Translate

Saturday, May 18, 2019

New job!

Before coming back from Guatemala I made sure I had a job to feel a lot more secure. My previous employer, Apple Tree, didn’t have any openings but my ex boss was very grascious and led me to a job in the city where I would be living. 

At Zenith, I was able to meet many families and build new connections as well as get more training in oral motor techniques. After 7 months my ex boss from Apple Tree informed me that there was an opening for the position I previously had. After much prayer I made the decision to go back to where it all started. 

Apple Tree is a small private clinic in the city of Buena Park, Ca (They recently moved there from Cypress, Ca). They service children under three in a group base, mommy and me therapy program and there are different therapists on site. The majority of the children attending this program either have autism, developmental delays, down syndrome, or cerebral palsy (to name a few). I also see children for individual therapy and on Mondays we are offering a special program for children under 12 months old at no cost to the families.
It has been such an amazing experience being back these past two months. Here’s a picture of my room, with the garden and butterflies that the children made. 




I don’t consider myself an expert when it comes to development, but one thing that I have realized is that children learn through play. I try to make the activities fun and look at each child’s differences to better serve them. 
I decided to have stations in the classroom instead of sitting at the table for the full 20 minutes of their session. We start off at the table to sing hello, read a book or sing a song. A coworker gave me a great idea of doing an action corner. Last week it was balls and I had them throw, kick, roll, catch and throw it up towards the ceiling (this was fun!). The other station consists of either sensory play or some sort of cause and affect activity. 

At the end of the day whether or not the children met the specific goal that I was targeting, I feel peace knowing that I gave love that day. I don’t know if that makes sense, but that is what fills me up. I enjoy working with the children and their families and I hope that I am making an impact because their children are making an impact in my life by demonstrating to me a different perspective on life. 

I will admit that I do miss living in Guatemala, but I know that for right now this is where I’m supposed to be. It feels so nice to be surrounded by my family and my new little friends.