Darneka Coats
Hammond
Summary
Seasoned educator with 5+ years of experience in early childhood education, adept at fostering learning through play-based strategies and individualized support. Proven ability in maintaining well-controlled classrooms, nurturing environments, and engaging educational activities. Seeking a Teacher role to leverage extensive background in child development, classroom management, and parent collaboration.
Experienced Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher with a strong background in implementing lesson plans and conducting assessments to monitor child development. Demonstrated ability to create a positive learning environment through effective classroom management techniques, fostering child-led learning. Collaborated with parents and staff to address behavioral and educational challenges, ensuring a supportive atmosphere for all students. Committed to maintaining classroom cleanliness and participating in ongoing professional development through mandatory training sessions.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
A Brighter Day Early Leaning Academy Inc
Stone Mountain
07.2024 - Current
- Duties Include but are not limited to following and implementing lesson plans, doing assessments on the children, WSO, attend mandatory training (in person & online), communicating with parents, classroom cleanliness and maintenance.
Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Bright Start Childcare & Preschool
Homewood
06.2022 - 02.2024
- Implemented effective classroom management techniques, reinforcing positive behaviors and fostering an environment conducive to child-led learning.
- Delivered foundational education in early childhood concepts, utilizing play-based learning methods to accommodate diverse educational needs.
- Conducted regular assessments of student progress across academic, social, and emotional domains, tailoring strategies to support individual development.
- Collaborated with staff and parents to address and resolve behavioral and learning challenges, ensuring a safe and nurturing educational setting.
Curriculum Developer
Illinois Action for Children
Flossmoor
05.2021 - 02.2024
- As a Curriculum Developer at Illinois Action for Children, I was responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive educational programs to support early childhood development.
- I conducted thorough research and collaborated with educational experts to ensure the curriculum aligned with state standards and developmental milestones.
- I spearheaded the creation of engaging, age-appropriate learning materials and activities, and tailored content to meet the diverse needs of learners.
- I facilitated educator training sessions to enhance teaching strategies and ensure effective curriculum delivery.
- Additionally, I monitored and evaluated program effectiveness, incorporating feedback to continuously improve the educational offerings.
- My role required a strong focus on innovation and a commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment that empowered both educators and children to achieve their full potential.
Preschool Teacher
First Years University
Homewood
10.2021 - 01.2022
- Implemented a positive behavior management system to encourage orderly conduct and fostered a nurturing atmosphere that allowed for child-directed learning, ensuring a balance of educational and social development.
- Designed and executed a play-based curriculum that incorporated fundamental concepts, including shapes, numbers, and letters, while tailoring support to individual student needs based on continuous observation and assessment.
- Collaborated with parents and educational staff to address learning and behavioral challenges, maintained meticulous records of student progress, and upheld stringent hygiene standards by sanitizing play equipment daily.
Preschool Teacher
Charleston Community Early Learning Center
Charleston
01.2018 - 03.2020
- As a Preschool Teacher at Charleston Community Early Learning Center, I developed and implemented a child-centered curriculum that fostered cognitive, social, physical, and emotional growth in a safe and nurturing environment.
- I facilitated engaging learning activities tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners and regularly assessed developmental milestones to ensure each child's progress.
- I collaborated with parents and caregivers to establish effective communication channels and support children's learning and development at home.
Child Care Teacher
Stepping Stones Early Learning Center
Charleston
09.2017 - 03.2018
- As a dedicated Child Care Teacher at Stepping Stones, I effectively fostered a nurturing and educational environment for early childhood development.
- I meticulously planned and implemented age-appropriate educational programs that stimulated intellectual growth and curiosity.
- My role involved conducting daily activities that supported the emotional, social, and academic advancement of each child, while also ensuring their safety and well-being.
- I actively engaged with children through interactive storytelling, creative arts, and play, adapting teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of individual students.
- I maintained open and collaborative communication with parents and guardians, providing regular updates on their child's progress and addressing any concerns with empathy and professionalism.
- Additionally, I contributed to the maintenance of a clean and organized classroom setting that upheld the highest standards of health and safety regulations.
- My commitment to professional development was reflected in my participation in ongoing educational workshops, which equipped me with the latest pedagogical techniques and child care practices.
Education
MBA - Business Adminstration
Strayer University
Washington, DC 07.2025 - 03.2026
Master of Education - Education Administration (K-12)
Strayer University
Washington, DC 06.2023 - 05/2025
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Administration And Management
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL 08.2017 - 05/2020
Associate of Applied Arts - Culinary Arts
The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago
Chicago, IL 04.2015 - 06/2017
Skills
- Customer service
- Time management
- Leadership
- Microsoft excel
- Communication skills
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Child assessments
- Parent communication
Timeline
MBA - Business Adminstration
Strayer University
07.2025 - 03.2026
Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
A Brighter Day Early Leaning Academy Inc
07.2024 - Current
Master of Education - Education Administration (K-12)
Strayer University
06.2023 - 05/2025
Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Bright Start Childcare & Preschool
06.2022 - 02.2024
Preschool Teacher
First Years University
10.2021 - 01.2022
Curriculum Developer
Illinois Action for Children
05.2021 - 02.2024
Preschool Teacher
Charleston Community Early Learning Center
01.2018 - 03.2020
Child Care Teacher
Stepping Stones Early Learning Center
09.2017 - 03.2018
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Administration And Management
Eastern Illinois University
08.2017 - 05/2020
Associate of Applied Arts - Culinary Arts
The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago
04.2015 - 06/2017