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We know that children are helped most quickly when teachers and parents work together consistently to respond to a child's emotional needs. Anxious parents find it difficult to hear that their children have problems and so will avoid parent meetings. Teachers are already stretched to respond to the needs of 24 children and can find it difficult to implement a plan with a single child. Yet, timing is crucial. Thus, our interns "meet" with parents over the phone, in the hallway and in parking lots, in addition to the play therapy room. Brief communications form the trust that encourages parents to come in to meet with interns regularly.
We regularly complete annual evaluations with parents and teachers at our on-site locations. Here is what some of our parents said about the services received from The Link to Children (TLC), Inc.:
"[the intern] has been able to get to know the different styles of the teachers" and "I like the way she communicates with the teachers and her tone of voice while speaking" and "[the intern] has brought positive interacting (sic) among the children, families and staff. We are very fortunate to have her here on site."
Parents have said:
- "I have learned that my son is way more aware of the tensions between his father and myself than I ever thought. I have become more thoughtful and calmer because I am more aware of the things that trigger emotions."
- "As a parent, I set the boundaries. As long as I am consistent, my kids are more confident and secure."
- "I need to take time to relax and address my children's needs with patience rather than instantly reacting to what they want or demand."
- "We cannot cast our child in the same mold as our older child — each child's needs and wants are different."
- "Our interactions are no longer explosive — we're calmer — he's a happier child."
Teachers have said:
- "[the intern] has been able to get to know the different styles of the teachers."
- "I like the way she communicates with the teachers and her tone of voice while speaking."
- "[the intern] has brought positive interacting (sic) among the children, families and staff. We are very fortunate to have her here on site."
Former TLC Interns have said:
- "I am certain that the experience I gained at TLC and the connections I made will not only contribute to my capacity to serve the patients at C(hildren’s) H(ospital) O(akland), but that it also contributed greatly to my being accepted to this position."
- "I am impressed by the level of focus on those specific issues (related to cultural competence) — other placements do not offer this."
- "It is a valuable experience and a good connection to have in this area of clinical practice."
- "The best training/dedicated staff and agency to Early Childhood Mental Health. Very supportive, healthy work environment and agency culture."
- "Thank you for the superb training and great work experience!"
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