Direct Support Professional - I work with children who have autism from the ages of six to eighteen. I work on different life and social skills. I also take my children into the community to create new experiences and help them to become productive members of society.
Private Nanny, Greenwood Village, Colorado
June 2014-Present (Seasonal)
I have been caring for the children of the Kelsey family for almost four years. They have an 11 year old son who has autism and a 10 year old daughter. I take both children into the community and go on "adventures" throughout the city of Denver, as well as different hiking trails. I have also traveled to Jemez Springs, New Mexico and Sebastian, Florida with the family.
Preschool Teacher - Home Early Learning Center, Lakewood, Colorado
May 2011-June 2014
I received my Group Leader Certification to be able to be the Lead Teacher in a preschool classroom. I taught in both the 2-3 year old and 3-4 year old classrooms. I developed and implemented lesson plans following the curriculum my director had chosen at the time.
PLC Meeting Observations
During my second practicum, I had the opportunity to attend two PLC meetings a week. In these meetings, I was able to observe how teachers place students into different reading and math groups to best serve the students.
IEP/Transition Meeting
During my special education practicum, I had the opportunity to attend and observe a transition meeting for a student who was on an IEP. I was able to observe how the parents, teachers, therapists, and other individuals who had aided in the education of the child worked together to ensure the student would have a smooth transition into middle school. The team came up with a plan to help the student become familiar with her new middle school building and academic expectations before the school year was over.
Project Based Learning Concept Mapping Training
I was invited by my Block II practicum teacher to join her and the rest of the 3rd grade team to observe the first of a two-day training for PBL Concept Mapping. I was able to learn and observe how teachers begin to plan the concepts taught along with the standards throughout the year. This experience gave me a better view on how teachers prepare the curriculum, concepts, and standards at the beginning of each school year.