Raquel C. Kelemen, MAEd
Brawley CA, ***** 760-***-**** **************@*****.*** Raquel's LinkedIn Profile Transformational Early Childhood Education Leader
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
An energetic and innovative Early Education Professional with over two decades of progressive experience in program direction, instructional coaching, curriculum development, and teacher mentorship. Proven track record in leading state-licensed preschool programs, implementing evidence-based curriculum frameworks, and ensuring compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards. Coaches and develops educators to elevate instructional quality, improve classroom management, and build inclusive, child-centered learning environments. Skilled in assessment administration, data-driven decision-making, and resource allocation to optimize program performance. Bilingual in English and Spanish with advanced certifications in early childhood assessment tools, instructional methodologies, and professional development training.
Well-versed in ITERS, ECCERS, FCCERS, CLASS, TPOT, and TPITOS rating/observation scales.
Plan and facilitate professional learning and coaching for early childhood educators.
Strengthen existing community collaborations and foster new partnerships to drive positive program outcomes.
Align educational resources, education teams, and parents to deliver improved student outcomes.
Leverage innovative technology options to address specific learning and performance needs in classroom environments.
Proactively adapt to changing conditions and communicate effectively with diverse workforce populations. SKILLS & KEY COMPETENCIES
Early Childhood Education Curriculum Development Teacher Coaching Staff Training Instructional Leadership Child Development Classroom Management Student Engagement Lesson Planning Behavioral Management Family Engagement Program Evaluation Budget Management Resource Allocation Licensing Compliance Health and Safety Standards Educational Assessment Inclusive Education Bilingual Education Data-Driven Instruction Parent Communication Community Outreach Educational Technology Coaching Plans Observation and Feedback Team Leadership Student Progress Monitoring Staff Mentoring Educational Standards Compliance Child-Centered Learning PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Program Director 05/2024 – 02/2025
First Steps Preschool – El Centro, CA
Directed preschool program operations within compliance for state licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and organizational policies. Developed and implemented age-appropriate curriculum frameworks aligned with early childhood education best practices and developmental milestones.
• Oversaw staff recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
• Supervised and mentored educators and support staff with a focus on child-centered learning.
• Managed program budgets, purchasing, and resource allocation to optimize operations and support instructional goals.
• Implemented assessment tools and evaluation processes to measure child development progress. Educational Coach 06/2023 – 03/2024
Volunteers of America Southwest – El Centro, CA
Facilitated an instructional development program for a state-funded preschool initiative. Coached, guided, and mentored a team of 24 teachers through professional growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement in instructional delivery. Conducted teacher assessments to evaluate instructional effectiveness, classroom management, and adherence to curriculum guidelines.
• Designed and delivered targeted training sessions to enhance educator skill sets in areas such as child development, lesson planning, behavioral management, and family engagement.
• Oversaw the onboarding process for new teaching staff through orientation, procedural guidance, and ongoing support.
• Developed individualized coaching plans and professional development goals for each staff member.
• Monitored classroom environments to ensure they met safety, inclusivity, and educational quality standards.
• Collaborated with administrative leadership to evaluate program performance and recommend improvements in curriculum delivery, teacher training, and student engagement strategies.
• Utilized data from assessments and classroom observations to inform coaching strategies. Early Childhood Specialist 03/2019 – 06/2023
Imperial County Office of Education – El Centro, CA Owned full accountability for developing and executing daily operations and activities of the Early Head Start Program in collaboration with the State of California. Operated as a Subject Matter Expert in curriculum development, staff training, assessment procedures, and community outreach.
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• Developed plans to provide developmentally appropriate services in libraries for children from birth to five years old.
• Worked within the Preschool Development Grant Renewal Program (PDGR) to maximize parent and family knowledge, develop a unified system of professional development, and redesign Early Head Start systems for quality improvement.
• Coordinated, implemented, and monitored program curriculums to provide care, supervision, and learning activities to identify infants and toddlers as the Lead Coach for the PDG Program.
• Assessed Early Head Start sites in ITERS, ECCERS, FCCERS, CLASS, TPOT, and TPITOS rating/observation scales.
• Partnered with the State of California to develop and implement a mentoring and continued professional growth program for Early Head Start staff and Early Head Start family childcare providers. Program Specialist 02/2017 – 03/2019
First 5 Imperial – El Centro, CA
Leveraged the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) to assess and improve the level of quality in early and school- age care and education programs. Developed strategic program plans to support program objectives for children birth to five.
• Mentored and coached 40 Family Child Care Providers and provided insight on state assessments including FCCERS.
• Cultivated partnerships with Family Child Care Providers and educators by promptly addressing areas of concern.
• Compiled and maintained a database for IPINWHEEL reports to disseminate to staff members and the Quality Start Team. Master Lead Teacher 09/2010 – 09/2014
Camelot Kids Preschool – Silverlake, CA
Functioned in a teaching and program management role to maximize the academic, social, and emotional potential of children from two to five years old. Observed play to identify developmental strengths and targeted areas for enrichment activities.
• Owned accountability for the development and implementation of an emergent curriculum.
• Developed and rolled out a recyclable-art enrichment program that fostered creativity and community building.
• Built authentic relationships with students, families and caregivers, teachers, administrators, and other support partners.
• Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development progress. Lead Teacher 09/2007 – 05/2008
CEC Caltech/JPL Communities – La Canada Flintridge, CA Prepared lesson plans and structured the classroom environment to be engaging, educational, and exciting for students.
• Identified and provided resources for students who were struggling with learning and/or emotional problems.
• Taught students fundamental building blocks and advanced concepts that supported Reggio Emilio Theories.
• Introduced a new HighScope technology to the classroom to maximize student programs and learning. Lead Teacher 09/2004 – 05/2007
Christian Childcare Center – El Centro, CA
Managed classroom environments with outlined rules and positive reinforcement techniques. Identified children in need of extra support for emotional, health-related, or developmental concerns.
• Maintained data records for over 10 students which detailed behavioral, emotional, academic, and social growth.
• Assessed and evaluated student growth for 10+ students annually and collaborated closely with education leaders to efficiently plan and coordinate appropriate and engaging lessons.
• Mentored and coached a team of teachers on assessment planning, data analysis, and curriculum implementation. EDUCATION
Master of Arts in Education, Specialization in Trauma Informed Care Pacific Oaks College, 05/2025 Bachelor of Science, Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Pacific Oaks College, 06/2022 CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Desired Results Developmental Profile Certified Trainer State of California Meaningful Observation Trainer State of California CLASS MMCI Trainer State of California
Planning with Data Trainer State of California
CLASS Observer (Infant, Toddler, Preschool) State of California CLASS TTT (Infant, Toddler, Preschool) State of California ASQ-SE/ASQ-3 Certifications State of California
ECERS, ITERS, FCERS Reliable Certifications State of California TPOT/TPITOS Certification State of California