This is a PowerPoint Presentation of a Service Learning project that I completed with the Easter Seals program, located in Daytona Beach, FL. Enjoy viewing my presentation about how I had the wonderful opportunity to work with children of special needs with the Respite Care program!

1. Teachers In Action Project:Easter Seals Kelly McCourt M_kelly@knights.ucf.edu April 23, 2010 EEX 4070

2. Early Perceptions Going into the Teachers In Action Service Learning Project, I initially felt a bit nervous because I have never actually worked with children who have disabilities of any sort. Upon completion of the “Understanding Differences” module, I was able to see that people with disabilities are just as successful as people without disabilities. They cannot be underestimated. The module encouraged me to go into the Service Learning Project with the Easer Seals Program with a positive attitude!

3. Introduction to the Easter Seals Program The organization provides needs for people with disabilities, such as: pre-school, audiology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Easter Seals also offers help and support to families of children with disabilities. Easter Seals is located in Daytona Beach, FL, and has been around for about 85 years. It is a successful non-profit organization that provides services for people with disabilities of all ages.

4. Introduction to Respite Care The program that I was involved with was the Respite Care program, in which parents are able to leave their children at Easter Seals with trusted volunteers on Fridays and Saturdays, so that they can essentially take time to relax. The program was started by the Minotti family, after their son, Joey, who had Down Syndrome, died in a group home because of negligence. They started the program so that families would not become overwhelmed with the responsibilities they take when caring for their children with disabilities. The Respite Care program is known as “Joey’s Gift.”

5. Demographics

6. Personal Demographics

7. Personal Demographics Picture of me This is a picture of me teaching my first lesson last semester to a 2nd grade class. My brother, sister, and me.

8. Engagement Activities I spent a total of 15 hours volunteering with the Easter Seals program. I worked with 10 students, 8 of which had special needs. 3 of the 15 hours were spent doing an introduction to the site, planning, and orientation. The remaining 12 hours were spent working with the 10 students, whose ages range from 5-7 years of age. Activities I did with the students include: playing in the house keeping center, building blocks and legos, watching movies, doing arts & crafts, riding bikes, and playing on the playground.

9. Engagement Activities

10. Engagement Activities

11. Participant Demographics

12. Participant Demographics

13. Participant Demographics

14. Reflection This experience has truly made me want to continue working with children of special needs. I learned that each child is capable of anything, regardless of his or her disabilities. It was an eye-opening experience working with children with various disabilities, which ranged from mild to severe. The most impacting experience was actually interacting with all the children. Some children were more welcoming, while others seemed a bit guarded. Once the children got used to my presence, they opened up more. It made me feel great when the children gave me hugs and thanked me for playing with them throughout the days. It seemed like they did not want me to leave! Also, through this experience I was able to learn how to handle teaching children with special needs. Through the experience and from the advice of fellow volunteers, I learned that it is essential to make accommodations for each and every child that requires it. I thoroughly enjoyed my Service Learning Experience. I will take everything I learned and apply it to my curriculum when I start my teaching career!

15. Reflection