Humera Amla - Centennial Infant and Child Centre

In my placement at Centennial Infant & Child Centre, I had the opportunity to work one on one with children with complex developmental abilities, each having their own designated Individualized Education Plan (IEP). In my role, I supported them in an inclusive early learning environment by assisting with daily routines, implementing individualized strategies tailored to their developmental goals, and creating a nurturing space where each child could thrive socially, emotionally, and cognitively. 

My initial reaction to working with children in this placement was a mix of excitement and nervousness. I was eager to apply what I had learned in class and to build meaningful connections with the children, but I was also aware that this setting would be different from my previous experiences. Knowing that many of the children had diverse abilities, I wanted to ensure I was respectful, responsive, and supportive in the right ways. However, as I spent more time in the environment, I began to feel more confident. The warm, inclusive atmosphere created by the educators helped ease my nerves and allowed me to focus on being present, observant, and responsive to each child's unique needs and strengths.

One placement situation I initially found challenging was during the first few weeks when I was supporting a child with multiple exceptionalities, especially in navigating their medical needs. I often felt unsure of how to respond when the child became distressed, and this led to feelings of self-doubt. I was also nervous about the medical aspects of care. I had never worked with gastrostomy tubes or tracheostomies before, so it was all very new and unfamiliar to me.

I overcame these hurdles asking questions and leaning on the knowledge and support of the educators around me. Rather than trying to figure everything out on my own, I observed how the experienced staff interacted with the children, especially during medical concerns and challenging transitions. I also made it a point to ask clarifying questions and reflect on feedback. Overtime, my confidence grew as I became more familiar with the routines, medical concerns, and the children’s individual needs.

Through this experience, I learned that it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. What matters most is being open to learning and staying grounded in empathy and intention. I also realized that being observant, patient, and flexible are some of my strengths and that these qualities are essential in this field. This placement deepened my understanding of inclusive practice and reminded me that small, thoughtful actions can have a big impact on a child’s sense of comfort and belonging.

This field experience had a profound impact on my plans for working in the early childhood sector. It deepened my passion for inclusive education and showed me how meaningful it is to support children with diverse abilities in a way that honours their individuality. I saw firsthand how a thoughtfully designed environment, paired with responsive and compassionate educators, can help every child thrive.

It also expanded my understanding of what it means to be an advocate not just for children, but for families and inclusive practices more broadly. I now feel more committed than ever to creating spaces where all children feel seen, supported, and capable. This experience has inspired me to continue developing my skills in special education and to seek out opportunities where I can contribute to inclusive, collaborative learning environments.