It brings me great pleasure to recommend (include name) to your higher learning institution. I know (name) both personally and professionally, and can offer a distinct representation of her character on both levels.
Personally, I have known (name) for (length of time), and have enjoyed a friendship with her for just as long. She is a very honest and caring person who offered friendship easily, and gives the relationship one hundred percent. I know that I can rely on (name) for help whenever called upon, for an open ear, and for solid advice. Since we share the love of children, they are often the topic of our conversations. Her/His love for children is evident. Whether it's the children whom she/he taught in the classroom, the children in his/her family, or children in general, (name) has a natural way with them and an unconditional love for them all. .
Professionally I have been lucky enough to see (name) in action. In the classroom, (name) demanded the respect and love from his/her students and was able to reach them in ways that many others were not. The classroom's atmosphere was wonderfully cheery and creative, making the ambience great for learning. His/Her creativity was also apparent when teaching; if a student wasn't catching onto a lesson from being taught one way, (name) was able to quickly find another way to get his/her point across. In the private childcare sector, (name) has offered care to many children. She/He is immediately able to bond with children of all ages, and finds ways to make it easier for him to separate from their families. (Name) has a host of age appropriate ideas to keep children occupied, while learning, and the children are always excited to show what they have learned. .
In closing, I highly recommend (name) to your University. She/He is very well versed in child development, and has a great amount of experience with children of many different ages and in many different capacities.