Star Rivera
Chicago
Summary
Dedicated Early Childhood Educator experienced in fostering confidence and developmental milestones in young children. Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with educational standards and strengthened partnerships with families to enhance children's growth through play-based learning. Committed to ongoing professional development and creating supportive learning environments that prioritize child safety and growth.
Overview
1
1
Certification
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Teacher
Willow Tree ChildCare
1800 N Western
08.2025 - Current
- Lead daily classroom operations for a Two's & Three's classroom while maintaining a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
- Develop and implement weekly lesson plans aligned with the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards.
- Create weekly classroom newsletters that keep families informed about classroom learning, upcoming activities, special events, and ways to support learning at home.
- Plan and facilitate engaging activities that promote literacy, STEM, sensory exploration, art, music, dramatic play, fine motor, gross motor, and social-emotional development.
- Observe, assess, and document children's developmental progress while communicating milestones and goals with families through daily communication and conferences.
- Build positive relationships with children and families through open, consistent, and professional communication.
- Utilize positive behavior guidance strategies that promote emotional regulation, independence, problem-solving, and positive peer relationships.
- Maintain classroom documentation, attendance, developmental observations, incident reports, and health and safety records while ensuring compliance with licensing standards.
- Collaborate with fellow educators and administration to coordinate classroom routines, transitions, schedules, and daily operations.
- Create a welcoming environment that supports successful transitions for new children and their families.
Babysitter
Babysitting Service
01.2020 - Current
- Provided loving, dependable care for children while creating a safe, nurturing, and welcoming environment.
- Planned engaging, age-appropriate activities to foster creativity, curiosity, and learning.
- Supported children's daily routines by promoting independence, healthy habits, and emotional well-being.
- Established trusting relationships with children and families through open communication and compassionate care.
- Tailored care to each child's unique personality and developmental needs, promoting confidence and positive growth.
Assistant Teacher
The Goddard School
1141 W Armitage
05.2022 - 08.2025
- Provided high-quality care and education for infants and toddlers in a play-based learning environment.
- Supported children's cognitive, language, physical, social-emotional, and adaptive development through engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences.
- Implemented curriculum and maintained classroom routines to create positive daily learning experiences.
- Developed trusting relationships with children and families through daily communication and collaboration.
- Maintained classroom organization while following health, safety, and licensing requirements.
- Collaborated with teaching teams to establish an inclusive, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment.
Education
GED -
My Dreams Academy
Texas City, TX2022
Skills
- CORE COMPETENCIES
- Curriculum Development
- Lesson Planning
- Classroom Management
- Child Development
- Toddler Development
- Early Childhood Development
- Developmental documentation
- Social-Emotional Learning
- Creative Activity Planning
- Health & Safety & Licensing Compliance
- Family Communication
- Parent Partnerships
- Classroom Leadership
- Team Collaboration
- Health and safety compliance
- Microsoft Office
- Google Workspace
Accomplishments
Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential (Near Completion)
- Completed all required coursework
- Completed professional portfolio
- Preparing for final assessment and verification visit
- Level 1 Professional Development (In Progress)
- CPR & First Aid Certification
- Mandated Reporter Training
- Food Handler Certification
Certification
Currently up to date on all my Gateways Training!
Timeline
Lead Teacher
Willow Tree ChildCare
08.2025 - Current
Assistant Teacher
The Goddard School
05.2022 - 08.2025
Babysitter
Babysitting Service
01.2020 - Current
GED -
My Dreams Academy
Portfolios
Created and maintained individualized developmental portfolios that celebrated each child's learning journey through observations, photographs, artwork, work samples, and developmental milestones while fostering meaningful communication with families.