Danielle Smith
Midlothian
Summary
Dynamic Early Childhood Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at Chesterfield County Public Schools, adept at creating individualized education plans and fostering inclusive learning environments. Skilled in sensory integration techniques and parent-teacher collaboration, I enhance student engagement and promote academic success through tailored instructional strategies.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Chesterfield County Public Schools
08.2021 - Current
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to design individualized education plans for children with special needs.
- Supported classroom activities by implementing developmentally appropriate teaching strategies and materials.
- Assisted in assessing children's developmental milestones and identifying areas for growth.
- Fostered a nurturing environment to promote social, emotional, and academic skills among students.
- Administered, interpreted and reported student evaluations to parents and guardians.
- Developed individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to diverse learning needs of students.
- Implemented evidence-based teaching strategies to enhance student engagement and participation.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Chesterfield County Public Schools
08.2019 - 08.2021
- Assessed student progress regularly through formative and summative assessments, adapting instruction accordingly to meet individual needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance, using data analysis tools to inform ongoing instructional planning and decision making.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Coordinated with related service providers to ensure seamless delivery of supports for students requiring additional interventions or therapies.
Special Education Teacher
Chesterfield County Public Schools
08.2011 - 08.2019
- Teacher and case manager for students with intellectual disabilities, emotional disabilities, Autism, and Specific Learning Disabilities.
- Designed and implemented individualized education plans to support diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance student engagement and educational outcomes.
- Developed and adapted instructional materials using assistive technology for varied learning styles.
- Conducted assessments to monitor student progress and adjust teaching strategies accordingly.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Administered assessments to evaluate student eligibility for support
Autism Teacher
Henrico County Public Schools
08.2010 - 08.2011
- Developed individualized education plans to enhance learning for students with autism.
- Implemented evidence-based teaching strategies to improve student engagement and communication skills.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess student progress and adapt instructional methods.
- Trained and mentored new staff on autism-specific classroom techniques and behavior management strategies.
Autism Teacher
Henrico County Public Schools
08.2006 - 08.2009
- Coordinated efforts with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists in order to provide comprehensive support for each student's needs inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Implemented behavior management techniques to maintain a structured and calm classroom atmosphere conducive to learning for students with autism spectrum disorders.
- Aligned curriculum goals with state standards while adapting materials specifically for an autism-focused classroom setting that emphasized social-emotional growth alongside academic achievement.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Utilized Community Based Instruction to incorporate functional life skills, social skills and academic skills in the community.
Education
Master of Science - Early Childhood Special Education
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA05-2021
Bachelor of Science - Human Services Counseling
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA08-2004
Skills
- Individualized education plans
- Sensory integration techniques
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Inclusive teaching practices
- Parent-teacher collaboration
Certification
- Licensed Early Childhood Special Education
- Licensed Special Education, Adapted Curriculum
- Licensed Special Education, General Curriculum
Timeline
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Chesterfield County Public Schools
08.2021 - Current
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Chesterfield County Public Schools
08.2019 - 08.2021
Special Education Teacher
Chesterfield County Public Schools
08.2011 - 08.2019
Autism Teacher
Henrico County Public Schools
08.2010 - 08.2011
Autism Teacher
Henrico County Public Schools
08.2006 - 08.2009
Master of Science - Early Childhood Special Education
Virginia Commonwealth University
Bachelor of Science - Human Services Counseling
Old Dominion University
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