June 22, 2017

To Whom It May Concern:

I have known Nilu Rajput since October 2014 when she came to the University of Michigan-
Flint as an international student to obtain a masters degree in early childhood. She obtained an
internship at the on-campus Early Childhood Development Center for which I was the Director until
December 2016 when I moved to the other side of the state and took employment with the YMCA of
Greater Grand Rapids as a Center Director in one of their branches. Nilu was intrigued by our Reggio
Emilia philosophy so she was placed with the most experienced Reggio Inspired teacher to begin her
graduate studies. Nilu quickly became a team member in our program and was a fast learner
demonstrating initiative, creativity, and resourcefulness. She would often stay late if needed and
adjusted her schedule willingly to support the needs of the program. After one semester Nilu became a
paid assistant teacher and had the opportunity to work with all children from 8 weeks old to 6 years.

She primarily worked with the preschool children and supported the classroom in several ways.
She was a strong asset in the room and could be depended on to care for the children, treat families
with dignity and respect, and conduct necessary administrative responsibilities. Over the course of the
two years that I supervised Nilu, she grew and matured as an individual and became the lead teacher in
her own classroom in May 2016. She collaborated with her team teachers for curriculum planning,
conducted observations of children, and documented the learning of the children in a variety of ways.
Nilu was thorough in administrative responsibilities and demonstrated excellent communication skills
both verbally and written. She was professional in manner and thorough with each task she took on.
Nilu proudly shared her culture with the children through her clothing and embraced the vast diversity
of children she worked with. Nilu worked directly with many families affected by the Flint Water
Crisis.

Nilu has taken part in several professional development opportunities while at the UM-Flint
ECDC. She eagerly learned all she could about the Reggio Emilia Approach to education and joined
the Reggio collaborative of other schools in our area. She has toured many other programs and learned
from some of the greatest Reggio-Inspired educators in the world. Ms. Rajput has an excellent work
ethic and I highly recommend her for numerous positions that might arise. Please feel free to call me if
I can share further information.

Sincerely,

Della Becker-Cornell,
Early Childhood Director

SPARTAN STORES YMCA

5722 Metro Way SW, Wyoming, MI 49519
P 616.885.5500 F 616.258.7381 spartanstoresymca.org