kristen darling

Coordinated, designed and delivered initial and on-going Department of Defense staff training on early childhood development, special needs evaluation & referral, professionalism and family support for two child-care centers with a combined staff of 65 (17 classrooms), serving 500+ children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old, and 30-40 Family Child Care homes.

Assisted in developing model for pediatric consultation services in early childhood programs. Researched cultural competence, coordinated physician focus groups on cultural competence and the influence of cultural norms on service delivery and receipt; and assisted in the coordination of national level conference on “Culturally Effective Practices in the Medical Home.” Coordinated training and inter-professional collaboration for pediatric residents & social work students in an Early Head Start classroom practicum rotation.

* As teacher, tri-lead classroom of 24 children ages 3-5. Responsible for design and delivery of developmentally appropriate, child-centered curriculum * provided individualized daily communications for families and prepared portfolio child assessments * participated in collaborative school management environment. As program coordinator, supervised staff of 14, hired and trained substitutes, coordinated parent education and staff development * worked with Board of Directors, various parent-led school committees and Director to monitor fiscal concerns and general school operations * chaired annual silent-auction fundraiser * and managed interim co-op vacation care program.