Our Early Childhood and Family Development team not only helps parents learn how to become successful teachers for their children, but it also allows parents to step out of their busy schedules to spend meaningful time with their children. This is especially true for Sheila, a full-time social worker, and her daughter, Alana.
Sheila began working with our Early Childhood and Family Development team in July 2022. Alana has autism and has struggled with communicating with her family as she is nonverbal. Sheila has worked with other service providers, but she was searching for a program that would allow her to connect with and learn alongside her daughter. When Sheila reached out to our Family Development Coordinator, Judy, she found that in the Parents as Teachers program at TCCA.
Sheila already shared a strong bond with Alana, and the Parents as Teachers program further strengthened their connection. Through the engaging activities, Sheila gained valuable insights, while the program provided a supportive space for her to engage openly with her PAT educator, ask questions, and deepen her understanding of child development.
Sheila said, “I enjoy working with our case manager, Judy, who has always been very intentional with not only her training activities that I share with my little one, which addresses Autism, but also with being cognizant of the challenges in adapting programming and training activities, while still being open to identifying ways to connect to our needs.”
Since working with the family, Judy has seen both mother and daughter make progress towards their goals. Alana has gotten better at expressing herself with the assistance of her picture exchange communications system (PECS), while Sheila has become more assertive when advocating for herself and working with other service providers.
The family hopes to continue to work on Alana’s motor skills and her use of her PECS. Judy continues to be Sheila’s support, listening to her concerns as they work towards Alana’s next set of goals.
This family’s journey is a testament to the power of personalized support and the difference it can make for families. With dedication, collaboration, and care, Sheila and Alana are creating a brighter future—one step at a time.
