.
- Conducted thorough market research to guide strategic decisions and maintain competitive advantage.
- Facilitated culture of continuous improvement, encouraging feedback and innovative solutions from all team members.
- Developed risk management plans, minimizing potential project disruptions and ensuring timely delivery.
- Oversaw quality control measures, maintaining high standards for all project outputs.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
- Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
- Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development
CNA/administrative Assistant
Care Center South
Winterset, IA
04.2008 - 06.2015
- Provided compassionate care to residents, enhancing their quality of life through personalized support.
- Assisted with daily living activities, including bathing, dressing, and meal preparation for residents.
- Maintained accurate patient records and documentation, ensuring compliance with care standards and regulations.
- Trained and mentored new CNA staff, fostering a supportive environment and promoting effective caregiving practices.
- Implemented infection control protocols, contributing to a safe and hygienic environment for residents and staff.
- Led initiatives to enhance resident engagement through organized activities, improving overall satisfaction within the facility.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and dignity.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care.
- Maintained confidentiality of patient information according to HIPAA guidelines while communicating effectively with team members about critical updates.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Utilized proper body mechanics and assistance devices when transferring patients, minimizing the risk of injury for both parties.
- Ensured prompt response to call lights, addressing patient needs in a timely manner.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Prevented bedsores by regularly repositioning patients and implementing proper wound care techniques.
- Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
- Provided emotional support for patients during challenging times, fostering a positive healing environment.
- Implemented fall prevention measures by identifying high-risk patients and maintaining clutter-free environments around bedsides.
- Cared for residents in assisted living facility and delivered high-quality support to meet needs.
- Reduced patient stress levels through effective communication and active listening skills.
- Promoted infection control practices within the facility by adhering to strict hand hygiene procedures and utilizing personal protective equipment when necessary.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.
- Conducted routine safety checks on equipment, promptly reporting any malfunctions or safety concerns to appropriate personnel.
- Facilitated smooth patient transitions from hospital settings to home or long-term care facilities, ensuring continuity of care throughout the process.
- Conducted basic physical assessments on new admissions to gather baseline data for nursing staff evaluation.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, and medical staff to ensure clear communication and understanding of treatment plans.
- Helped clean and prepare patient consultation rooms to maintain hygiene standards
- Participated in fun group activities with patients to boost mood, improve overall memory, and provide light entertainment.
- Changed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
- Completed activities of daily living for patients unable to self-care, and assisted those with limited mobility in completing tasks.
- Documented patient information and care activities in electronic health record.
- Assisted nursing staff with completing daily rounds, documenting vital signs and answering calls.
- Helped patients with self-feeding and assisted feeding, based on individual needs.
- Facilitated personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
- Responded to patient requests for supplies and personal comfort items such as extra blankets.
- Helped patients complete range of motion exercises to prevent loss of function during care.
- Prevented cross-contamination by cleaning and sterilizing equipment.
- Provided care to patients throughout lifespan with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and culture.
- Supported needs of Number+ residents under long-term care.
- Transported patients between rooms and appointments or testing locations.
- Upheld infection control and prevention policies across different patient-facing areas.
- Observed patients under care conditions to help identify symptoms, responses to treatments and progress with goals.
- Delivered high-quality care to Type patients in hospital facility.
- Monitored patient specimen samples and test results to effectively alert supervisors of potentially unhealthy changes.
- Managed patient records using electronic health record systems to ensure accuracy.
- Developed and maintained filing systems for confidential documents and correspondence.
- Assisted in onboarding new employees, providing training on office procedures and policies.
- Implemented process improvements that increased administrative support effectiveness by 15%.
- Answered multi-line phone system, routing calls, delivering messages to staff and greeting visitors.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information by adhering to strict privacy policies and implementing secure filing systems.
- Delivered excellent customer service through prompt responses to client inquiries, addressing concerns effectively, and building strong relationships.
- Ensured accurate record-keeping with diligent data entry and database management for vital company information.
- Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication skills and fostering professional relationships among colleagues.
- Improved document organization with thorough file maintenance, archiving outdated records as necessary for efficient retrieval when needed.
- Coordinated office supply inventory management, proactively ordering necessary items before depletion to avoid workflow disruptions.
