My name is Jessica, I am 27 years old and have 8 years of experience working alongside individuals with developmental disabilities. I have been working in the field since 2016 and graduated from Fanshawe College in 2018 from their Developmental Services Worker program. I have 4 years experience working at Community Living as a group home aide; I worked alongside young adults as well as seniors. I also have experience in the community as a PSW (Premier Home Care) supporting a family with 7 kids (ages from from 6 month old-15 year old) as well as supporting a senior living independently. In 2022, I started supplying as an educational assistant with the Upper Grand District Schoolboard. Within 4 months, I got hired at one of the first schools I supplied at. Fast forward 2 years with the schoolboard and I developed a strong passion for supporting students in their academic and personal growth. I was committed to creating a positive, engaging, and supportive learning environment where students feel empowered to reach their full potential. I adopted strategies on how to approach challenging student behaviors as it’s crucial to adopt and apply strategies that focus on safety, empathy, and de-escalation. As a caregiver, educator, or mentor, the goal is to create a calm environment where the child or individual feels supported and understood, which in turn helps to prevent further escalation. I have developed a strong ability to build meaningful rapports with people from diverse backgrounds. This experience has not only refined my communication skills but also taught me the importance of patience, attention to detail, and maintaining a high level of professionalism, which I apply in all areas of my work. My experience working with children and individuals with diverse needs has honed my ability to be flexible, patient, and solution-oriented. I’m comfortable working in dynamic environments and believe that I can offer not just excellent childcare, but also a nurturing, safe, and enriching environment for your children I am a very hard working, compassionate individual that takes pride in providing a positive atmosphere while working alongside individuals. Child developmental and education is something I have always found passion in. I pride myself in my professionalism, punctuality and ability to show resilience in tough situations. I would understand and respect all rules and boundaries set by parents and would be sure to have excellent communication in this role.

My childcare experience is as follows: Through Premier Home Care- I worked with a family of 9, with 7 children. (6 month old child, 3 year old child, 6 year old, 9 year old, 12 year old, 14 and 15 year old (the eldest kids had cerebral palsy). I simply came in for companionship for the children as well as a helping hand for the parents. Ensuring housekeeping was up to par, kitchen/bathroom was cleaned, nutritional meals/lunches for school were prepped. I would accompany the 6, 9, and 12 year old to some medical appointments. I would plan fun activities to do with the children including: tobogganing, crafts, making obstacle courses, taking them to the park, etc. Upper Grand District School Board- I worked with students ranging from kindergarten to grade 7 as an educational assistant. I supported students in the classroom setting based on what their academic goals were. Building rapports with each student was something I took pride in as I knew it was a crucial step towards being able to help them with their educational and social goals, as well as be a safe space for that student if needed. In kindergarten rooms I helped with classroom management alongside the teachers, assisting the children with the task at hand, free play, encouraging group play. I have experience in de-escalating or attempting to de-escalate challenging behaviors. Approaching a challenging behavior with an open mind and heart can show the individual you are there to listen and that you are a safe space. Keeping in mind the main goal is the safety of the individual as well as those around them. Having the ability to read when someone is uncomfortable, not ready to talk or is simply just dysregulated will allow you to approach a situation to the best of your ability. One of the major things I take away from all my experience as a DSW, EA, PSW; would simply be fostering independence. Give the student, child, teen or adult time to fully attempt a task they may have some challenge with. When requested you can offer tools or assistance for the task at hand.

I have a Diploma for the program: Developmental Services Worker at Fanshawe College I also worked as an educational assistant with the Upper Grand District School Board (2 years)