To Whom It May Concern, It is my pleasure to write this letter of reference for Jakelene Baluso. I supervised Jakelene in her role as a Practicum Student from Mount Royal University of Calgary in the Early Learning and Child Care Bachelor’s Program in my classroom from January 16th to April 18th 2025, completing 200 hours. I was responsible for evaluating Jakelene at the midpoint and end of her practicum experience, as well as conducted regular check-ins over the 8 weeks. Our classroom age group was 5-6 years old (Kindergarten) with a morning and afternoon class, of 12 students in each grouping. All of the students had a developmental delay/disability and qualified for early intervention funding from the Alberta Provincial government. The students in our classroom included children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Global Developmental Delay, Down Syndrome, Microdeletion Syndrome, emotional/behavioural disorders, and severe language delays. Our classroom team was supported by a multidisciplinary team including Teaching Assistants, an Occupational Therapist, a Speech and Language Therapist, a Physiotherapist, and Behaviour Specialists. All of our students were on an Individual Program Plan (IPP) and required a significant amount of supports to engage in the classroom setting and school environment. Jakelene’s primary responsibilities during her time at Providence was to integrate herself into a classroom support role. This included targeting individual educational and therapeutic goals, implementing strategies and accommodations from student Individualized Program Plans, collaborating with the multidisciplinary team, planning and implementing various learning activities, and working with the team to ensure students receive the support and environment they need to thrive. Jakelene developed a great repertoire of “tools” for creating meaningful connections with students and supporting their ability to participate fully in school. Our classrooms included behaviours such as aggression towards staff and other students, self- injurious behavior, and other challenging responses to the school routine and environment. Jakelene possessed the ability to remain calm and confidently use strategies to support students when they were struggling. She also knew when to “tap out” or ask for support, and learned to set boundaries and expectations that set students up for success. Jakelene took the time to observe the classroom routines and expectations, so she could continue to uphold the structure for our students. I was consistently impressed by Jakelene’s deep reflections and the way she connected each unique chapter to both her work experience, her undergraduate studies, and her personal life. She was excellent at expressing herself and asking questions in both small and large group settings, in a professional manner. During her time with us, Jakelene became a reliable and vital member of our team. She participated in group discussions and planning, worked independently to carry out tasks given by the teacher (myself) and therapists, and she would find valuable jobs to do unprompted when she had extra time. Due to the nature of the children in our care, our days are extremely busy and can be difficult (but rewarding). Early on, Jakelene adjusted to the fast-paced and often unpredictable classroom environment. She asked good questions and for regular feedback to improve herself. She demonstrated critical thinking skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a passion and drive for continuing her academic journey. Jakelene was always eager to share learning from her post-secondary education and work experience with other team members, and it was clear that she regularly utilized and applied her background knowledge about education, child development, and ethics in her daily work. Jakelen was constantly reflecting and thinking of ways to grow and learn, but would always take time to connect with our team and celebrate the many small (and big) successes we experienced each day. Jakelene has a warm and gentle nature, and you couldn’t help but smile when she talked about the students, the connections she made with them and their progress. She was very playful with the children and was never afraid to be down at their level- singing, talking, playing games, facilitating learning activities, and laughing. She truly understands and has a passion for working with children and youth, coming into every interaction with our students with respect and genuine joy for them as individuals. I admired her work ethic and her ability to smile and laugh every day, even during the toughest moments of our day. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions or require any further