Debbie Litten/Practicum Journal

Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland Eastern Shore

Journal Entry 1-May 15, 2016
I was very excited to begin my practicum. Surprisingly, I was nervous my first day.
Not knowing exactly what tasks I would be preforming did cause some unexpected stress.
Fortunately, the people I am working with were all very kind and welcoming.
The Easter Seals facility is set up with the service programs on the first floor and the
administrative offices on the second floor. There is a distinct separation of the two areas.
I am working up stairs in the area of volunteer engagement and preformed two main tasks
today. First, I conducted research for a project to recruit individuals to volunteer their
time and talents at the centers. Second, I worked on a power point and bulletin board to
be used for the Adult Day Services program. The purpose was to outline the rights and
responsibilities of program participants. In addition, I toured the public resource area that
provides information on the various programs Easter Seals provides the community.
My practicum at Easter Seals will certainly be a major change for me. I have spent
my entire career working with children. As an administrator in the field of early
childhood education, the rule is to never stay in your office. The administrator must be
visible and interact with the parents and children through out the day. There is minimal
computer work and the days are spent preforming hands on activities. I am use to an
environment that is fast paced and active.
However, at Easter Seals the administrators work in their office and attend meetings
most of the day. It appears a large part of an administrators role is developing and

implementing programs. There is little involvement with the participants utilizing

services on the first floor. The business atmosphere is also calm and quiet.
I feel this will be a challenging practicum, however, I welcome the challenge. I have
never been one to sit in an office and work on a computer. This will be a good chance for
me to evaluate if I prefer to work in a peaceful or eventful work environment. I also need
to evaluate if I would enjoy spending most of the day working on a computer versus
working directly with those that need services.
This practicum is also allowing me to work with various software programs that are
new to me. I have discovered I need to improve my computer skills. I plan on working
on my computer skills at home in order to take advantage of the opportunities at Easter
Seals. The time has come for me to embrace technology. In conclusion, I do feel this
practicum is a good match that will assist me in determining my career path.