Michelle Ledesma's Internship Experience
Sociology Internship Fall 2007
"an investment in babies today for a better Texas tomorrow"
My name is Michelle Ledesma and I am a senior at
My Work site
I chose Early
Childhood Intervention – Home Spun because I
love working with children and families. Early
Childhood Intervention are multidisciplinary services provided for
developmentally vulnerable children from birth to three years of age
and their
families. Early Childhood Intervention helps young children and
their families reach their goals by promoting nurturing relationships,
healthy development, positive learning experiences, and community
involvement.
A wonderful and fun learning experience
My Internship Experience
As an intern for Home Spun, I have been able to participate
in a variety of tasks. My responsibilities include assisting mass
screening in child care centers, go on home visits, updating the
resource book, and sending out business correspondence just to name a
few. Thus far, my internship experience has been wonderful.
This organization emphasizes family centered practices. For
example, the specialist goes to the family in contrast to the family
bringing the child to a medical facility. The therapy and
developmental services are conducted in their natural environment which
is usually their home. This job is hands on field work.
When we are working with the children we look for the child's strengths
and it is always person first. For instance, it's a child
with disabilities not disabled child. It is important not to
label. My most meaningful experiences are the home visits I go on
several times a week. It is rewarding to go into a family's home
and assist them in discovering what interest and motivates their child
and what activities will be most effective in teaching new
skills. Working among this population I have observed parents go
from a stage of grief to actively doing something constructive and
working on goals for their child. In the above picture I am
outside A.W.A.R.E. (Always Wanted A Riding Experience) ranch waiting
for a family with a child diagnosed with Autism. It has been
noted, when the child is receiving the therapeutic ride she becomes
more relaxed
Majoring in Applied Sociology has prepared me in working
with the diversity in the community. This
experience has given me an insight into family patterns, family roles,
and family dynamics within our community. I observed the families
in their natural environment and sometimes in their natural state thus
giving me an in-depth intimate details of their daily struggles and
delights. This experience has put my view of life into
perspective.
If you would like more information feel free to contact me at ml1189@txstate.edu
Helpful Resources:
Texas State University -San Marcos
Sociology Department
Early Childhood Intervention
A.W.A.R.E. Therapeutic Riding Program