JENNIFER SQUIRES
Summary
Experienced leader skilled in managing complex projects and achieving strategic objectives. Demonstrated expertise in developing efficient processes, maintaining high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for a collaborative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Early Childhood and Family Life Consultant
Independent contractor
01.2021 - Current
- Evaluated client needs and expectations, establishing clear goals for each consulting engagement.
- Liaised with clients to better understand needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Developed and maintained strong client relationships, ensuring high levels of satisfaction.
- Optimized client experience by delivering superior services and effectively troubleshooting issues.
- Conducted regular reviews to evaluate progress, identify changing needs, and fine-tune strategies.
- Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications.
Quality Recognition Specialist
University Of Washington, Seattle
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Conducted formal unannounced observations, assessments, and interviews using multiple standardized, valid and reliable measurement tools.
- Engaged in ethical objective methods of quantitative and qualitative data collection and reporting.
- Collaborated on teams to produce training and professional development content for caregivers and teachers.
- Participated and presented in diversity committee meetings
- Managed a virtual media project that produced short films and aligned training and educational resources.
- Balanced hybrid work schedule that included regular overnight travel.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals on time and within budget.
- Championed the adoption of new software tools that streamlined workflows across multiple departments.
- Gathered, organized and input information into digital database.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
Director of Whittier Kids Program
Phinney Neighborhood Association
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Strengthened internal controls by revising policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.
- Optimized staff performance by implementing training programs tailored to individual needs.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with partners and stakeholders for reduced costs and improved service quality.
- Secured key partnerships that maximized program resources and reach.
- Pioneered adoption of Quality Rating and Improvement System, leading to industry recognition and increased funding streams.
- Transformed organizational culture to embrace continuous improvement, leading by example and mentoring teams.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
Social Worker 3/Compliance Officer
State of Washington Department of Early Learning
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Completed field checks to verify licenses and ongoing regulatory compliance.
- Conducted detailed background checks using advanced clearance and strict adherence to confidentiality.
- Confirmed data and licensing information through inspections and notified violators of required changes to bring operations into compliance.
- Spearheaded investigations into potential violations, promptly addressing issues to ensure public safety and agency reputation.
- Took notes on specific case details, updated databases and produced reports outlining results of investigations.
- Leveraged technology solutions for efficient tracking and reporting of compliance-related activities and metrics.
- Maintained composure in stressful situations, confrontations, interviews and records searches.
- Guided clients through navigation of regulatory systems, improving their understanding of and adherence to regulations.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of applicable laws and regulations.
- Delivered targeted technical assistance based on individualized needs and characteristics of clients.
- Issued official warnings and civil penalty orders for infractions and violations.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate approaches and streamline efficiency.
- Coordinated with local health, education, and public safety agencies to obtain further support for providers.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with community resources for successful referrals.
- Increased client engagement by building trusting relationships through positive rapport and consistent support.
- Improved client access to community resources with thorough needs assessments and effective referral processes.
Crisis Nursery Manager
Child Abuse Prevention Council
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Managed the daily operations of an emergency shelter for infants through six-year-olds
- Maintained the safety and upkeep of the facility, performed client intake/discharge procedures, kept detailed confidential records, purchased and inventory of supplies, developed plans and procedures, coordinated staff schedules and training, and participated in care routines of children
Preschool Program Developer/Teacher
Seattle Parks Department
01.2008
- Created/implemented community based preschool enrichment program designed to increase local family patronage and access to affordable early childhood education
- This position was highly independent and I was given full responsibility for creating the physical space, obtaining materials, developing curriculum, creating policies, recruiting participants, developing community partnerships, and reporting progress
- Unfortunately, the funding was diverted before the program could develop solvency
Preschool Art Program Developer/Teacher
Sole Proprietor
01.2007
- Created/implemented a summer preschool enrichment program designed to increase community access to the arts and affordable early childhood education
- This program was an original idea which I proposed to the board of a historic cathedral known for its patronage of the arts
- The board unanimously approved the program for use of the premises and its resources
- From inception to completion the project was a six-month commitment
Compliance Specialist
Oregon Department of Ed./ Early Learning Dept.
01.2018
- Conducted unannounced formal regulatory inspections and investigations with professional approachability and neutrality
- Enforced appropriate penalties, including deploying sensitive legal measures
- Provided training and technical assistance to a diverse caseload of 127 childcare providers at all stages and levels of licensure
- Participated with stakeholder groups on policy and enforcement alignment
- Composed reports and legal documents
Toddler Program Developer/Teacher
Capital Hill Co Op Preschool
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Created/implemented the preschool’s first toddler program
- Provided individualized play-based curriculum for young toddlers and their parents
- Partnered with Gottman trained parent educator presenting regular parenting education
- Collaborated to align program curriculum and ease transitions
- Provided detailed individual child development assessments
- Participated with the Parent Board in center management including budget creation, fundraising, contracts, coordinating events, and creating policies
Preschool Teacher/Team Leader
North Idaho College Head Start
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Developed Reggio based curriculum, highly individualized for twenty-three prekindergartners from vulnerable low-income communities
- Integrated federally mandated supplementary curriculum for literacy, social/emotional learning, and health/nutrition
- Conducting multiple time sensitive federally mandated home visits and child assessments quarterly
- Managed classroom team of assistants, social worker, behavioral specialist, and volunteers
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Human Development/Sociology
Washington State University
Post Graduate Certificate - Regulatory Ethics
University of Southern Maine
Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification - undefined
Awareness Training Institute/UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center
01.2022
Small Business Development Certificate - undefined
Small Business Association of Seattle
01.2015
Skills
- Effective multi-channel communication abilities
- Professional databases and software programs
- Technical and professional writing, including grants
- Curriculum and professional training development
- Exceptional creativity in problem solving and concept development
- Compliance and policy management
- Project management and event planning
Timeline
Early Childhood and Family Life Consultant
Independent contractor
01.2021 - Current
Compliance Specialist
Oregon Department of Ed./ Early Learning Dept.
01.2018
Quality Recognition Specialist
University Of Washington, Seattle
01.2015 - 01.2020
Director of Whittier Kids Program
Phinney Neighborhood Association
01.2011 - 01.2015
Social Worker 3/Compliance Officer
State of Washington Department of Early Learning
01.2011 - 01.2012
Preschool Program Developer/Teacher
Seattle Parks Department
01.2008
Toddler Program Developer/Teacher
Capital Hill Co Op Preschool
01.2008 - 01.2011
Preschool Art Program Developer/Teacher
Sole Proprietor
01.2007
Preschool Teacher/Team Leader
North Idaho College Head Start
01.2007 - 01.2008
Crisis Nursery Manager
Child Abuse Prevention Council
01.2002 - 01.2005
Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification - undefined
Awareness Training Institute/UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center
Small Business Development Certificate - undefined
Small Business Association of Seattle
Bachelor of Arts - Human Development/Sociology
Washington State University
Post Graduate Certificate - Regulatory Ethics
University of Southern Maine
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