Kayrifa Little
Baltimore
Summary
Experienced Special Education Teacher with a proven track record of effectively working with children, including those with special needs, intellectual disabilities, dual diagnoses, and behavior modification requirements. Demonstrates an impressive work ethic and unwavering commitment to creating a challenging yet nurturing learning environment. Possesses a strong background in science, biology, chemistry, and other physical and life sciences, enhancing the ability to provide comprehensive instruction. Passionate about inspiring students to surpass their current capabilities and achieve their full potential. Proficient in common core standards, assessment design, and curriculum elements for the elementary classroom. A versatile and dedicated professional who prioritizes the individual needs of special education students. Known for empathy and accommodation in designing and implementing hands-on lessons that cater to diverse learning styles. Exceptional at collaborating with teachers, parents, and specialists to effectively meet students' educational needs.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Dorothy I. Height Elementary
08.2024 - Current
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Used state and district assessments to determine student abilities and track academic progress.
- Enforced classroom rules to encourage positive behavior and distributed rewards for good conduct.
- Prepared classrooms for class activities and provided variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate and use throughout day.
- Met with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress and determine priorities and resource needs.
Special Education Teacher
Point Pleasant Elementary
02.2024 - 08.2024
- Worked collaboratively with general education teachers to implement IEP accommodations; modifying instructional lessons to meet a wide range of learning needs
- Worked closely with parents, school professionals, and outside service providers where necessary
- Provided instruction in content area classes using the co-teaching model
- Managed a caseload of no more than 11 students with an IEP (organizing meetings, collecting data, uploading information into data systems, and maintaining and updating IEPs as needed)
- Served as the central point of contact for the parent, student, and staff for instructionally-based issues such as: monitoring the student’s progress, attendance, and other factors affecting the student’s academic success throughout the year
- Contacted parents and teachers to share information/progress reports
- Coordinated with classroom teachers, counselors, and specialists regarding the students' accommodations, program modifications, instructional supports, etc
- Served as an advocate and mentor for the student
- Employed a variety of teaching styles to provide instruction to students with varying levels intellectual and learning capabilities
- Maintained all required documentation, record keeping, financial and benefit management as required by state
House Manager/Certified Medication Technician
The Arc CCR
04.2023 - 02.2024
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and engage with adults with varied communication styles, levels of skills, and capabilities to learn new skills and live more self-sufficient lives
- Employed a variety of teaching styles to provide instruction and coaching to adults with varying levels of intellectual and learning capabilities
- Implemented and analyzed program effectiveness to modify, adapt, and optimize curriculum and work flows
- Assisted in the completion and implementation of Individual Plans (IP) of assigned caseloads; reviewed completed plans for health/safety needs
- Maintained all required documentation, record keeping, financial and benefit management as required by state
- Conducted reportable incidents (RI) and serious reportable incident (SRI) reporting and follow up with prevention plan establishment
- Received continuous education on new development methods, and techniques in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Provided person centered supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work, and connect with their families and communities
Office Manager
R&K family Trucking LLC
07.2017 - 04.2023
- Assisted in creating and further developing the company business plan to foster growth, increased revenue and increased funding
- Demonstrated proficiency with business technology applications (e.g
- Video/Web Conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite-Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point)
- Maintained a detailed record of all job related invoices/documents
- Proactively addressed company problems/complaints and worked diligently with all parties involved to effectively come to a resolution and improve work/program outcomes
- Created company manual to support/educate staff about company policies and procedures
- Manage payroll and expenses
- Worked continuously to build and improve service/work outcomes
Service Coordinator/Case Manager
Resource Connections Inc.
07.2012 - 06.2017
- Coordinated with persons served, medical treatment sources, and family to collect all necessary documentation to apply for state and government services including (Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, SSDI, and DDA Waiver services)
- Analyzed program effectiveness to modify, adapt, and optimize work flows
- Implemented Individual Plan (IP) of assigned caseloads; reviewed completed plans for health/safety needs
- Maintained all required documentation, record keeping, financial and benefit management as required by state
- Conducted reportable incidents (RI) and serious reportable incident (SRI) reporting and follow up with prevention plan establishment
DSP/CNA/CMT
Affiliated Santé Group
04.2010 - 06.2012
- Provided activities of daily living skills (ADLs) to clients
- Implemented Individual Plan (ISP) goals
- Documented care provided and reported changes in resident status to shift supervisor
- Assist with ambulation/transfers
- Provided a clean safe environment for the client
- Prepared and serve meals
- Oversaw medication administration and management
Education
Bachelors of Science - Biology
Howard University
Washington, DC08.2012
Skills
- Strong Computer skills
- Ability to manage and prioritize caseload
- Cognitive and behavioral development
- Excellent classroom management
- IEP implementation
- Small group instruction
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Lesson planning
- Curriculum adjustments
- Behavior modifications
- Group and individual instruction
- Classroom integration
Certification
- MSDE-Maryland Educator License, Conditional Certificate, 01/01/24, 12/31/27
- Certified Medication Technician, 08/01/10, 09/30/23, Administered prescribed medications to patients. Maintained related medical records under immediate supervision. Verified identity of patient receiving medication and recorded name of drug, dosage, and time of administration on specified forms and/or records.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), 04/01/10, 02/29/12, Provided great client care. Answered client calls and determined how best to help them. Provided physical support for clients with daily activities and personal hygiene, including bathing, dressing, getting out of bed, using the toilet, walking, standing, or exercising.
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Dorothy I. Height Elementary
08.2024 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Point Pleasant Elementary
02.2024 - 08.2024
House Manager/Certified Medication Technician
The Arc CCR
04.2023 - 02.2024
Office Manager
R&K family Trucking LLC
07.2017 - 04.2023
Service Coordinator/Case Manager
Resource Connections Inc.
07.2012 - 06.2017
DSP/CNA/CMT
Affiliated Santé Group
04.2010 - 06.2012
- MSDE-Maryland Educator License, Conditional Certificate, 01/01/24, 12/31/27
- Certified Medication Technician, 08/01/10, 09/30/23, Administered prescribed medications to patients. Maintained related medical records under immediate supervision. Verified identity of patient receiving medication and recorded name of drug, dosage, and time of administration on specified forms and/or records.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), 04/01/10, 02/29/12, Provided great client care. Answered client calls and determined how best to help them. Provided physical support for clients with daily activities and personal hygiene, including bathing, dressing, getting out of bed, using the toilet, walking, standing, or exercising.
Bachelors of Science - Biology
Howard University
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