Placement Opportunities Below are brief descriptions of some of the potential sites/programs that are available to students in CLD 464/CCLD464. It is expected that students will conduct online research for more detailed site/program information. Not all sites/programs may be available during a given semester. Many sites offer a variety of placement opportunities and may have multiple locations. Administration and Research         

Family Day Services Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care Ryerson Early Learning Centre Ryerson Faculty Research Assistant Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Childcare Resource and Research Unit (CRRU) Macaulay Child Development Centre Child Development Institute (CDI) CMAS Canada

Students may be required to participate in an interview conducted by the School and/or site to be considered. Students are placed in an environment where they aid in the daily operations of a program or organization. Tasks may include report writing, literature reviews, staff scheduling, budgeting finances, attending meetings with community partners, event planning, advocating on behalf of children and families, etc. Depending on the site, there may be limited or no direct contact with children and families. Research Project with Dr Koller Dr Koller’s project will involve students from a variety of disciplines within the Faculty of Community Services. The goal of the project is to identify best practices for improving the social inclusion of children with disabilities. Project partners include Ontario Early Years Centres, Community Living, and the Redpath Centre. Specific activities will vary depending on the semester. Students may participate in literature reviews, meetings with partners, data collection, development of materials for websites and social media outlets, visiting partner sites, advocacy, policy review, preparing academic papers and conference attendance. Students will be required to participate in an interview conducted by Dr Koller to be considered.

Research Project with Dr Underwood The Inclusive Early Childhood Service System (IECSS) project is a longitudinal study investigating how children with disabilities and their families are accessing early childhood education and care services in rural, urban and remote communities across Ontario. We are seeking Research Placement Students to support the project staff. Duties may include transcription, data entry, as well as other tasks related to data analysis. Further information about the project is available on our website (www.InclusiveEarlyChildhood.ca). Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and covering letter outlining experience. For more information or to apply contact the Project Office through email ([email protected]), or directly to Kathryn Underwood ([email protected]). Art Focused Placements  

Art Barn Art for Children & Youth

These art-focused organizations provide arts-education programs for young children. These programs emphasize the importance of children’s creativity and expression through a variety of creative outlets including drama, dance, yoga and visual arts. Students may be required to participate in an interview conducted by the School and/or site to be considered. Centres for Children with Disabilities         

Adventure Place Bloorview MacMillan Centennial Infant and Child Centre Community Living Geneva Centre Infant and Child Development Services Peel Mindwerx4Kids Safehaven Surrey Place-Placements arranged by Field Education Coordinator. Students may not contact site directly

Students may be required to participate in an interview conducted by the School and/or site to be considered. Many sites have multiple program locations that students may be allocated to. These programs vary in nature and scope, but are designed to aid children with disabilities and their families. Services might include: referrals to other services or professionals, home visits, creation and/or implementation of IEP's, centre or program

visits where the child attends, providing resource material and program ideas to the family and/or centre or program where the child attends. Child Life Programs Only the following hospitals are available for Child Life Placements. Placements are arranged by Field Education Coordinator. Students may not contact hospitals directly. 

Hospital for Sick Children

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Rouge Valley Centenary- only available for CCLD464 internships

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Markham Stouffville-only available for CCLD464 internships

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Humber River Regional

Students may be required to participate in an interview conducted by the School and/or site to be considered. Child life specialists help reduce the stress and anxiety that many children experience in hospital and healthcare settings. Child life programs in health care settings promote optimum development of children and their families, to maintain normal living patterns and to minimize psychological trauma. The placement tasks will vary depending on the site, but may include the following: supervise therapeutic and diversional play, assist children during medical tests and procedures, rehearsal, and support families during hospitalization or challenging events. Research Project with Dr Koller Dr Koller’s project will involve students from a variety of disciplines within the Faculty of Community Services. The goal of the project is to identify best practices for improving the social inclusion of children with disabilities. Project partners include Ontario Early Years Centres, Community Living, and the Redpath Centre. Specific activities will vary depending on the semester. Students may participate in literature reviews, meetings with partners, data collection, development of materials for websites and social media outlets, visiting partner sites, advocacy, policy review, preparing academic papers and conference attendance. Students will be required to participate in an interview conducted by Dr Koller to be considered. Early Intervention Programs 

Hincks-Dellcrest Centre

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York Region Early Intervention Services

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City of Toronto-Children’s Services

Students may be required to participate in an interview conducted by the School and/or site to be considered. These programs vary in nature and scope, but are designed to help families within the community who are considered “at risk”. Services might include: referrals to other services or professionals, home visits, centre or program visits where the child attends, providing resource material and program ideas to the family and/or centre or program where the child attends. These organizations often involve travelling to other locations and some agencies may require access to a vehicle. Evergreen Brickworks Evergreen Brickworks is a community environment centre that inspires children and families to deepen their connection to nature. The centre offers a variety of programs for families and visiting elementary school classes to engage with nature and the environment. Students may be required to participate in an interview conducted by the School and/or site to be considered. Family Support Programs & Agencies Family support programs deliver a range of services guided by the principles that focus on building supportive relationships, facilitating growth, respecting diversity and furthering community development. Family support programs vary depending on their size, mandate and resources. Services are flexible, accessible and offered in an informal atmosphere. These services may be provided in partnership with other groups. Family support services include: child development, community development, community outreach, counseling and mediation, drop-in programs, early learning and care, educational upgrading, employment assistance, family literacy, food and nutrition support, parent and caregiver support, parent education, peer contact and mutual support, play and recreation, promotion of health and safety, referrals to other resources, and toy lending libraries. These programs are offered at a variety of locations across the GTA. Although there is high availability for students per term, please note that not every location listed on the website undertakes students. Macaulay Child Development Centre- Community and Family Engagement This placement would involve working with parents and caregivers in a variety of ways, and could include supporting the development and delivery of a parent advocacy training program, supporting parents in advocating for their children, and participating in community-building events. Students will be required to participate in an interview conducted by the site to be considered.

Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities SCHC is a multi service agency with programs for children, youth, adults and seniors. ECS students complete internships with the Community Engagement department where they are involved with inclusive programs that encourage meaningful individual and community participation, foster dignity, build healthy communities, and challenge inequality. Students will be required to participate in an interview conducted by the site to be considered. Gilda’s Club This site is only available for CCLD464 internships in the spring and summer. Students will be required to participate in an interview conducted by the School and/or site to be considered. Gilda’s Club provides emotional and social support for anyone touched by cancer. The mission of Gilda’s Club is to provide meeting places where men, women and children living with cancer and their families and friends join with others to build emotional and social support as a supplement to medical care. Free of charge and nonprofit, students will offer support and networking groups, lectures, workshops and social events in a nonresidential, homelike setting. Evenings are a requirement.

Green Thumbs Growing Kids Green Thumbs Growing Kids offers food growing and environmental education programs in 4 inner city school and 2 park sites. The program connects children to their food and gives them an opportunity to grow, harvest, and enjoy food through hands on learning programs. Students may be required to participate in an interview conducted by the School and/or site to be considered.

Newcomer Centre of Peel A multi-service agency that assists the entire newcomer family in achieving settlement. NCP is a leader in the care of newcomer children through ongoing support and promotion of a safe, healthy, educational and happy environment that encourages each child’s physical, social, emotional, communication, cognitive and creative development.

Programs for children birth to school age including early learning and care and supports for children with disabilities. Students will be required to participate in an interview conducted by the School and/or site to be considered. Ontario Early Years Centres An Ontario Early Years Centre is a place for children up to the age of six and their parents and caregivers to take part in programs and activities together. Parents and caregivers can also get information about their children’s development and about services to support that development. Ontario Early Years Centres offers: early learning and literacy programs for parents and children, programs to help parents and caregivers in all aspects of early child development, programs on pregnancy and parenting, links to other early years programs in the community, outreach activities so all parents can get involved with their local Ontario Early Years Centre. The programs and services are free to all parents and caregivers of young children. These programs are offered at a variety of locations across the GTA. Although there is high availability for students per term, please note that not every location listed on the website undertakes students. Ontario Science Centre Internships with the Ontario Science Centre are arranged through the Field Education Coordinator. Students may not contact the OSC directly. Students will be required to participate in an interview conducted by the School and/or site to be considered. Students facilitate the play that occurs between children and families as they visit the KidSpark area of the OSC. Students work independently and/or collaboratively to create special projects and integrate them into the existing program. Science expertise is not required.

Parent and Family Literacy Centres Centres are located in schools across the TCDSB and TDSB. Parents and caregivers with infants and children, 0 to 6 years of age can attend these free programs. The centres introduce parents positively to the school system and deliver a range of play-based, problem solving activities in a culturally sensitive environment. A “Readiness to Learn” program is offered and parents are educated about child development, community resources and how they can best support their child’s learning through a family literacy and numeracy program.

These programs are offered at a variety of locations within the TCDSB and TDSB. Note that not every location listed on the website undertakes students or adheres to the full day placement requirement of our program.

Programs for Young Parents Jessie’s Centre Massey Centre Rosalie Hall

Students may be required to participate in an interview conducted by the School and/or site to be considered. Programs available are not unlike Family Support Programs, Ontario Early Years Centres, or Early Intervention Programs. The difference is in working with a specific population – young parents – and providing the support that young families need. Ronald McDonald House Students will be required to participate in an interview conducted by the School and/or site to be considered. This site is only available for CCLD464 internships The mission of Toronto’s Ronald McDonald House is to enhance the quality of life for out-of-town families with seriously ill children through a caring and supportive “home away from home”. The goal is to provide an atmosphere for families and their children where the familiar routines of home life can continue as much as possible. The house offers an atmosphere of compassion and understanding in a stressful and often frightening time. Students will implement various programs and services to reach that end which include expressive arts, baking, game events, movie nights, etc. Evenings are a requirement. Royal Ontario Museum Students may be required to participate in an interview conducted by the School and/or site to be considered. Students facilitate the play that occurs between children and families as they visit the ROM. A Students work independently and/or collaboratively to create special projects and integrate them into the existing program.

Toronto Botanical Gardens Students may be required to participate in an interview conducted by the School and/or site to be considered. Students facilitate the educational school and general public programs. Students may be placed at the Lawrence Ave or Edward Gardens location. Horticulture expertise is not required.