Paula Smith
Coomera,QLD
Summary
Kind-hearted Early Childhood Teacher with 14 years of experience fostering children's learning, well-being, and development. Skilled in curriculum development, team leadership, facilitating professional development and building collaborative relationships to create dynamic learning environments and improve educator effectiveness. Led high-quality educational programs and built strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues. Committed to creating inclusive environments where every child feels safe, valued, and supported to reach their full potential.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher/Head Teacher- Lindisfarne Kindergarten
Kindergarten South Association
Invercargill, New Zealand
07.2011 - 07.2026
- Created a positive learning environment by building relationships with students, their families and the wider community.
- Led curriculum review committees, aligning practices with educational standards.
- Planned and evaluated activities to promote holistic growth in children, addressing physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development.
- Led a Bush nature Kindergarten Program, facilitating child-led outdoor learning.
- Facilitated professional development workshops, improving educator teaching effectiveness and student engagement.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create curriculum plans in compliance with state standards.
- Implemented policies and procedures by coordinating with leaders, coaching employees, and overseeing staff activities.
- Conducted performance evaluations and recommended training programs for staff development.
- Partnered with professionals and external agencies to achieve collaborative goals.
- Cultivated positive workplace culture through relationship building, fostering diversity, and aligning team goals.
- Monitored and enforced compliance with safety regulations in the workplace. with safety regulations and timelines.
- Analyzed operational processes, recommending improvements to enhance efficiency.
- Utilized software tools for efficient data entry and document management.
- Assisted in recruitment processes by screening candidates and coordinating interviews, orientation, and training processes for new employees.
Education
Bachelor of Teaching - Early Childhood Teaching
Otago University
New Zealand12-2011
Skills
- Child development knowledge
- Curriculum development
- Child assessment
- Behaviour management
- Safety compliance
- Policy implementation
- Performance evaluation
- Strategic planning
- Resource management
- Team leadership
- Staff management
- Coaching
- Team collaboration and building
- Diversity awareness
- Relationship building
- Conflict resolution
- Active listener and communicator
- Knowledge in Te reo Maaori
Timeline
Teacher/Head Teacher- Lindisfarne Kindergarten
Kindergarten South Association
07.2011 - 07.2026
Bachelor of Teaching - Early Childhood Teaching
Otago University