Grace

Gorman
310-155 Oriole Road, Kamloops BC
ggorman@uvic.ca
250-377-5342

January 14th, 2021

Dear Potential Practicum Supervisor,

I am a distance learning student in the Bachelor of Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria (UVIC) and I am
interested in a practicum with your organization. I completed my Early Childhood Education diploma through
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and have enjoyed furthering my education at UVIC in children’s development,
their behaviors and how to better support their families. I am eager to join your organization as a practicum student
to gain valuable experience working and supporting children and their families in a different environment than what
I am used to, to grow as a practitioner.

My experience and interest with children began when I was a young babysitter in my community, however it was
not until I entered the Early Childhood Education program that I knew working in this field was what I was destined
to do. Shortly after completing my first year at TRU, I started working at Juniper Early Learning Center. It was here I
met a young Indigenous child who was living in a foster home. I developed a close relationship with this boy and his
foster family over a period of 3 years and enjoyed supporting him in the classroom as well as doing private respite
care for him and his siblings. This child profoundly impacted the way I view children and their development and it
was incredible to watch him grow, learn to self-regulate and navigate his emotions. When I first met him, he would
have outbursts of big emotions and act inappropriately to his classmates. He struggled following directions and
focusing on the task at hand. I helped his support worker develop individualized strategies and routines as well as
maintained pen communication with his foster family about his progress. Once this child left our classroom to attend
Kindergarten, he was able to verbalize his feelings and frustrations, could express himself in a respectful,
appropriate manner and was beginning to self-regulate his behaviours. It was an honor to be a part of this child’s
life, even if it was for a short time. I was able to learn more about the foster system in British Columbia and how it
affects the Indigenous population and see firsthand how much of an impact one person can make on a child’s life.

Working at Juniper Early Learning Center has helped me develop many interpersonal skills. As the lead teacher I
have to communicate directly and respectfully with the families and co-teachers in my classroom. After 2 years at the
centre I was promoted to a Manager position while still teaching. This presented a challenge at first, as I had to learn
how to manage my time efficiently between the two positions and quickly learn my new responsibilities. I have
received great feedback from my team that I am a supportive manager who checks in often and approaches difficult
situations with a positive but realistic mindset. I will bring that attitude to your organization and will be a helpful and
supportive member of the team.

In addition to the above, I possess a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle and have recently become recertified in
Emergency Child Care First Aid CPR/AED Level B.

I hope to meet with you and further discuss my fit as a practicum student at your organization. Thank you for your
time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Grace Gorman