Valerie Marchand-Dougherty
APO
Summary
Experienced and knowledgeable in child development and early childhood. Experienced caregiver and lead teacher for infants to preschool. Background in caring for children of military families and civilians overseas. Fluent in Italian and German languages. Experience in the food and beverage industry from restaurants, fine dining, events and country clubs.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Teacher
The Learning Tree Child Care Center
10.2018 - 05.2019
- Directed operations of toddler classroom in newly established center. Designed classroom setup, including learning areas and storage solutions. Cultivated an engaging and secure environment for children to interact and learn. Established developmentally appropriate curriculum and instructional methods for children aged 12-30 months. Collaborated with other classrooms to provide additional support. Managed teaching assistants, modeling best practices in child engagement and development. Mentored co-lead on facilitating circle time, engaging children, and fostering independence and emotional management skills.
Child and Youth Program Assistant-Annual Level
Landstuhl Child Development Center
01.2014 - 07.2018
- Collaborated with colleagues to create a program environment fostering positive interactions among children, youth, and adults. Assisted in preparing, organizing, and maintaining indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials to support daily schedules. Prepared curriculum and program materials during training sessions and contributed to compiling a list of necessary supplies and equipment. Engaged with children and youth using approved guidance techniques. Supervised participants during scheduled indoor and outdoor activities. Provided care and oversight for program participants in alignment with DoD, Army, and local policies. Trained in implementing the 'Creative Curriculum' for Preschool and Infant/Toddler routines. Demonstrated flexibility by assisting in various rooms as needed. Performed Lead Teacher duties in Infant and Toddler rooms in the absence of a lead. Supported kitchen staff during staffing shortages. Integrated mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises into the Preschool morning routine and introduced pre-nap yoga to enhance relaxation and emotional management. Assisted children with special needs by adapting curriculum to support their growth and independence. Gained experience across all age groups in the center, including one year with toddlers, one year with infants, and two years with preschool. Contributed to organizing events such as Month of the Military Child and Kid's Day.
Waiter
Romano's Macaroni Grill
12.2012 - 04.2016
- Provided exceptional customer service by assisting guests with menu selections and wine pairings, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Maintained accuracy in order delivery and promptly addressed any discrepancies to guarantee guest satisfaction. Collaborated with team members to maintain cleanliness and readiness of dining areas for subsequent shifts.
Child and Youth Program Assistant
Miesau Child Development Center
02.2011 - 02.2012
- Cultivated a program environment that enhanced positive interactions among children, youth, and adults, resulting in improved social skills. Streamlined preparation and organization of activity areas, contributing to a well-structured daily schedule. Enhanced curriculum development by creating program materials and identifying essential supplies and equipment. Promoted effective engagement with children and youth through approved guidance techniques, leading to increased participation. Supervised daily activities, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for all participants. Delivered care and oversight in compliance with DoD, Army, and local policies, fostering a secure atmosphere. Exhibited flexibility in scheduling and workspaces, effectively supporting diverse age groups, including infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Successfully managed center operations, including opening and closing procedures, ensuring smooth transitions.
Gymnastics Instructor
Ramstein Youth Center Instructional Programs
06.2008 - 12.2010
- Instructed children ages 2-11 in basic gymnastics skills while prioritizing safety and proper technique. Organized various activities and obstacle courses to enhance children's physical abilities. Monitored individual progress alongside class development to support each child's growth.
Child and Youth Program Assistant
CYSS Child Development Center
02.2010 - 04.2010
- Facilitated a program environment that enhanced positive interactions among children, youth, and adults, resulting in improved social skills. Organized and maintained activity areas to support a structured daily schedule, contributing to a seamless program flow. Developed comprehensive curriculum materials and identified essential supplies, enhancing program readiness. Promoted effective engagement with children and youth through approved guidance techniques, fostering a supportive atmosphere. Supervised daily activities, ensuring participant safety and engagement, while adhering to DoD, Army, and local compliance standards.
Program Assistant
Ramstein Youth Center -After School Program
04.2008 - 02.2010
- Led initiatives to establish a program environment that encouraged positive interactions among children, youth, and adults. Directed the preparation and maintenance of indoor and outdoor activity areas to align with daily programming needs. Developed curriculum materials and coordinated supply and equipment lists during training sessions. Oversaw interactions with children and youth, applying approved guidance and development techniques. Managed supervision of participants during daily activities, ensuring compliance with DoD, Army, and local standards. Adapted to changing schedules and locations to meet program needs. Provided leadership in the Teen Center during staff shortages and organized team-building camping trips for pre-teens. Executed planning and logistics for summer camps and community events, enhancing engagement and participation.
Education
Associates - Early Childhood Care And Education
Central Texas College Europe
Diploma - General Education in four years of German language
Ramstein American High School
05.2008
Skills
- Fluent in Italian and German Languages
- 10 years CPR
- Teaching
- Training
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Child Care
- Management
- Yoga
- Special Needs
- Dancing
- Event Planning
- DoD Experience
- Sales
- Toddler Care
- Curriculum Development
- Early Childhood Education
- Special Education
- Gymnastics
- Time Management
- Behavior Management
- Mentoring
- Classroom Management
- Autism Experience
- Childcare needs
- Lesson planning
- Activity planning
- Conflict resolution
- Classroom management
- Child development
- Behavior modeling
- Parent-teacher communication
- Safety awareness
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Lesson development
- Staff development
- Training and mentoring
- IEP support
- Curricula development
- Group and individual instruction
- Program development
- Public speaking
- Literacy development
- Cultural sensitivity
- Learning strategies
- Motivating students
- Small group instruction
- Critical thinking
- Curriculum implementation
- Behavior management
- Relationship building
- Safe learning environment
- Age-appropriate discipline
- Cultural history
- Diverse learning styles
- Literacy strategies
- Teacher coaching
- Customer service
- Order taking
- Cleanliness
- Service quality
- Cash handling
- Table setting
- Food safety awareness
- Memory retention
- Upselling techniques
- Food presentation
- Wine pairing
- Banquet coordination
- Guest engagement
- Large party coordination
- Seating management
Certification
- Food handler certificate
- CPR Certification
- First Aid Certification
Additional Information
- COMPUTER SKILLS
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Power Point
- Microsoft Publisher
- Other skills
- Proficient in Italian and German languages
- Skilled in Jazz, Modern and Hip-hop dance
- Skilled in Yoga
- Skilled in Cooking
Timeline
Lead Teacher
The Learning Tree Child Care Center
10.2018 - 05.2019
Child and Youth Program Assistant-Annual Level
Landstuhl Child Development Center
01.2014 - 07.2018
Waiter
Romano's Macaroni Grill
12.2012 - 04.2016
Child and Youth Program Assistant
Miesau Child Development Center
02.2011 - 02.2012
Child and Youth Program Assistant
CYSS Child Development Center
02.2010 - 04.2010
Gymnastics Instructor
Ramstein Youth Center Instructional Programs
06.2008 - 12.2010
Program Assistant
Ramstein Youth Center -After School Program
04.2008 - 02.2010
Diploma - General Education in four years of German language
Ramstein American High School
Associates - Early Childhood Care And Education
Central Texas College Europe