[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 149 (Saturday, August 22, 2020)]
[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

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                           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.

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