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Ifthika “Shine” Nissar, M.A. – Shine is currently pursuing her Ed.D. Degree in educational leadership at CSUSB. Shine’s research topic is Assessment of Inclusive Practices in Head Start Programs to Improve Access of the Preschool Curriculum for Children with Special Needs. Ms. Nissar plans to conduct a quantitative research study using the Inclusive Classroom Profile (ICP) and archived data of the Desired Results Development Profile. Shine plans to contribute her expertise by making recommendations at county, state and federal levels to improve staff development and training to include children with special needs in ECE classrooms and being involved as a change agent.
Shine earned her second M.A. degree in Educational Administration & Leadership at CSUSB in 2012 and her first M.A. in Early Childhood Special Education at CSUN in 2000 along with her B.A in Child Development. Shine holds teaching and administrative credentials along with many other certifications in the field of early childhood education. Shine has 24 years of experience in the profession of ECE. Ms. Nissar currently serves as the Principal of Early Childhood (ECE) programs at Desert Sands Unified School District. She is responsible for providing leadership for 500 students, 75 staff members and maintaining the federal contract for the Head Start (HS) preschool program and the state contract for the California State Preschool Program (CSPP). Shine served as the Early Learning Systems Specialist - Program Specialist II at First 5 Riverside - RCCFC (Riverside County Children and Families Commission) overseeing the Child Signature Program (CSP) grant from August 2012 to July 2015. Shine provided leadership and support to Program Directors and Teachers of the 34 CSP participating classrooms throughout Riverside County. Shine also serves as an adjunct instructor at College of the Desert and UC Davis teaching ECE courses. Shine presents at conferences and provides trainings in the field of early care and education throughout Riverside County. Prior to joining First 5 Riverside, Ms. Nissar served as the Program Director of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program of the Family YMCA of the Desert overseeing three Child Development Centers in which she supported over 350 students and 50 staff members.. Shine advocates for young children by contributing her time in the community by serving in leadership positions. She mentors educators and parents by serving as a professional growth adviser and continues to support students and families in impacting their lives positively. Shine has contributed to the field of education since 1991 when she migrated from Sri Lanka. She enjoys running, cycling, gardening and spending time with her husband Zinnoon and her 87 year old mom Safeena. Earning her doctorate degree is a childhood dream for Shine and she is excited about the opportunity! |
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