Laura Drake

Early childhood advocate with a professional background in preschool education, administration, and Title 1 elementary education. Career devoted to supporting and uplifting children and families during critical developmental windows. Bridging hands-on classroom care, student engagement, and family support—allowing quick assessment of holistic family needs, navigating community resources, and translating complex developmental concepts into practical, supportive tools for parents.

Serving extensively in under-resourced, high-need communities, bringing a trauma-informed, empathetic approach that aligns with the Bay Area Crisis Nursery’s mission.

4th Grade Educator - Castro Valley Unified School District - Castro Valley, CA

(2023-07 - 2026-06)

• Designed and executed 200+ comprehensive, multi-disciplinary lesson plans annually, seamlessly integrating hands-on, cross-curricular concepts into core curriculum modules and lessons.
• Leveraged LMS and data platforms (Illuminate, Amplify) to track program effectiveness, analyze performance metrics, and deliver data-driven insights to optimize learning outcomes by identifying equity gaps and refining instructional strategies.
• Curriculum designer on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) committee, ensuring vertical alignment and holistic development across diverse educational programs in support of our students' social and emotional wellness.
• Cultivated trusting, collaborative relationships with diverse student and family populations, facilitating sensitive parent-teacher conferences and developing individualized support plans that addressed academic, emotional, and social-emotional needs.

TK, Kinder & 3rd Grade Educator - Oakland Unified School District - Oakland, Ca

(2012-08 - 2023-06)

• Spearheaded the foundational launch of the school site’s inaugural Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program within a high-need Title 1 community, establishing developmentally aligned learning frameworks, experiential curricula, and positive behavioral support systems from the ground up.
• Delivered comprehensive crisis-response support to high-need families during COVID-19, coordinating the delivery of basic necessities, emergency wellness resources, and digital equity initiatives to maintain household stability.
• Routinely partnered with historically underserved families to assess home-learning needs, providing bilingual-friendly guidance, developmental tracking, and direct linkages to local community support services.

Bachelor of Arts - Human Development with Childhood Option - Cal State University East Bay (2003-09 - 2005-05)

Multiple Subject Teacher Credential with ELL Authorization - CAL State Teach, CSU Monterey Bay (2011-08 - 2012-12)

Early Childhood Education Units - Contra Costa College (1995 - 1997)

Early Childhood Administrative Units - Pacific Oaks College (1998 - 1999)