Annie Merrick
Baltimore
Summary
Accomplished Director with a proven track record at The Highlandtown Preschool, enhancing operational efficiency and fostering community engagement. Expert in strategic planning and relationship building, I significantly improved staff professional development and student enrollment. Skilled in decision-making and creativity, I excel in transforming educational environments and achieving regulatory compliance.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director
The Highlandtown Preschool
07.2022 - Current
- Oversee the management and operations of our preschool which has an enrollment of 56 students.
- Supervise a dedicated team of 11 staff members
- Ensuring compliance with Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) standards and regulations.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all students and staff, adhering to regulatory and organizational guidelines.
- Manage and curate the school's social media presence to engage with the broader community and showcase school events and achievements.
- Foster positive relationships within the local community by planning and facilitating extracurricular activities that promote collaboration and involvement.
- Organize and lead regular staff meetings to support professional development, address school needs, and ensure effective communication across the team.
Para Professional
William S. James Elementary School
08.2019 - 05.2021
- Supported students with diverse learning needs by adapting instructional materials and techniques.
- Fostered a positive learning environment with engaging activities that encouraged student participation.
- Collaborated with teachers to implement classroom strategies, improving student behavior and engagement.
- Assisted students in understanding lessons by providing one-on-one support and clarification.
- 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.
- Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
Preschool Teacher
Davenport Preschool
08.2018 - 08.2019
- Organized hands-on learning experiences to encourage curiosity and exploration in young children.
- Encouraged creativity with art projects and music activities that stimulate imagination and self-expression.
- Enhanced language skills with storytelling sessions and vocabulary-building games.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to cultivate respect and cooperation among students.
- Created a positive classroom atmosphere with routines and structure that promote security and confidence.
- Developed strong relationships with parents and caregivers, providing regular updates on their child''s progress and addressing any concerns proactively.
Director
Christ Lutheran Church Nursery School
08.2015 - 08.2018
- Supervised teaching staff and resolved issues.
- Maintained compliance with state licensing regulations through diligent record keeping and routine inspections preparation.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring efficient scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation for optimal program performance.
- Established school policies and communicated to staff and parents for well-coordinated and high-quality daily operations.
- Hired and trained new preschool employees.
- Created a safe learning environment through regular safety drills practice and adherence to established protocols during emergencies.
- Developed strong parent-teacher relationships through effective communication and regular progress updates.
- Oversaw interview and hiring process of classroom personnel for selection of high-quality teachers and staff.
- Recruited new students for admission through marketing and events.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
UNCW
Wilmington, NC05-2004
Skills
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- People management
- Team management
- Creativity and innovation
- Project coordination
- Employee development
Accomplishments
Owner Operator, Little Harts Cooking with Kids 2014-2021
MSDE credentialed Level 3 (2024)
Moved our center up from a Excels Level 1 to an Excels level 3 in one year
Certification
90 hour certification
45 hour Director certification
Project Security Blanket/Emergency Preparedness certification
Basic Health and Safety certification
ADA certificate
Up to date First Aid and CPR
Timeline
Director
The Highlandtown Preschool
07.2022 - Current
Para Professional
William S. James Elementary School
08.2019 - 05.2021
Preschool Teacher
Davenport Preschool
08.2018 - 08.2019
Director
Christ Lutheran Church Nursery School
08.2015 - 08.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
UNCW
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