Program Management Leader-Early Childhood Education

Cara Lynch

Hagerstown, MD ***** **********@*****.*** 240-***-****

Program Management Early Childhood Education Case Management

Professional Summary

Strategic and results-driven education leader with over a decade of experience in early childhood education, behavioral health, service coordination, and program operations. Skilled in program management, case management, curriculum development, regulatory compliance, family engagement, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Proven ability to lead teams, coordinate services, and build strong community partnerships to support children, families, and organizational success.

Professional Experience

Program Director – Children’s World Early Learning Center – Frederick, MD (July 2024 – Present)

Oversee comprehensive program operations for a licensed child care center. Manage cross-functional teams, ensure compliance with MSDE regulations, and lead initiatives to improve curriculum quality, staff development, and family engagement. Direct budgeting, resource allocation, and professional training programs to enhance organizational performance.

Adult and Adolescent Mental Health Case Manager – QCI Behavioral Health – Hagerstown, MD (Feb 2023 – Mar 2024)

Coordinated behavioral health care plans for diverse populations. Facilitated multidisciplinary collaboration and ensured alignment with individual treatment goals through community partnerships.

Early Intervention Service Coordinator – Service Access & Management, Inc. – Chambersburg, PA (May 2022 – Feb 2023)

Coordinated early intervention services for children ages 0–3 under IFSP guidelines. Managed service access, provider coordination, case management, family support, referrals, and compliance documentation to ensure timely developmental services and continuity of care. Facilitated family meetings, collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, and connected families with community resources to support developmental outcomes.

Lead Preschool Teacher – Valley School – Middletown, MD (Aug 2021 – May 2022)

Designed and implemented MSDE-aligned curriculum for preschool readiness. Mentored teaching assistants, evaluated learning outcomes, and created a collaborative classroom environment.

Distance Learning Teacher – Ritchey’s Totlot Childcare Center – Hagerstown, MD (Aug 2020 – May 2021)

Delivered structured academic and emotional support for students participating in distance learning during COVID-19 closures. Streamlined schedules and integrated virtual learning tools.

Lead Pre-K 2 Teacher – St. Joseph’s Catholic School – Martinsburg, WV (Aug 2016 – Aug 2020)

Led a developmentally appropriate program for children ages 2–3. Planned and executed literacy-rich, play-based curriculum while fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – Frederick Memorial Hospital – Frederick, MD (2013 – 2016)

Delivered patient care and collaborated with healthcare teams to maintain quality and efficiency in a fast-paced medical setting.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education – Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA (Aug 2016 – Mar 2020)

Williamsport High School – Williamsport, MD (Graduated 2006)

Certifications & Training

Care Course Director Administration Training – 45-Hour Director Administration Training

MSDE Director Education Course – Child Care Directors: Understanding Your Role and Responsibilities

The Child Care Company – Infant and Toddler Methods and Materials (45 Hours)

Abuse Prevention Systems – Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Training

Basic Health and Safety Training & Annual Updates

Allegany College of Maryland – Teamwork: Building Team Synergy

Allegany College of Maryland – Keeping Kids Moving: Structured Physical Activities for Your Program

Contact this candidate