Infant and Toddler Program

Over the past nine months, I have been completing my mentorship with Rachael Bailey of the Calvert County Public School’s Infant and Toddler Program. Rachael has the best job ever! It all starts with a concern from a parent, daycare provider, or doctor who spends time with the child. The parent is normally concerned that the child is not speaking, babbling, or manipulating items the way they should for their age. So, Rachael, originally a special educator, and her team of a speech pathologist and occupational therapist go to the home for an orientation. During the orientation, the team asks the parents questions about the child’s language and skill set. They also get to ‘play’ with the child to see if they are developmentally up to par. If the child is not, Rachael recommends the child to their program which allows toddlers to learn and explore in a structured environment. Depending on the child’s growth, the child will then go to Special Education Pre-K, standard Pre-K, or attend Calvert Country School. This is a very important decision that will impact the rest of a child’s educational career in Calvert County.

Rachael Bailey not only has the best job but is the best mentor! Rachael allowed me to be apart of a variety of things that I did not know the school system had to offer. Immediately following my interview with Rachael, she invited me to a two-day training event that the county was hosting at the Board of Education. There, I got a sneak peek into what her job was and the importance of positive communication between parents and coaches or teachers. Throughout the year, most of the days I was able to go to homes with Rachael and learn the different aspects of child development. I also got the chance to shadow the speech pathologist and occupational therapist and learn about the valuable role that they play. Rachael even introduced me to the lead teacher of the structured learning class for toddlers who let me come in and work with their students one on one. This experience was amazing! At first, I was hesitant because I was also completing the TAM Internship, but I am glad that I got the opportunity to see the many things I will be able to do with my Integrated Early Childhood and Special Education degree. I am beyond grateful to Rachael, Mrs. Cross, and the school system for allowing me to be a part of this amazing mentorship program.

Alexis Hill