By Kathy Brown.
Karen Pasiuk became the new Early Childhood Coordinator for Youth & Family Services of Haddam Killingworth, and officially began work on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019. “I am excited to have the opportunity to help re-energize the Early Childhood Council.” The Early Childhood Council is a group of providers, educators, and others interested in early childhood education and practice. This Council determines what types of staff or parent training or resources are needed in our community, and can pool ideas, resources, and programming to ensure that all children have access to quality services to prepare them for Kindergarten. According to Laurie Ruderfer, Executive Director of HKYFS, “several years ago there was an HK group. Karen will reintroduce that group.”
“I look forward to working closely with Region 17 public schools, the local libraries, and early childhood programs in the area to ensure that the needs of the families with young children are being identified,” said Karen. “I will especially enjoy working directly with young children, their families, and the dedicated staff in the HK programs.”
Karen is a certified teacher in Special Education and regular education who retired from Region 18 public schools (Lyme/Old Lyme) in June 2019 after more than 30 years working in education. “My time in the classroom has varied. I spent my first several years as a Special Education teacher, working with children from Pre-K through high school age. After staying home with my own children for several years, I returned to public education and taught Kindergarten and first grade for 20 years. Then in May 2012, I was hired by Region 18 to be their Elementary Math Specialist, where my focus was coaching teachers and interventionists in best math practices, assessment, and differentiation.”
Laurie Ruderfer, Executive Director of HKYFS said, “We are beyond thrilled to welcome Karen as the newest member of our team. Karen looks forward to getting to know the district and community and can’t wait to get started!”
