Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Qualifications Summary
Timeline
Generic

Sue Forster

Saint Bonifacius,MN

Summary

Dedicated, experienced, and results-driven Community Education/Early Learning Services Administrator with a proven track record in fiscal management, staff development, and community engagement. Demonstrates expertise in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and professional development. Committed to continuous growth and innovation in community education. Excels at fostering collaboration, driving impactful initiatives, and adapting to evolving needs. Known for reliability, a results-focused approach, and effective team leadership.

Overview

34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Community Education Director

Central Public School
07.2023 - Current
  • Responsible for the strategic leadership, development, and administration of community education programs.
  • I oversee early childhood education, youth and adult enrichment, and facility use, ensuring accessible, high-quality learning opportunities for all community members.
  • Increased social media presence and marketing plans
  • Opened and managed the Raider Field House
  • Established partnerships with local organizations to promote community education initiatives.
  • VPK application and compliance assurances
  • Managed budgets and resources effectively, ensuring cost-effective program delivery.

Early Learning Services Specialist

Eastern Carver County Schools
08.2022 - 06.2023
  • Managed and led ECFE, Screening, and Preschool staff, overseeing parent communication, class lists, schedules, scholarship allocation, and online registration.
  • Promoted equity by guiding the ELS team in creating inclusive classrooms that meet children where they are.
  • Led Family Literacy initiatives in collaboration with SW Metro Intermediate District.
  • Advised and supported the parent advisory group in obtaining 501(c)(3) status.

Early Learning Services Manager

Bloomington Public Schools
02.2020 - 07.2022
  • I provided leadership and oversight for early childhood education programs, ensuring high-quality learning experiences for young children and strong engagement with families.
  • Collaborated with district leadership, educators, and community partners to support equitable and inclusive early learning opportunities.
  • Managing 28 employees.
  • Managed the recruitment and hiring of staff
  • Oversaw a 1.3 million dollar budget.
  • 800 student registrations across 9 locations city-wide
  • Pond Family Learning Center Building Lead
  • Assisted in the development of strategic plans to align Learning Services goals with Bloomington Public Schools.

Early Childhood Program Supervisor

Waconia Public Schools
01.2016 - 01.2021
  • I oversaw the development, implementation, and administration of early learning programs within Waconia Schools.
  • Ensuring high-quality educational experiences for young children, fostering family engagement, and promoting equitable access to early childhood education including preschool, ECFE, and Screening.
  • Rebranded the preschool to align with ISD110, increasing enrollments.
  • Conducted regular staff meetings promoting transparency fostering open exchange discussing ongoing feedback/suggestions for improvements.
  • Enhanced program quality by implementing research-based early childhood education practices and curriculum.

Parent Educator / Screening Coordinator

Westonka Public Schools
01.2007 - 01.2016
  • As a Parent Educator for Westonka Schools' ECFE program, I provided support, education, and resources to families with young children.
  • Facilitated parenting classes, guided discussions on child development and family dynamics, and fostered strong partnerships between families and the school community.
  • Developed research-based practices, the role focused on strengthening parent-child relationships and promoting early learning success as well as outreach.
  • Executed and streamlined early childhood screening, ensuring compliance with state reporting requirements.

Community Education/Early Childhood Coordinator

Sleepy Eye Public Schools
01.1991 - 01.2007
  • I provided leadership in the development and management of early learning and community education programs. T
  • I established a thriving preschool and ECFE program from the ground up, securing funding through grant writing, and ensuring smooth program operations.
  • I managed office functions, including financial deposits, daily communication, and registration processes, while fostering strong partnerships within the community

Education

Community Education Administrative License - Office of Leadership And Professional Development

University of Minnesota
Twin Cites, MN
05.2023

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, emphasis in Development; Minor in Child and Family Education

St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN
12.1990

Skills

  • Program management
  • Partnership building
  • Activity planning
  • Educational leadership
  • Strong work ethic
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Multitasking
  • Reliability
  • Organizational skills
  • Relationship building

Accomplishments

Managed 500K to 1.3m budgets


Grant Writing Experience


Managed through building/renovation projects


Established an inclusive preschool program


Developed affinity groups to reach underserved populations


Expanded youth/adult enrichment courses for a robust continuum of offerings


Drove the development of evidence based processes in Early Learning Services


Developed a facility use policy and managed the opening of a field house


Lead through COVID, establishing parent, staff and community trust while developing learning plans


MNCOE trained internal coach for PBIS in Early Learning Services


Executed large scale events: Nickle Dickle Day 5K, Kids Stuff Sale, 200 vendor Craft Fair



Certification

Pre-Kindergarten License

Parent and Family Education License

Community Education Director License

Qualifications Summary

Dedicated and results-driven Community Education/Early Learning Administrator with 34 years of leadership in Community Education. Expertise in fiscal management, staff development, and community engagement. Skilled in curriculum alignment, student assessment, and program evaluation. Adept at stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and professional development. Committed to continuous growth and innovation in Community Education.

Timeline

Community Education Director

Central Public School
07.2023 - Current

Early Learning Services Specialist

Eastern Carver County Schools
08.2022 - 06.2023

Early Learning Services Manager

Bloomington Public Schools
02.2020 - 07.2022

Early Childhood Program Supervisor

Waconia Public Schools
01.2016 - 01.2021

Parent Educator / Screening Coordinator

Westonka Public Schools
01.2007 - 01.2016

Community Education/Early Childhood Coordinator

Sleepy Eye Public Schools
01.1991 - 01.2007

Pre-Kindergarten License

Parent and Family Education License

Community Education Director License

Community Education Administrative License - Office of Leadership And Professional Development

University of Minnesota

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, emphasis in Development; Minor in Child and Family Education

St. Cloud State University
Sue Forster