Early Childhood Educator in Toronto, Ontario

I have worked in a Day Camp setting for 9 summers, originally as a Camp Counsellor, promoted to Coordinator and currently Camp Director where I train and supervise 16 staff members by ensuring all staff are following policies and procedures, that everyone has a safe work environment and provide feedback and encouragement weekly. I also manage operational budgets, coordinate with the other Director and Program Coordinator on matters that are of mutual responsibility, conduct written and verbal staff evaluations, and prepare, review and submit camp records, receipts and reports on time. I am also a RECE teaching Nursery School part time during the school year. I work in tandem with the program Director, Assistant and Parent Volunteer. I collaboratively develop interactive and creative programming for the Senior Preschool Program and implement the activities, focussing on each child's cultural, individual and age appropriate needs. I work with each child and maintain reports and observations on their developmental skills and behaviour while helping them to reach their developmental milestones. During the program I also supervise and engage in the children's structured free play while providing an environment that promotes growth and development. Lastly, I build and maintain a trusting relationship with each and every child, parent and/or caregiver. I occasionally substitute in the Toddler Program when the Director is absent. During the school year I am also the Director of an After School Program. Here I supervise 10 staff, provide them with detailed programming pertaining to their age group, and ensure that all programming is implemented in a safe and nurturing environment. I also assist staff with behavioural issues, train them to focus on positive reinforcement and implement positive reinforcement strategies into the program. I also interact with parents to discuss program registration, absences, and any issues, comments or concerns they may have with our program. In my ECE program at Algonquin College I had the opportunity to work in two Kinder rooms and one Toddler room for my three placements. I have worked with children with special needs in many different capacities. During Summer Camps I worked with a Shared Care Counsellor who maintained a 1:3 ratio with children with special needs. I made sure that all of my programming was suitable so that all of the children could participate, regardless of their exceptionalities. I worked closely with the Shared Care worker, and often assisted when she was too busy or required assistance. I am CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certified (2015).