Ruth I. Eickman Outstanding Early Childhood Educator Award

About the Award: This award recognizes an early childhood educator who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to young children and child centered learning, has been involved with the families of these young children, has shown an appreciation of children's and families' uniqueness, uses developmentally appropriate practices when working with young children and has demonstrated the use of innovative practices in the field of early childhood.

Awarded Amount: $750

Nominated By: Angie Battles, Coworker

Nomination: 

Please accept my wholehearted nomination of Angela Carlow, M.Ed., Ed.S. for the Ruth Eickman Outstanding Early Childhood Educator Award. I have the privilege of sharing an office with Ms. Carlow, which allows me insight to the amazing work she does every day.

Ms. Carlow is committed to service in her role as the Early Childhood School Psychologist within the Lincoln Public School District. She has a natural way of caring for people. She is compassionate, kind, and non judgmental, allowing colleagues, caregivers, and children the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings without worry of shame or judgement.

Ms. Carlow wants what is best for children. Ms. Carlow meets families at their starting point, never forcing them to take the steps or make decisions for which they may not be ready. She is willing to visit with families in their homes or in a community setting, making their preference a priority. Her approach with families and students is relaxed and puts caregivers at ease, allowing her to connect with them as a partner and advocate.

Ms. Carlow is skilled. has an uncanny way of making connections between the data, narratives, observations, and conversations, often providing insight that would otherwise be missed. Her primary goal is always to develop a plan that best meets the student's current needs. She bases her recommendations on the data she expertly gathers and reviews, often turning to research to ensure that she’s providing the most accurate information possible. She genuinely wants to hear colleagues’ and caregivers’ point of view, so she can make decisions and recommendations that are best for each individual child. She never approaches a situation as the expert she clearly is, but would never admit.

Ms. Carlow is trustworthy. She holds onto students' and families' information like a treasured gift, not sharing it with anyone outside the bounds of confidentiality. She is able to effectively advocate for families and students without betraying those confidences.

Ms. Carlow is ethical. When approaching a situation about which she is unclear, she seeks counsel from colleagues and her professional governing bodies to determine the best course of action. She is willing to hear and consider various perspectives in order to come to the most ethical conclusion or solution. She has a vast knowledge and understanding about the laws that define Special Education and often reflects on these rules to guide her practice.

Ms. Carlow is committed to improving services and outcomes for young children through her work with the Nebraska Association of Infant Mental Health and the Nebraska Autism Spectrum Disorders Network. She is a fierce supporter of the policies and procedures that define best practice within the field of School Psychology.

Thank you for the opportunity to share some of the ways that Ms. Carlow makes a difference in
students,’ families,’ and coworkers’ lives every day. Ms. Carlow exemplifies the characteristics that embody an effective, compassionate, and inspiring School Psychologist and deserves recognition as the Ruth Eickman Outstanding Early Childhood Educator.

Most sincerely,

Angie Battles, LCSW
Early Childhood School Social Worker