Shine Early Learning
Karin Figueras has extensive experience in the early learning and education field. Karin started their career at Acelero Learning in 2012, where they worked as a Center Director until 2016. Karin then transitioned into the role of an Early Learning Inclusion Specialist and held this position until 2019. In 2019, Karin joined Shine Early Learning as the Director of Education and Family Community Engagement. Karin later took on the role of Senior Director of Partnership Management in 2022. Karin has a strong background in managing partnerships and engaging with families to support children's education and development.
Karin Figueras completed their Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Latino Hispanic Caribbean Studies / Spanish from Rutgers University–New Brunswick from 2008 to 2012. Karin further pursued their education at New Jersey City University, where they obtained a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Music/Vocal Performance Pedagogy from 2015 to 2017.
In addition to their academic achievements, Karin also holds various certifications related to their field. Karin obtained the CLASS Pre-K-3 Observer certification from Teachstone in July 2018, July 2019, September 2020, and September 2021. In May 2018, they received the ECERs 3 Trained certification and became a certified reliable NJ STATE Anchor from ERS Institute/NJHSA. Furthermore, Karin acquired the Dare to Lead Trained certification from Dare to Lead™ Trained in November 2020, and most recently, in November 2022, they obtained the CLASS Pre-K-3 Observer certification from Teachstone.
Shine Early Learning
Our mission is to focus early learning on what matters most - inside classrooms, in partnership with families, and across organizations - to close the achievement gap. All of the Shine Early Learning tools and approaches were developed, implemented, and refined at Acelero Learning, a high-performing Head Start and Early Head Start program serving more than 4,400 children across the nation. Through the integrated implementation of these tools, Acelero Learning has produced some of the largest child outcome gains ever recorded at an individual Head Start program. Acelero Learning's latest evaluation data shows children served for two years making twice the gain of average Head Start program, as compared to the 2009 FACES data. Shine Early Learning is committed to proving that every child can succeed at the highest levels – and that high-impact, proven approaches can help early childhood programs across the country truly make the difference in a child's life. Shine Early Learning offers dedicated resources, high-impact tools, and our new Shine Insight data system to help Head Start and early education programs reach their own ambitious goals.