- Supported executive staff through scheduling meetings, coordinating travel arrangements, and preparing crucial documents.
- Assisted with human resources tasks such as updating employee files or submitting time-off requests per company policy guidelines.
- Assisted in onboarding new employees, providing training materials, and coordinating orientation schedules to ensure a smooth integration into the team.
- Streamlined invoice processing procedures to ensure timely payment of vendors while minimizing errors in financial records.
- Boosted team productivity by managing communication channels and ensuring timely responses to inquiries.
- Managed expense reports for executive staff members, ensuring accurate documentation of spending for budgeting purposes.
- Maintained inventory of office supplies and placed orders.
- Developed filing system for historical documents, preserving important company records and improving access to information.
- Supported recruitment processes, scheduling interviews and communicating with applicants to improve hiring timelines.
- Contributed to policy updates, researching regulations to ensure company compliance.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information, adhering strictly to data protection regulations.
- Assisted in preparation of financial reports, gathering data that contributed to budgeting accuracy.
- Improved staff morale by organizing recognition programs, acknowledging outstanding contributions and fostering positive work culture.
- Managed filing system, entered data and completed other clerical tasks.
- Managed phone and email correspondence and handled incoming and outgoing mail and faxes.
- Assisted coworkers and staff members with special tasks on daily basis.
- Managed paper and electronic filing systems by routing various documents, taking messages and managing incoming and outgoing mail.
- Completed forms, reports, logs, and records to quickly handle all documentation for human resources.
- Built and maintained excellent customer relationships through timely response to inquiries and going above and beyond to accommodate unusual requests.
- Continually sought methods for improving daily operations, communications with clients, recordkeeping, and data entry for increased efficiency.
- Interacted with vendors, contractors and professional services personnel to receive orders, direct activities, and communicate instructions.
- Opened and properly distributed incoming mail to promote quicker response to client inquiries.
- Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
- Established administrative work procedures to track staff's daily tasks.
- Recorded new hires, transfers, terminations, changes in job classifications and merit increases to main human resources files.
- Payroll.
Payroll/quality Control
Iowa Home Care
Des Moines, IA
07.2014 - 12.2014
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Skills
Time management
Child safety
Cleaning and sanitation
Lesson planning
Strong work ethic
Health and safety
Customer service
Active listener
Problem-solving
Loves children
CPR and first aid
Friendly and likeable
Emotionally supportive
Approachable
Child care
Infant, toddler, and preschool curricula
Parent-teacher communication
First aid training
Positive reinforcement
Infant care
Classroom management
Decision-making
Social development activities
Classroom organization
Play-based learning
Parent communication
Social skills development
Activity planning
Positive role model
Emergency procedures
Classroom instruction
Curriculum planning
Behavior modeling
Parental communication
Child development
Special-needs childcare
Efficient under pressure
Conflict resolution
Safety monitoring
Gentle discipline
Strong computer skills
Language skills
Age-appropriate activities
Arts, crafts, and games
FLUENT IN LANGUAGE
Housekeeping
Nutrition
Cultural sensitivity
Child development expertise
Licensed childcare provider
Interactive lesson plans
Behavior management techniques
Personal care activities
Interpersonal and written communication
Excel proficiency
Training in food handling preparation
Meal preparation
Curriculum development
Early childhood education
Schedule creation and maintenance
Accurate record keeping
Child nutrition
Cognitive development
Curriculum implementation
Literacy development
Adept at working with special needs children
Tact and sensitivity
Storytelling and crafts
Reading and writing specialist
Nutrition knowledge
Disaster preparedness training
CDA license
Montessori methodology
Multitasking and organization
Empathy and patience
Team collaboration
Adaptability and flexibility
Verbal and written communication
Verbal communication
Group supervision
Proven team leader
Timeline
Daycare Teacher
Stepping Stones Daycare
11.2021 - Current
Baker
Bakery Unlimied
10.2018 - 11.2021
Team Leader
Genesis Development
12.2016 - 11.2018
Payroll/quality Control
Iowa Home Care
07.2014 - 12.2014
CNA/administrative Assistant
Care Center South
04.2008 - 06.2015