Infant and Preschool Clinic - Clinical

Infant and Preschool Clinic; “Secret Agent Society” Intervention The Infant and Preschool Clinic provides comprehensive assessment of young children in the context of their families as well as older individuals who may be functioning at a much younger level. The staff completes comprehensive assessments which include testing and interviewing the child and/or parent with standardized measures (cognitive, diagnostic, academic, and adaptive functioning), collection of questionnaire data (from parents, caregivers, and teachers), and observation of the child ( in clinic, in school/daycare, and/or at home, as clinically appropriate and feasible), and review of previous assessments. The student will learn, administer and score a variety of measure, in close consultation with faculty. The student will also learn behavioral management techniques Children evaluated include those with suspected autism and other developmental disabilities (e.g., intellectual disabilities), identified genetic disorders, fetal alcohol exposure, challenging behaviors, and a variety of other concerns. The practicum student or students must have a working knowledge, and preferably experience, working with young children and their caregivers. Young children often present with unique behavioral issues that require specific and flexible strategies to optimize their participation in cognitive assessment. The student’s learning experience will be two-fold: learning assessment techniques for individuals who present with a wide range of abilities, and learning positive and flexible behavioral strategies with which to elicit the participation and cooperation of those children. The student will score related self-report research measures, check the scoring of testing protocols completed by others ( as others will check the students), and draft assessment summaries of measures administered. The student may accompany the lead clinicians on observations, as scheduling allows. The Intern may also assist the group intervention: “Secret Agent Society” http://www.sst-institute.net/ an evidence based intervention for 8-12 year olds with social communication/autistic spectrum disorders. This opportunity is optional. How many positions are being offered, with what starting and ending dates? The maximum number of positions offered is two, but the number of positions depends on the number of qualified candidates. This is an advanced practicum experience; candidates with extensive early childhood experience are preferred. Please contact Kbest@mednet ucla.edu for clarification of experience needed Trainees are expected to work two mornings or one full day per week (approximately 8-10 hours). The amount of time does not include department seminars and courses. Specific days to be determined; not all combinations of days are possible ( not Thursday) The assessments will take place in the 300 Medical Plaza Building or the Semel Institute. Evaluation rooms are appropriate for young children and include a one-way mirror for viewing from the observation room so the student may watch assessments in which she/he is not directly involved. The student will share work space and a computer. The student needs to be able to return calls or emails to the supervisor in a timely manner Minimal expectations of supervision are one hour per week; typically a ratio of 1 hour supervision to 4 hours of direct human service delivery is expected. Supervision occurs individually or in small group. The practicum student is taught and must review the necessary assessment tools, observes administration, and then participate in supervised administrations able to demonstrates consistent, reliable administration.