Doak Wachtel

Accomplished early childhood educator, literacy specialist, instructional coach, and professional development leader with more than 31 years of experience improving outcomes for young children, families, educators, and early childhood programs. Expertise includes early literacy development, inclusive preschool practices, family engagement, instructional coaching, adult learning, program implementation, and classroom quality improvement. Throughout my career, I have successfully established and expanded innovative preschool programs in partnership with community agencies, Head Start, universities, and military child development centers.

My work has focused on translating research into practice by supporting educators through individualized coaching, professional development, and implementation of evidence-based instructional strategies. As a Literacy Coach, ECERS-3 Reliable Assessor, Professional Development Specialist, and Nevada Registry Approved Trainer, I have designed and delivered professional learning for educators across Nevada, facilitated large-scale quality improvement initiatives, and coached teachers and administrators in strengthening classroom environments, literacy instruction, family partnerships, and child engagement. My experience includes coordinating multidisciplinary teams, supporting family-centered practices, monitoring program quality, and leading continuous improvement efforts.

I am passionate about helping educators, families, and organizations realize their potential and create learning environments where all children can thrive. My work is grounded in collaboration, relationship-building, and a commitment to translating research-based practices into meaningful outcomes for children and families.

Professional Development Specialist at Early Learning Insight (2024-01 – Present)

Lead statewide professional learning initiatives supporting preschool educators, administrators, and instructional leaders.

• Design and facilitate training focused on early literacy, language development, child engagement, inclusive practices, classroom quality, and evidence-based instruction.
• Conduct ECERS-3 assessments and quality improvement reviews to evaluate program implementation and guide continuous improvement efforts.
• Provide individualized coaching to educators using data-informed and strengths-based approaches to support practice change and improve child outcomes.
• Partner with CCSD Curriculum and Instruction, Nevada Ready! Pre-K, and community-based preschool programs to support implementation of high-quality early childhood practices.
• Develop professional learning resources, coaching frameworks, and implementation supports aligned with current research and best practices in early childhood education.
• Coordinate multi-site projects involving professional development, coaching, assessment, and program evaluation activities.
• Prepare reports and implementation summaries for organizational leaders, state agencies, and project stakeholders.

Transition Specialist / Family-Centered Coaching and Educational Advocacy at Clark County School District (2016-01 – 2024-01)

Coordinated transitions from Nevada Early Intervention Services and community agencies into Local Education Agency (LEA) preschool special education programs.

• Guided families through the special education referral, evaluation, eligibility, and placement processes while ensuring they understood their rights and procedural safeguards.
• Facilitated family-centered planning by helping families identify priorities, clarify goals for their children, and actively participate in educational decision-making.
• Fostered collaborative partnerships among families, early intervention providers, school personnel, and community agencies to support successful transitions into preschool services.
• Conducted Child Find activities to identify and connect young children with developmental delays and disabilities to appropriate educational supports and services.
• Supported the continuation of family engagement practices by empowering families to build strong partnerships with educators and actively participate in their child's educational journey.
• Facilitated multidisciplinary meetings, eligibility determinations, and IEP development to ensure services reflected the unique strengths and needs of each child and family.

Early Childhood Literacy Coach / ECERS Reliable Rater at Clark County School District – Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Grant (SRCL) (2012-01 – 2015-01)

Provided individualized instructional coaching to preschool educators to strengthen language, literacy, and developmentally appropriate instructional practices.

• Supported the implementation of Nevada Pre-K Content Standards, Creative Curriculum for Preschool, and Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy (SRCL) grant initiatives to improve child outcomes.
• Collaborated with teachers and administrators to integrate evidence-based literacy practices into daily classroom routines, play experiences, and intentional teaching opportunities.
• Focused coaching efforts on increasing children's vocabulary, oral language, background knowledge, and early literacy skills to help address the "vocabulary gap" and promote school readiness.
• Conducted classroom observations, ECERS assessments, and quality improvement planning to support continuous program improvement and implementation fidelity.
• Designed and facilitated professional development for teachers and administrators on language-rich interactions, literacy instruction, classroom quality, and developmentally appropriate practice.
• Analyzed classroom data and observational findings to identify strengths, target areas for growth, and develop individualized coaching plans.
• Supported educators in creating engaging, language-rich learning environments that promoted communication, critical thinking, and positive learning outcomes for all children.
• Translated research-based literacy initiatives into practical classroom strategies by aligning SRCL grant objectives, Nevada Pre-K Standards, and Creative Curriculum practices to improve children's language, vocabulary, and emergent literacy outcomes.

Special Education Instructional Facilitator at Clark County School District (2010-01 – 2012-01)

Provided consultation and instructional support to teachers, administrators, and multidisciplinary teams serving students with disabilities.

• Facilitated the development and implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs) to ensure services were aligned with each student's unique strengths and needs.
• Partnered with families to identify priorities, concerns, and long-term goals for their children, ensuring meaningful family participation throughout the special education process.
• Empowered families to understand their educational rights and effectively advocate for services and supports that promoted positive outcomes for their children.
• Collaborated with educators and service providers to translate family priorities into measurable educational goals, accommodations, and instructional supports.
• Facilitated multidisciplinary team meetings and provided guidance regarding eligibility, placement, compliance, and instructional decision-making.
• Designed and delivered district-level professional development focused on special education practices, family engagement, instructional strategies, and legal requirements under IDEA.
• Supported schools in implementing evidence-based instructional practices and fostering collaborative partnerships between families and educational teams.

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher at Clark County School District (2001-01 – 2010-01)

Developed and sustained innovative inclusive preschool programs in collaboration with community-based early childhood providers, including UNLV-CSUN Preschool, Nellis Air Force Base Child Development Center, and Head Start.

• Partnered with preschool administrators, teachers, related service providers, and families to create learning environments that successfully supported children with diverse developmental and educational needs.

Master of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education – University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – University of Nevada, Las Vegas