Melissa Thiebaut Marinelli
Melissa has been working in the field of early childhood education for 35 years. She has held various positions, including Head Start positions, Great Start to Readiness Programs (GSRP) coaching roles, and was the owner and director of a high-quality early learning center. She has been a college instructor for 20 years. Melissa is the 2024-2026 MiAEYC secretary. Melissa works weekly in early childhood classrooms as an education coach for federally funded, state-funded and private preschool programs. Melissa regularly collaborates with school districts, intermediate school districts, Head Start agencies, and other community programs focused on the well-being of young children and their families. Melissa holds a master's degree in early childhood education from Concordia University and is working on her doctorate degree in early childhood education from Walden University. Melissa presents locally, state-wide, and nationally. Melissa works with CDA candidates to attain their professional education hours, along with college credit. Melissa is dedicated to early childhood education for five reasons: the first five years are the most critical years for brain development. Change or enhance the first five years and the child and family’s story will change for a lifetime and generations to come.
Services
Classroom Assessment
Professional Development
Professional Development
I have many years of experience conducting CLASS and Classroom Coach (formerly PQA) assessments in preschool classrooms. I am reliable in both assessments.
Professional Development
Professional Development
Professional Development
I provide professional development on many early childhood topics. Information is grounded in research and developmentally appropriate practice. CDA courses are a specialty.
Coaching
Professional Development
Consulting
I have many years of coaching experience in Head Start, GSRP, and private preschool and infant/toddler early childhood classrooms.
Consulting
Hanen Learning Language & Loving It!
Consulting
Program consultation in all areas. We are all in this together! Let me make your job easier.
FLIP It!
Hanen Learning Language & Loving It!
Hanen Learning Language & Loving It!
Trainer in FLIP It! from the Center for Resilient Children. Make guidance easier in the classroom and at home!
Hanen Learning Language & Loving It!
Hanen Learning Language & Loving It!
Hanen Learning Language & Loving It!
Certified trainer in Hanen. Many individual workshops and classes offered to promote optimal language development for young children.
Certifications/Professional Memberships/Professional Groups
Certifications
CLASS PreK reliable
Classroom Coach (formerly PQA) reliable
Hanen Learning Language & Loving It - certified trainer
Family Service Worker Credential - University of WI
Parents as Teachers - supervising & home visiting
Darkness to Light - certified trainer
Flip It! trainer
CDA PD Specialist
MiRegistry trainer
Professional Memberships
NAEYC member
MiAEYC member
MiAEYC Secretary 2024-2046
NAECTE member
Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health
National Head Start
Memberships in Working Groups
Wexford-Missaukee Early Childhood Leadership
Northwestern Michigan College Early Childhood Advisory
Child Caring Now
Reviews
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"The CDA training was incredibly informative and interesting. Melissa adjusted the class schedule specifically for what we, her students, needed each day. We got the opportunity to hear from guest speakers who were local professionals in early childhood education. I am extremely grateful for this experience and I look forward to implementing everything I learned in Melissa's class."
-Jessyca McCartney, Infant/Toddler Teacher
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"I learned so many things in my CDA class and Melissa made it so easy and pleasant to get through! I highly suggest it to anyone who is wanting to further their career."
-Kaitlyn Gilmore, Preschool Teacher Assistant
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"Melissa is a great instructor. She makes learning fun. I wished I could have her as an instructor in all my classes. She really knows how to connect with her students."
"Love Melissa!!!!"
"I really enjoyed this class and professor. I would definitely take a class with Melissa again and recommend her classes to others."
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"Melissa is a great teacher who gives good information in a way that makes sense!"
-Rachel Smith, Assistant Director & Infant/Toddler Teacher.
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"Melissa is amazing at class engagement. She taught child development in a way that made me want to continue my education in early elementary education."
-Cortney Lipar, Preschool Teacher Assistant
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"Melissa made the CDA process so effortless. Having tried to do the process on my own prior to this class, everything is much more clear on what I needed to do."
-Blaire Lone, Preschool Teacher