Kristina Simmons
Mountain Home
Summary
Accomplished Pre-K Teacher at Open Arms Learning Center, adept in early childhood education and curriculum planning, significantly enhancing classroom participation and sensory development. Leveraged patience, empathy, and innovative play-based strategies, achieving notable improvements in student self-regulation and academic growth. Expert in maintaining health and safety stand
ards, demonstrating exceptional group and individual instruction skills.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Pre-K Teacher
Open Arms Learning Center
07.2018 - Current
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Promoted physical, academic, and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers, and letters.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
Lunch Server
Pella Community Schools
08.2015 - 05.2018
- Circulated among tables to assist young students and special needs children with opening milk containers and lunch items.
- Utilized time management skills to effectively handle multiple tables simultaneously without compromising quality of service.
- Organized students entering cafeteria into various food lines to keep groups flowing smoothly.
- Regulated dismissal of students by section and guided disposal of tray and silverware in return area.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate order preparation.
- Cooked food per recipe requirements in large batches for routine school breakfasts, lunches and special events.
- Collected trash, wiped up spills, and removed trays to maintain fresh and clean customer areas.
- Served food according to temperature, safety and presentation guidelines.
Infant Teacher
Mahaska YMCA
02.2013 - 07.2015
- Kept classroom and feeding areas clean, neat, and safe.
- Maintained a safe, nurturing environment for infants by adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Managed personal hygiene requirements with frequent diaper changes, use of bibs, and monitoring of behaviors.
- Promoted sensory development by providing access to different textures.
Paraprofessional
Head Start Program
08.2009 - 05.2012
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
- Supervised students during non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess, or field trips, ensuring safety at all times.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students, parents, and faculty members.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
Indian Hills Community College
Ottumwa, IAHigh School Diploma -
Oskaloosa High School
Oskaloosa, IA05.1997
Skills
- Early Childhood Education
- Patience and Empathy
- Music and Movement
- Health and safety
- Curriculum Planning
- Parent-Teacher Communication
- Group and individual instruction
- Fine Motor Skills
- Gross Motor Skills
- Motor Skill Development
Timeline
Pre-K Teacher
Open Arms Learning Center
07.2018 - Current
Lunch Server
Pella Community Schools
08.2015 - 05.2018
Infant Teacher
Mahaska YMCA
02.2013 - 07.2015
Paraprofessional
Head Start Program
08.2009 - 05.2012
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
Indian Hills Community College
High School Diploma -
Oskaloosa High School
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