About Haley

Reviewed on 5/6/2014

March 19, 2014 To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this letter of support for Haley S.'s application for the position of early childhood special educator, early interventionist or early childhood educator. I have had the wonderful opportunity to know Haley over the past four years in a variety of capacities including course instructor, academic adviser and student leader in the club Advocates for Exceptional Children Today (AFECT). Haley will earn her B.S. in Early Childhood Special Education this May from The University of Vermont with a combined major concentration in Human Development and Family Studies and American Sign Language. Haley is a gifted scholar who easily translates evidence based practices into realities to support the success of children and families with a range of strengths and challenges. During Haley's undergraduate program she developed a strong commitment to high quality child emergent curriculum. She has demonstrated the ability to design and implement early childhood curriculum of the highest quality that is aligned with the Vermont Learning Standards and honors the interests and passions of her young students. Haley is able to embed child specific goals and objectives into the context of ongoing routines in home and school based contexts with a variety of adaptations and supports. Haley excels in many areas including the ability to conduct a range of assessments including screenings and developmental evaluations and write reports. Her sensitivity and respect for families is evident during the assessment and program planning process. In addition Haley makes a wonderful addition to any interdisciplinary team because she is a good listener and a thoughtful considerate team member who respects the opinions of others. Haley has experience collaborating with related professionals in a variety of roles and settings. Haley is currently completing her student teaching experience as an early intervention intern. Haley has shared with me how much she is enjoying gaining valuable experience working with developmental educators and other related service providers in natural environments to support families and their young children to achieve a range of outcomes. Before beginning her student teaching experience in early intervention, Haley gained a range of teaching experiences at the a Children's Center as an assistant and substitute teacher. In addition she completed two practicum experiences at another Children's Center with children who had disabilities and were being included in a NAEYC accredited program. In addition, Haley got experience collaborating with Head Start service providers and working with children who are recently resettled refugees and English language learners. Haley has also worked with individual families as a Personal Care Assistant (PCA). One of the things I find most impressive about Haley is her volunteer work with club AFECT. As a member of this club Haley has worked hard on the Autism Awareness Campaign and other initiatives to improve the outcomes for people with disabilities. Most notable is her work for families of children experiencing homelessness. Haley has been instrumental in organizing other students and also participating in providing care for children living in the COTS family homeless shelters. Haley's hard work on the behalf of children and families who are homeless earned her the Chittenden County United Way Building Blocks Award! I can say with absolute certainty that if hired, Haley S. will be an excellent addition to a team. Over the past four years I have grown to appreciate and admire her as a teacher and all around kind person who is invested in the welfare of all children and families. Please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss Julia's many strengths. She is a rare gem. Sincerely, Jennifer H., Ph.D.