Whitney Russell
Cottonwood Shores
Summary
Dynamic and empathetic Early Childhood Educator with a proven track record at Seeds of Learning, adept in curriculum planning and emotional support. Leveraged play-based strategies to enhance learning, achieving significant improvements in language development and social skills. Skilled in parent-teacher communication and classroom management, fostering inclusive environments that promote literacy and child development. Increased quality star rating to 5 stars during ECERS evaluation at Seeds of Learning.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Early Childhood Teacher Assistant
Seeds of Learning
09.2022 - 01.2025
- Supported early language development through storytelling, reading books, and engaging children in interactive conversations.
- Managed daily routines efficiently, ensuring smooth transitions between different activities throughout the day without any loss of instructional time.
- Created a nurturing and safe environment for children to grow emotionally, socially, and academically.
- Enhanced children''s learning experiences by incorporating engaging activities through play and age-appropriate educational materials.
- Recorded formal observations for each child's optimal learning experiences though Teaching Strategies Gold in the cognitive, social-emotional, physical, language, literacy, and mathematic developmental domains and prepared for parent-teacher conferences quarterly.
- ECERS and NAEYC trained and implemented throughout the classroom. Incredible Years curriculum trained and implemented in the classroom though large group and small group social-emotional using child sized puppet.
- Utilized assessment data to inform future instruction, tailoring lessons to address areas needing additional focus or support.
- Prepared and implemented family nights, all about play night, science night, math night, literacy night, art night, and science night, to enhance Seed's inclusive environment.
- Established strong relationships with families through open communication channels and participation in school events.
- Collaborated with a team of educators to develop an inclusive curriculum that met the diverse needs of all students and designed Independent Learning Plans (ILPs) and Independent Education Plans (IEPs) for each student.
- Provided individualized support for children with special needs, enabling them to thrive in the classroom setting.
Special Needs Job Skills Trainer
Radar Supports LLC
11.2021 - 09.2022
- Tailored instruction methods based on individual needs assessments, promoting optimal learning experiences for each participant.
- Conducted regular evaluations of current training resources for relevance and effectiveness, refining materials as necessary.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning within the organization by advocating for ongoing professional development opportunities for all employees.
- Implemented hands-on activities during training sessions, allowing participants to practice new skills in a controlled environment.
- Provided transportation from school to the participant's work site and stayed with them on the job.
Assistant Manager/Cabinet Builder
Design Specific
06.2019 - 10.2021
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
- Built drawers and cabinets incorporating proper methods of construction so the finished product is in demand with each clients specific needs.
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
Elsass Academy
08.2014 - 06.2019
- Mentored new teachers in the implementation of best practices for early childhood education.
- Developed strong relationships with students and parents to foster a positive learning environment.
- Enhanced student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and group projects in daily lesson plans.
- Established a safe and nurturing classroom environment where students felt comfortable taking risks and expressing themselves creatively.
- Incorporated social-emotional learning techniques into daily routines, fostering healthy peer relationships and improved behavior among students.
- Built an inclusive classroom culture that embraced diversity and promoted respect for all individuals.
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
Private Nanny
Dalis and Gary Sharpe Family
08.2011 - 06.2016
- Developed strong relationships with parents, maintaining open communication about each child''s progress and needs.
- Oversaw household duties such as light housekeeping tasks or running errands when required.
- Tutored children in mathematics and literacy as well as played games, worked on puzzles, and read books to young children.
- Prepared healthy, age-appropriate snacks and meals.
- Provided transportation to and from afterschool . activities for the older child.
Early Childhood Educator
Westlake Childcare
06.2011 - 05.2013
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Promoted early literacy skills by implementing engaging reading activities and fostering a love for books in young learners.
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
Pueblo Community College
Pueblo, CO12-2025
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
Ft Lewis Community College
Durango, CO12-2025
No Degree -
Austin Community College
Austin, TX08-2011
High School Diploma -
Westlake High School
Austin, TX05-2010
Skills
- Classroom organization
- Age-appropriate activities
- Emotional support
- Curriculum planning
- Parent-teacher communication
- Literacy promotion
- Child assessment
- Language development
- Creative lesson planning
- Health and safety
- Positive reinforcement
- Child development
- Lesson implementation
- First aid and CPR
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong work ethic and dependable
- Collaborative and Team-oriented
- Caring and empathetic demeanor
- Encouraging participation and inclusivity
- Coordinating with teachers and specialists
- Promoting social and emotional development
- Small group support and assistance
- Early childhood training
- Lesson planning and preparation
- Curriculum-based lessons
- Parent-teacher conferences
- Classroom management
- Active listening
- Individualized education plans
- Conflict resolution
Timeline
Early Childhood Teacher Assistant
Seeds of Learning
09.2022 - 01.2025
Special Needs Job Skills Trainer
Radar Supports LLC
11.2021 - 09.2022
Assistant Manager/Cabinet Builder
Design Specific
06.2019 - 10.2021
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
Elsass Academy
08.2014 - 06.2019
Private Nanny
Dalis and Gary Sharpe Family
08.2011 - 06.2016
Early Childhood Educator
Westlake Childcare
06.2011 - 05.2013
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
Pueblo Community College
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
Ft Lewis Community College
No Degree -
Austin Community College
High School Diploma -
Westlake High School
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