Donna Gargano
Hoppers Crossing,VIC
Summary
Proactive and caring worker with many years of experience combined with communication strengths and good observational skills. Efficiently handles day-to-day activities while looking for opportunities to make a difference. Dedicated to supporting emotional, social and academic development of young children. Trained in developmental stages and knowledgeable about offering safe, nurturing environments to boost learning. Enthusiastic and eager to contribute in helping assist our community through hard work, compassion and understanding of their individual needs. Friendly, supportive and motivated to learn and grow, I am now seeking new challenges given the opportunity.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
2IC Childcare Educator
Child's Play Early Learning Center
Tarneit, VIC
03.2018 - Current
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and continuing education strategies.
- Communicated with parents and staff about children's progress.
- Identified signs of emotional and developmental problems in children and reported to parents.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Enhanced sensory and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition and memory development, by employing both traditional and modern educational strategies and techniques.
- Maintained and fostered positive and constructive interactions with staff, families and children.
- Knowledge of NDIS and court appointed orders.
- Provided individualised instruction and support to meet personal needs of each child.
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Implemented developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum for children, creating positive and safe classroom environments
Childcare Educator
Blue Bird Early Learning Centre
Tarneit, VIC
02.2016 - 03.2018
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and continuing education strategies.
- Liaised with parents and guardians regarding their children's learning outcomes and progression.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Cooperated with colleagues across the centre in order to work sufficiently and effectively as a team.
- Supervised and educated children to understand boundaries, role modeled positive behaviors and social skills.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
Childcare Educator
Early Learning Centre Rose Grange
Tarneit, VIC
12.2014 - 02.2016
- Coordinated daily schedules of activities and routines and assisted with planning events.
- Instructed students on interpersonal skills and basic emotional communication.
- Implemented developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum for children, creating positive and safe classroom environments.
- Communicated with children's guardians about daily activities, behaviors and related issues.
- Maintained a well relaxed classroom environment by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Helped children reach their developmental milestones and prepared them for school enrolment.
- Assisted children in achieving both short term and long term goals in particular, their independent and self help skills.
Housing Officer
Victorian Accommodation Centre
Thomastown, VIC
05.2008 - 08.2014
- Helped disadvantaged people in the community by securing them financial assistance and accommodation, both long term and short term housing.
- Liaised with community support networks.
- Met with tenants and residents alike to answer questions, address concerns, resolve conflicts and clarify policies and procedures.
- Assisted in transitioning to permanent housing.
- Familiar with VCAT hearings and the required documentation.
- Conducted routine inspections to identify safety issues and potential hazards and organized necessary repairs.
- Negotiated with landlords and real estate agents to obtain vacant properties for clients with histories of homelessness, mental illness and substance abuse, occupying over 30 residential properties by providing direct, hands-on support services.
- Coordinated with local agencies to provide housing and prevent homelessness.
- Referred families to shelters, legal resources and educational programs.
- Coordinated individual referrals to obtain community services, advocated for client needs and resolved roadblocks.
Education
First Aid
Results First Aid Training
Melbourne, VIC07.2021
Child Protection
in Safe Hands
Melbourne, VIC03.2021
Working With Children Check
Victorian Government
Melbourne, VIC03.2020
Children's Services
BAWM Group
Melbourne, VIC12.2014
Real Estate
Kangan Institute
Melbourne, VIC05.1998
Skills
- Childcare center operations
- Childcare protocol knowledge
- Special-needs childcare
- Interpersonal Communication
- Organization and Time Management
- Problem-Solving
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Referrals and networking
- Written and verbal communication
- First Aid/CPR
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Dependable and Responsible
References
Renee-Claire Veress
Kindergarten Teacher
Mobile: 0423 099 926
Email: r.veress@gmail.com
Suzann Smith
Kindergarten Teacher
Mobile: 0414 639 090
Email: suzy.smith@live.com.au
Additional Information
Certificates and supporting documentation upon request
Timeline
2IC Childcare Educator
Child's Play Early Learning Center
03.2018 - Current
Childcare Educator
Blue Bird Early Learning Centre
02.2016 - 03.2018
Childcare Educator
Early Learning Centre Rose Grange
12.2014 - 02.2016
Housing Officer
Victorian Accommodation Centre
05.2008 - 08.2014
First Aid
Results First Aid Training
Child Protection
in Safe Hands
Working With Children Check
Victorian Government
Children's Services
BAWM Group
Real Estate
Kangan Institute