DeLana R.

About DeLana

Hello, I’m De’Lana! I am 20 years old and located in the 67216 area. I come from a big family and have 21 nieces and nephews, along with two younger siblings whom I have been caring for and babysitting since I was a preteen. I also have hands-on childcare experience through volunteering at two daycare facilities. One was Miracles Daycare for Infants in Joplin, MO, where I volunteered for two summers. The other was the East High Childcare Development Center in Wichita, KS, where I volunteered from August 2023 to May 2024. In these roles, I supervised and monitored children’s safety; prepared and served meals and snacks for infants and young children while supporting healthy feeding and classroom routines; and ensured a clean and organized mealtime environment. I also organized activities and implemented curriculum through constructed lesson plans, prepared relevant learning materials, and assisted children in meeting their social, intellectual, emotional, and physical needs based on their development. Additionally, I volunteered at Cloud Elementary School, where I assisted in serving meals to students, promoted safe and respectful behavior during lunch, and maintained a clean and organized cafeteria environment. I helped keep structure during activity time, supervised exploratory play, and monitored and awarded exceptional behavior displayed throughout the day. I was a Literacy Champion through Storytime Village, a program that pairs high school students with elementary students to help improve reading skills, provides leadership training, and allows Champions to advocate for children’s literacy, including at the Capitol. I also served as a Student Ambassador for Rise Up for Youth, a nonprofit organization that mentors teens and recognizes students with strong leadership skills to represent the organization. In addition, I volunteered frequently with Youth Volunteer Corps, participating in over nine projects (60+ hours), including community events and service opportunities. I am currently in my second year at Harris-Stowe State University in Saint Louis, MO, pursuing a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. Academically, I maintain a 3.87 GPA and have been recognized as a Board of Regents Scholar, Provost Award recipient, and member of the National Society of High School Scholars, National Honor Society, National Society of Leadership and Success, and have served as Treasurer for BWI for two consecutive years. As a caregiver, I am dependable, organized, efficient, resourceful, attentive, adaptable, optimistic, and reliable. I pride myself on being engaging, communicative, open-minded, motivated, encouraging, creative, and having strong interpersonal skills. As I am enrolled in college, I am available during academic breaks (Thanksgiving Break: Nov 21–29, Winter Break: Dec 12–Jan 9, and Summer Break: May 10–Aug 20). I currently hold a job position, but my schedule is flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate childcare needs.