Barbara Cleary-Simons

Experience

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  Williamsburg Y Head Start

  Sept 2002 - Aug 2006

  Education Director/Special Needs Coordinator

  • Ensured agency compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and NAEYC standards • Overhauled of the agency’s Disabilities Service Plan.• Managed the developmental screening and assessment of 172 preschool children using both formal and informal methods, ensuring that proper documentation was followed in compliance with Federal, State and City of New York regulations. • Advocated for families with local public school districts regarding appropriate educational placement of students.• Supervised teaching staff, parent volunteers and NYU interns.• Coordinated special education referrals, evaluations and services for students with special needs.• Conducted trainings and workshops for staff and parents.• Acted as a liaison between the Head Start center and various research teams• Managed budget of $100,000+ for furniture, supplies and equipment. Projects included the set up of two additional classrooms and the construction of a new playground.• Coordinated agency wide field trips to Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden and other local attractions. Show less

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  Bowen Cooperative Nursery School

  Aug 2006 - Jan 2009

  Director

  • Managed cooperative school consisting of 40 families and responsible for staff supervision, state licensing, budget, enrollment, fundraising and building maintenance.• Coordinated relationships between the board of directors, staff, parents and the community.• Observed and assessed student progress and initiated special education referrals, evaluations and services.• Supervised the curriculum planning and professional development of the teaching staff.• Conducted training for new board members and provided educational workshops for parents.• Ensured full enrollment.• Lead parent fundraising team. Exceeded 100% of goal for three consecutive school years.• Taught “June Bugs” summer enrichment program and Transitional Kindergarten class Show less

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  Bright Horizons

  Sept 2010 - Sept 2012

  Assistant Director

  • Responsible for staff supervision, compliance with regulations, curriculum implementation, building maintenance, purchasing and payroll for a school community consisting of 100 families.• Acted as a liaison between parents, staff and the corporate management team.• Observed and assessed children’s developmental progress.• Managed the center’s written communications• Expanded responsibilities included business development via recruitment and market research• Assisted in managing special events: Fall Fair, Spring Fling, Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Party, etc. Show less

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  Family ACCESS of Newton

  Sept 2013 - Apr 2016

  Education Director

  • Modeled developmentally appropriate practice for infant, toddler and preschool teachers• Revitalized the school’s professional development plan• Managed Teaching Strategies Gold assessment process; trained teachers to write and share progress reports• Participated in successful 2015 NAEYC reaccredidation process, improved scores in curriculum and assessment• Supervised classrooms• Revised hiring process for teachers and developed interview questions for director search • Active member of school leadership team managing a community of 144 families• Liaison with Early Intervention and Newton Public Schools supporting children’s learning• Touchpoints certified Show less

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  Mass Bay Community College

  Jan 2016 - Jun 2016

  Adjunct Faculty

  Teaching LI-104, Children's Literature for in-service early childhood teachers

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  THE SHARON COOPERATIVE SCHOOL

  Apr 2016 - now

  Lead Preschool Educator, The Cooperative Nature School at Moose Hill Farm