RACHEL E. OLDS
Florence
Summary
Experienced Early Childhood Education professional specializing in curriculum development and classroom leadership for various age groups, including infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Focused on fostering inclusive learning environments that enhance children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Counselor, Camp Koala
Hampshire Regional YMCA
Northampton, MA
06.2022 - 02.2024
- Supervised and mentored six counselors responsible for children ages 3–5.
- Assisted with daily camp operations and served as acting camp director when needed.
- Communicated with families regarding participant progress and concerns.
- Planned and coordinated weekly camp themes, activities, and classroom decorations.
- Ensured child safety and adherence to camp policies.
Group Leader, After-School Program
Hampshire Regional YMCA
Northampton, MA
03.2023 - 02.2024
- Led activities for groups of approximately thirteen children ranging from Kindergarten through Fifth Grade at both Jackson Street and Ryan Road Elementary schools.
- Organized outdoor recreation, creative projects, and educational activities.
- Collaborated with staff to coordinate programming and behavior management.
- Assisted with homework help when needed.
Childcare Watch Instructor
Hampshire Regional YMCA
Northampton, MA
06.2022 - 02.2024
- Supervised up to twelve children ranging from 3 months to 10 years old.
- Lead different projects that aimed to hit different developmental domains, such as building forts with giant blocks, art projects, reading stories and having corresponding process-focused art or activities.
Preschool Program Coordinator
Hampshire Regional YMCA
Northampton, MA
01.2023 - 02.2024
- Collaborated with the Preschool Program Director to develop and implement new early childhood programs.
- Designed curriculum and educational activities for preschool-aged participants.
- Assisted with program administration, scheduling, and operational support.
- Facilitated program activities and ensured positive participant experiences.
- Developed promotional materials to enhance visibility and engagement of youth programs.
- Led Tumble and Play classes focused on physical activity and developmental growth for children ages 3 months to 4 years.
Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher
Wild Garden of Childhood
02.2024 - Current
- Lead a mixed-age classroom serving children from 3 months to 2.9 years old.
- Provide nurturing care including feeding, diapering, potty-training support, play based learning, and daily supervision.
- Design and implement age-appropriate curriculum and activities promoting language, social, emotional, and physical development.
- Facilitate story time, music activities, sensory exploration, and play-based learning experiences.
- Maintain a safe, organized, and engaging classroom environment.
- Build positive relationships with families and communicate regularly regarding children's development and needs.
- Supervise outdoor activities and neighborhood walks while ensuring child safety.
Education
Associate of Science - Early Education & Care (Birth–Age 8)
Holyoke Community College
Holyoke, MA05-2026
Associate of Arts - Visual Fine Arts
Berkshire Community College
Pittsfield, MA06-2022
Skills
- CPR Certified
- First Aid Certified
- AED Certified
- Early education certification
- Curriculum Development
- Classroom Management
- Trauma-informed care
- Parent and Family Communication
- Formerly First Responder Certified
- Former first responder
- Studio Arts Certificate
- Valid Driver's License and Reliable Transportation
Timeline
Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher
Wild Garden of Childhood
02.2024 - Current
Group Leader, After-School Program
Hampshire Regional YMCA
03.2023 - 02.2024
Preschool Program Coordinator
Hampshire Regional YMCA
01.2023 - 02.2024
Lead Counselor, Camp Koala
Hampshire Regional YMCA
06.2022 - 02.2024
Childcare Watch Instructor
Hampshire Regional YMCA
06.2022 - 02.2024
Associate of Science - Early Education & Care (Birth–Age 8)
Holyoke Community College
Associate of Arts - Visual Fine Arts
Berkshire Community College
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Babysitter/ Nanny with more than ten years of experience caring for children from infancy through age twelve.
- Provided dependable supervision, transportation, educational activities, meal preparation, and developmental support.