Tina Smith
Columbia City,Indiana
Summary
Experienced professional with expertise in strategic planning and communication in early childhood education. Skilled in developing business strategies and fostering program sustainability. Proven ability in staff training and community collaboration, achieving impactful results. Dedicated to driving growth and innovation in educational settings.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Coach-Early learning Business Practices
SPARK Learning Lab
Indianapolis, Indiana
05.2025 - Current
- Coached early learning programs on business sustainability, focusing on business practices, enrollment, and marketing strategies
- Delivered personalized one-on-one and group coaching to enhance business acumen in Indiana programs, using Zoom and Google Suite
- Developed a comprehensive suite of resources, including tools, templates, and training sessions for program support
- Analyzed data to manage caseloads of early childhood programs, providing targeted assistance based on specific needs
- Facilitated coaching sessions for early childhood business owners, promoting skills development and strategic planning at both the local and state levels
- Participate in the SPARKlers committee, promoting employee engagement.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address unique project needs and improve program effectiveness
- Analyzed client needs to develop tailored business strategies.
Solution Center Representative-Brighter Futures
Early Learning Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana
01.2022 - 04.2023
- Resolved complex inquiries and customer complaints with empathy and strong problem-solving skills.
- Supported providers in identifying issues within state online systems, including I-Lead.
- Responded to calls and emails via Zendesk and Microsoft, showcasing exceptional telephone etiquette.
- Guided families through enrollment processes for early childhood education programs.
- Provided resources such as CCDF and On My Way Pre-K through state systems including EEC and NACCRRAware.
- Assisted families in accessing childcare services through CCRR.findhelp.com.
- Developed informational materials outlining benefits of early learning programs.
- Managed data entry and program evaluations to maintain accuracy and efficiency.
Director
Carepointe Academy
Fort Wayne, Indiana
07.2019 - 01.2022
- Organized staff meetings to discuss program improvements and updates.
- Collaborated with local agencies to enhance community resources for families.
- Monitored budgets related to staffing costs, supplies expenses, program fees.
- Provided training and coached teachers.
- Conducted regular inspections of the facility to ensure it meets safety standards set by local authorities.
- Collaborated with other childcare centers in the area to promote best practices among early childhood educators.
- Managed daily operations of the childcare center, including overseeing staff and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Owner/Operator Accrediated Childcare Home facility
Aunt Tina's Childcare
Columbia City, Indiana
08.1988 - 07.2019
- Led startup and creation of operational procedures and workflow planning.
- Developed policies and procedures for the organization.
- Maintained relationships with existing clients by providing superior customer service.
- Managed daily operations of business, including hiring and training staff.
- Ensured compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Oversaw budgeting and financial management.
- Identified new opportunities for growth, expansion, and diversification.
- Developed individualized care plans based on children's needs and interests.
- Created engaging lesson plans for diverse age groups.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding child development.
- Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Education
IPFW-IU
Fort Wayne, IN12-2017
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
Ivy Tech Community College
Fort Wayne, IN12-2005
Skills
- Early Childhood Program Management
- Resource Development
- Team Leadership
- Data Analysis
- Business Strategy Development
Certification
- Thrive Pathway Institute Financial Planning Certification Feb. 2025
- Thrive Pathway Institute Business Risk mitigation Certification June 2025
- Thrive Pathway Institute Tax Advisor Certification June 2025
- currently enrolled in Butler University for a certificate in Business
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Coach-Early learning Business Practices
SPARK Learning Lab
05.2025 - Current
Solution Center Representative-Brighter Futures
Early Learning Indiana
01.2022 - 04.2023
Director
Carepointe Academy
07.2019 - 01.2022
Owner/Operator Accrediated Childcare Home facility
Aunt Tina's Childcare
08.1988 - 07.2019
Bachelor of Science - Education
IPFW-IU
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
Ivy Tech Community College
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