Verlena Grady
Lynwood,CA
Summary
Dynamic Lead Teacher with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, dedicated to fostering foundational skills in young learners through innovative teaching strategies. Proven ability to adapt educational materials for diverse student needs, enhancing engagement and understanding. Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills have consistently improved classroom dynamics and student outcomes. Future goals include further developing effective learning environments that support holistic child development.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher's Assistant
Children's Institute Inc.
Los Angeles
10.2019 - Current
- Supported classroom teacher in managing a diverse classroom of students.
- Created and maintained a safe and engaging learning environment for all students.
- Laminated teaching materials to increase durability under repeated use.
- Supported teachers by preparing materials, setting up equipment, and organizing supplies.
- Prepared lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, and demonstrations to assist teachers in classroom preparation.
- Participated in professional development workshops to improve teaching skills and knowledge.
- Assisted teachers with creating and maintaining a safe, orderly learning environment.
Teacher Assistant
Training and Research Foundation
Los Angeles, CA
08.2015 - 05.2019
- Supported the implementation of the agency's school readiness goals and Class
- Ensured proper care and supervision of children at all times, the practice of head counts, classroom arrangement, general safety rules, monitoring equipment and working knowledge of classroom management
- Assists in gathering classroom observations and other documentation for developmental assessments of children ages 3-5
- Maintained an organized and developmentally appropriate classroom environment that encourages creativity and self-esteem
- Child Observation in the areas of lesson plans, attendance, lunch counts and parent participation
- Planned activities and Meal Preparation
- Maintained confidentiality and professionalism in accordance to Agency Policy and Legal Requirements
Teacher
Child Care Careers
Los Angeles, CA
09.2014 - 07.2015
- Implementing Curriculum, planning activities and ensuring a safe and happy atmosphere for all children in the program
- Flexible to adapt to every school, and different needs
- Had to be well versed in several teaching capacities such as Montessori, High Scope Curriculum as well as other teaching methods
Lead Teacher
YMCA
Long Beach, CA
10.2004 - 08.2014
- Lead Teacher for ages 3-5 year-old Children
- Built strong relationships with Parents to ensure good communication and collaboration
- Created weekly lesson plans and planned activities as well as meal preparation
- DRDP Assessment tool age 3 to pre-k
- ECERS Classroom
- Prepared and maintained classroom environments appropriate for student learning and physical, social and emotional development.
- Supervised students throughout day, both in classroom and outside during breaks.
- Worked with teachers to design interactive lessons and increase student success.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Child Development
Compton College
Compton, CASkills
- Proper Care and Supervision of Children
- Assess Child needs, strengths and Interests
- Plan and provide activities for development
- Carry out authorized emergency and safety procedures
- Administer first aid according to safety standards
- Meal Preparation and Snacks for Children
- Assist Toddlers in good hygiene and assist in potty training
- Implement Curriculum that allows children to be curious
- Develop Schedule and Routine to ensure structure
- Watch for signs of emotional/developmental problems
- Build strong relationships with Parents, Children and Faculty
- Ability to problem solve and manage situations calmly
- Lunch supervision
- Instructional support
- Small group supervision
- Parent-teacher communication
Certification
- Child Development Teacher Permit, CTC, 08/26
- Mandated Reporter AB 1207 Compliant Certification
- Certificate of Completion for Basic Pest Management in the School and Child Care Setting, DPR, 07/24
- First Aid CPR AED Certified for Child and Infant, 02/25
Timeline
Teacher's Assistant
Children's Institute Inc.
10.2019 - Current
Teacher Assistant
Training and Research Foundation
08.2015 - 05.2019
Teacher
Child Care Careers
09.2014 - 07.2015
Lead Teacher
YMCA
10.2004 - 08.2014
- Child Development Teacher Permit, CTC, 08/26
- Mandated Reporter AB 1207 Compliant Certification
- Certificate of Completion for Basic Pest Management in the School and Child Care Setting, DPR, 07/24
- First Aid CPR AED Certified for Child and Infant, 02/25
Some College (No Degree) - Child Development
Compton College
Similar Profiles
Michelle BarredaMichelle Barreda
Early Head Start Teacher at Children's Institute Inc.Early Head Start Teacher at Children's Institute Inc.
Patti DillinerPatti Dilliner
Senior Vice President- Whole Family Strategies & Program Operations at Children's Institute, Inc.Senior Vice President- Whole Family Strategies & Program Operations at Children's Institute, Inc.
Ingry FuentesIngry Fuentes
Substitute Teacher Assistant at Children's InstituteSubstitute Teacher Assistant at Children's Institute