Student Testimonial - Natalie

Your Name: Natalie L
Program: Inclusive Resource Practice - Child and Family
What semester are you in: 2021 Graduate

Why did you choose Humber College?

After graduating from Humber’s Early Childhood Education program, I decided to continue my professional development at Humber because of my positive learning experience there. Another reason was that I learned that it is one of a kind program in Ontario to offer a lifespan approach to working with individuals and families with various disabilities in the community.

What are your career aspirations?

My career aspirations are to work as a resource consultant supporting children and families in helping them navigate through the different types of services and resources within their community depending on the needs of the families. This also includes helping families who have learned about their child’s diagnosis and being unsure of their next steps. I was fortunate enough to have a conversation with one of the faculty members about my next steps after graduation. This and other circumstances led me to my current position as an RECE at a preschool that provides a multi-disciplinary approach to inclusive play based programs where children can become successful members of their community.

How have the faculty helped you on your road to reaching your goals?

With the knowledge each faculty member had in the courses they taught and their individualized teaching methods, it helped me to gain insights and learning experiences about supporting families and their child(ren) with a disability. They were also very personable and approachable, especially at the time where our class moved to online learning. It was a whole new way of learning that included synchronous and asynchronous formats. They were there to guide us and give us opportunities for practical learning. For example, we had opportunities to follow through with different case studies where we practiced filling out different types of forms to support families. This enriched my learning experiences and gave me the confidence that they supported me in reaching my goals.

What would you say has been the single best learning experience in the program you are in?

I found the whole program itself challenging and it prepares us for our future role to work and collaborate with the professional community, individuals, children and families. The single best learning experience in the program was the field practicum. We were divided into small groups and had different experiences working alongside resource consultants in their field. I took opportunities to volunteer to visit different childcare centres and attend one to one meeting with a parent alongside my cooperating teacher online. There I was given the opportunity to share my personal experience as a parent of a child with autism.

What elements of the program are best preparing you for your career?

There are different elements that contributed to my preparation including practical ways to support parents navigating through unknown circumstances they find themselves at different stages of their child’s life such as transitioning into a public school system, young adults transitioning into the community and what does that mean. I learned how to develop responsive relationships and what reflective practice means to a professional. Once you are in your class, you are seen and treated as a professional already. Another element includes a lot of group work, so be prepared for that. It can be challenging because not everyone will have the same ideas or same work ethics, but we learn to support each other and to be open minded. We work collaboratively together sharing our knowledge and experience, and applying critical thinking in problem solving.

Would you recommend this program to others and why?

I would recommend this program to individuals who have the passion and willingness to work with individuals (from children to adulthood) and their families to assist and work collaboratively to navigate through different life circumstances. The faculty are experts in their field and will provide a wealth of knowledge. They are also very supportive in helping each student through their own learning experience.