Dana Franklin
Lithonia
Summary
Experienced Early Education professional with over 20 years supporting early childhood and school-age programs. Skilled in program and office management, staff supervision, curriculum support, scheduling, and operational oversight in childcare and educational settings. Proven ability to develop efficient workflows, maintain compliance with licensing and school policies, and serve as a trusted point of contact for families, staff, and school administrators. Committed to fostering safe, nurturing, and well-organized learning environments that promote child development, student success, and program excellence.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Manager
Gwinnett County Schools
08.2023 - Current
- Managed day-to-day administrative operations for a school-based after-school program, overseeing scheduling, documentation, and office workflows to support program effectiveness.
- Supervised and supported program staff by coordinating schedules, providing guidance on procedures, and serving as a point of escalation for administrative and customer service issues.
- Served as a primary point of contact for families, students, staff, and visitors, delivering professional, responsive customer service and resolving inquiries independently.
- Created and maintained program calendars, records, and communication systems to improve organization, consistency, and information flow.
- Prepared, processed, and monitored purchase orders for program supplies and materials, ensuring accuracy and adherence to school and district procedures.
- Developed and distributed parent communications, notices, and updates, ensuring clarity, consistency, and timely delivery of information.
- Maintained accurate, organized, and confidential student, staff, and program records, exercising discretion and professionalism at all times.
- Collaborated with administrators, teachers, and support staff to support program goals, front-office coverage, and school-wide initiatives.
Director of Residential Services
The Arbor Company
11.2021 - 07.2023
- Assisted callers with navigating corporate website and self options
- Coordinated leadership and development opportunities for staff members.
- Completed quality reviews to check facilities and team performance.
- Enhanced resident satisfaction by developing and implementing engaging community programs and events.
- Assist with payroll
- I responded quickly to customer queries through email, phone, and corporate website
- Conducted regular safety inspections, ensuring compliance with university policies and maintaining a secure living environment.
- Handled customer payments and service request
- I resolved all customer service issues, concerns and complaints
- Managed customer calls efficiently a fast paced call center environment
- Monitor and order office supplies.
- Facilitated conflict resolution among residents, promoting open communication and mutual understanding between parties involved.
Curriculum Development Specialist
Westminster Schools
08.2019 - 05.2021
- Developed curriculum materials that aligned with state standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage of required content.
- I managed administrative requirements of educational programs with well-coordinated registration process and updated databases of participant and course information
- I oversee staff serving 1800+ students, personally handling hiring decisions and sourcing well qualified candidates
- Collaborated with other teachers to share best practices and implement effective teaching strategies.
- Improved student engagement by incorporating interactive activities and group projects into lesson plans.
- Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, staff training, and student achievement initiatives.
- Evaluated student work using formative assessments and provided constructive feedback, promoting continuous improvement in academic performance.
Office Manager
Bright Horizons
01.2009 - 06.2019
- I supported company operations and enhanced productivity by maintaining seamless and well organized office systems
- I reconciled accounts and managed documents to facilitate office operations
- Received and directed incoming and outbound calls to personnel and facilitating office communications
- I supervised business office inventory use, placed new orders and tracked overall expenses
- Prepared monthly financial statements for review as well as reconciled bank statements
- I gathered and analyze accounts receivable data and prepared timely reports on financial status of practice to present to executives
- I obtained past-due payments by proactively following up with accounts
- I communicated with clients daily and responded to administrative request
Private Pre-K Teacher
Atlanta First Day School
10.2004 - 01.2009
- I monitored and implemented student development and learning experience through instruction
- I created age appropriate activities that focus on the students social, emotional and cognitive developments
- I encouraged students to learn through play and exploration
- Responsible for professional development, communication with parents, and assist with assessments of students
- Assist the design curriculum and lesson plans
- Responsible for filing all 22 students' portfolios
- 2 years of excellent PQA Scores for all lesson plans and daily activities
Education
Bachelor's - Information technology
American InterContinental University
Atlanta, GAAssociate - Business Administration
American Intercontinental University
Associate of Arts - Business Administration - Remote
Associate Applied Science - Applied Science
Atlanta Metropolitan College
Atlanta, GASkills
- Curriculum Development
- Microsoft Office
- Google Workspace
- Database Management
- Human Resources
- Microsoft Excel
- Office Administration
- Staff Development
- Conflict Resolution
- Creativity and Innovation
- Excellent Verbal and Communication skills
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
Certification
Child Development Associate Certification
First Aid Certification
Timeline
Program Manager
Gwinnett County Schools
08.2023 - Current
Director of Residential Services
The Arbor Company
11.2021 - 07.2023
Curriculum Development Specialist
Westminster Schools
08.2019 - 05.2021
Office Manager
Bright Horizons
01.2009 - 06.2019
Private Pre-K Teacher
Atlanta First Day School
10.2004 - 01.2009
Associate - Business Administration
American Intercontinental University
Associate of Arts - Business Administration - Remote
Associate Applied Science - Applied Science
Atlanta Metropolitan College
Bachelor's - Information technology
American InterContinental University
Awards
Family Partnership Award – Recognized for fostering strong relationships and collaboration between families, students, and program staff to support student success and create a positive, engaging learning environment.