2. Jennifer Hughes jennifer_hughes@knights.ucf.edu 11.18.2010 EEX4070

3. Host Setting I completed my service learning with UCP. It is a charter school with various locations throughout Orlando. It opened over 50 years ago but the Bailes campus, where I volunteered opened in 2009. The school is completely inclusive and is uniquely designed.

4. Host Setting UCP is a non-profit organization Receives funding through the county Works in tandem with many insurance companies Contributions, material and financial, given by many businesses

5. Engagement Activities Extra help in the classroom One on one work with students Small group work with students Preparing for “Parent’s Night” Halloween Bash helpers for UCP’s annual Halloween Party at Loch Haven I volunteered at UCP 4 separate days and also at the Halloween Bash

6. Participant Demographics “ We serve kids with all types of special needs, including cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism, speech delays, developmental delays, and vision and hearing impairments.” (www.ucpcfl.org) Serves over 2,400 children-”one stop shopping” Roughly 25% non special needs population Grades Pre-k through 3 rd and therapy/support up to age 21

7. Participant Demographics Ms. Lawson and Ms. Mulberger’s 2 nd grade class 17 children and 2 co-teachers Various needs displayed in the classroom including: cerebral palsy, autism, communication disorders, ADHD, etc. IDEA states that “all children with disabilities be given a free appropriate public education.”-children can qualify for free tuition if they have an IEP. IDEA ensures all children to be educated in the least restricted environment-UCP is a fully inclusive school.

8. E-mail from Ms. Lawson I don't know if I thanked you enough for doing this powerpoint for us. We used it on Friday afternoon. It was the highlight of the day. The kids were so excited about this game vs their parents. Chris was jumping around every time the kids got a point. Of course the score ended up being 16 to 0. But it wouldn't have been possible without you. So.... thank you so much for making it come true! Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand. (ancient proverb) Doris E. Lawson M.Ed, NBCT Special Needs Teacher UCP of Central Florida 12702 Science Drive Orlando, Florida 32826 dlawson@ucpcfl.org Pnone: (407)281-0422 www.ucpcfl.org The Experts for Children with Special Needs

9. Service in Action

11. Perceptions of Differences I loved my experience at UCP and the Halloween Bash. I was nervous initially because I had never worked with kids who had special needs before but it sparked an interest in me. I would like to go back to school after I get my Bachelors to get a Masters Degree in Exceptional Education. The teachers were great examples of how to lead and create a classroom with stability and a “safe” environment. The kids were so welcoming and made me feel right at home. I learned just as much from the student’s as I did the teachers. One specific day that sticks out in my mind was when there was a fire drill. Another example was my last day when a little girl who was autistic and had emotional disturbances had an episode in the classroom.

12. Connections to Your Course I was completing my Teachers in Action through EEX 4070. I understand the concept of co-teaching better after being involved in Ms. Lawson and Ms. Mulberger’s class. Teachers working together can enhance instruction by each focusing on different subjects while the other works on keeping the class on task and getting the next activity ready. Adapting instruction was definitely a key element in the diverse classroom that I was in. There is such a wide spectrum of disorders that not everyone will have the ability to complete an assignment in the same way. I learned about establishing a routine and predictable environment for students with autism. This can include: posting a schedule, giving a 5 minute warning before changing to the next activity, adjusting the activities and having clear communication and expectations. These experiences will help me better prepared for my future students and their needs.

13. Civic Engagement I had never been involved in volunteering until I became an education student at UCF. I have learned that it is the most rewarding feeling being able to help others. It opens your mind and heart to people who on the outside may be different than you but on the inside are very much the same. I think volunteering and civic engagement are such an important aspect of growing up. Service learning should be a requirement for every major not just education. It is so eye opening and really helped me to feel a sense of peace in knowing that education is the right choice for me. Service learning allowed me to learn more than I ever could have in the classroom and in a more meaningful way. I will encourage anyone to get involved with an organization that is an interest to them and continue to volunteer myself.

14. Final Thoughts I feel so fortunate to have been able to be a part of a UCP classroom and Halloween event. The kids made such an impact on me and my perception of people with special needs. I plan on going back and visiting the classroom and helping out in any way that I can.