Documenting Student Learning Outcomes in Field Work

Documenting Student Learning Outcomes in Field Work

     I have been working with children and families since I was sixteen years old. Approached by my high school Religion teacher, and offered a job to work with the parish's special needs population in preparation of their first sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion. My teacher felt I was the most patient person she knew and that she also felt I had a deep understanding and respect for the Catholic religion and that she believe I was just the person for this position. Little did I know that this would be my first encounter with the special needs population and that I would absolutely fall in love with working with children and families. Twenty four years later I am still in love with working with children and families and love the challenges that every day brings. Currently I work as an “in home” behavior therapist dealing mostly with early intervention. This combines my love of working with preschool aged children and the special needs population and having direct daily contact with parents.   

     When preparing material for a client I like to get to know the child and their family. I want to know what the parents expectations are for the sessions with their child(ren), and what they would like to see improvements in (eating, toileting, handwriting, patience, tone of voice, tolerating company, etc..). I treat each child I see individually and create programs just for them, and present the programs in a way that are tailored to what they will respond to the best. Before each visit I ask the parents about the child's day to that point (did they sleep well, eat breakfast, how was school, etc), and after each session is over I spend some time talking to the parents about what was achieved or worked on during sessions and what we might try differently the next time. I believe that having parents involved in the process makes a difference in the child's progress, and I believe in complete communication so that everyone involved with the child is on the same page when it comes to every day interaction with the child.

     I think that the way I interact with the children and families I work with reflect the Student Learning Outcomes set by Pacific Oaks. I have learned so much about anti-bias education and approaches that it has made working with the diverse group of families, that I do interact with, a completely different experience. I love sharing with my families the new learning I come away with in my classes, and a lot of my research has been aimed at making a better world for the special needs children and families that I work with. The learning I have achieved through my classes and assignments have made me more passionate about my job and it is reflected through my work and actions with the children and families I come into contact with.