Leila Gonzales

Hi, my name is Leila Gonzales and I have been working with children for as long as I can remember. In 2021, I received my ECE diploma and graduated from Humber College. After working with the YMCA of the Greater Toronto as a supplu educator, I decided to continue my studies to pursue a career in Resource Consulting at Humber College under the Inclusive Resource Practice program. Throughout the years, I have observed children and families experiencing and expressing their needs and guidance. As an educator, I realize that childcare environments are not fully equipped to tend to children and families needs, especially to those experience developmental or intellectual difficulties. Through this, I was inspired to pursue an advocacy towards special needs children and to help better understand them and their families. I successfully graduated from the Inclusive Resource Practice program in April 2022. Currently, I am actively looking for a career as a resource consultant, so that I may begin building a mark in this community.

Over the course of five years, I have been fortunate to work as an educator in different environments such as a school (Dufferin & Peel District School Board), summer camp, and childcare. Currently, I am working as a RECE supply with the YMCA of the Greater Toronto. In 2022, I had been working as a full-time support staff with the YMCA. However, I was inspired to pursue a career and education in Resource Consulting, so I transitioned from a full-time to supply position as I attended by studies. Throughout my experiences in these settings, I have met and worked with countless professionals, children, and families that need guidance when it comes to their children's developmental and intellectual needs. As an educator, I have learned to practice active listening and to value family-centred practice when communicating with children and families. Based on experience, by valuing children and families, strategies and approaches are more effective due to their awareness, knowledge, and contribution.

In 2021, I received my Early Childhood Education diploma from Humber College. Immediately, I was hired as a RECE supply with the YMCA of the Greater Toronto In April 2021. A few months later, I was hired as a full-time support staff in June 2021. The YMCA gave me an opportunity to work with all age groups, more frequently between preschool and infant. As the fall approached, I was inspired to pursue my studies in Resource Consulting. In September 2021, I attended the Inclusive Resource Practice program at Humber College. The program helped me to view children and families in a different perspective. It taught me to be patient, compassionate, and understanding. Furthermore, it helped me to realize how much help was needed in the community as I experienced working with children and families who experienced developmental or intellectual delays as I worked as an educator. After almost a tear of receiving this certificate, I am ready to make an impact on children and families by building healthy relationships and providing them with evidence-based strategies, approaches, and experiences.