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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING RACHAEL HAALAND AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
______
HON. CYNTHIA AXNE
of iowa
in the house of representatives
Saturday, August 22, 2020
Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of
Representatives to join me in recognizing Ms. Rachael Haaland for her
outstanding leadership and positivity as she serves families and
children during this pandemic by naming her our Iowan of the Week.
Rachael is an exceptional Childcare Site Manager at the ChildServe
Childcare center in Johnston, Iowa. Her co-workers and colleagues
shared that she is a fun-loving, creative, genuine, and encouraging
person. She challenges her team every day to be their best and to
embrace the many opportunities they have each day to make a positive
difference for every child, every family, and especially to each other.
With the children in her center, Rachael doesn't just focus on the
basic components of quality childcare. She goes above and beyond to
support her teachers to provide memorable early learning experiences
that set the stage for children's future success in school and life.
She promotes a positive work and care environment; she encourages her
staff to truly enjoy their jobs, and the children they care for to
engage in activities together to promote learning, interpersonal
connection, and fun. Rachael created an atmosphere where staff,
children, and families thrive through shared respect and regard for
their uniqueness, but also their common goals and values.
During this COVID-19 crisis, Rachael knows that the families she
serves, and her coworkers at ChildServe, are all feeling concerned and
stressed. Everyone is focused on making sure they are providing a safe
environment where our children can still play and learn. She has
maintained a steady level of communication with her community, and
collaboration has been exceptional during a time that has been
difficult for all.
Rachael has ensured a safe work and care environment by adapting
space, establishing new cleaning protocols, and making necessary
changes throughout the center to minimize the risk to children and
staff and follow CDC guidelines. During all of this, she still planned
fun, theme-based activities to promote the joy of learning in these
children and give them a break from the world outside. As a mom of two
boys, I know the parents and families Rachel works with are grateful
for the extra cleaning, extra work, and extra thought Rachel is
investing into ChildServe.
It is my distinct honor to name Rachael Haaland as our Iowan of the
Week and thank her for her commitment to early childcare and education.
Although we do not know what the future holds, we know it is a bright
future with educators and childcare providers like Rachael Haaland in
our community.
____________________