FCIC Student Trainee Program Benefits Those Interested in Developmental Disabilities, Early Childhood Education and Special Education
The Florida Center for Inclusive Communities offers an Interdisciplinary Trainee program for undergraduate and graduate students obtaining degrees that support individuals with developmental disabilities. Students participating in the program are provided with instruction, support, and mentorship from faculty and staff who are nationally recognized in the fields of developmental disabilities, early childhood education, special education, and positive behavior support.
Samantha Spillman (photo right), a recent trainee and Fall 2014 graduate of the ABA master’s program and the PBS Graduate Certificate, benefitted from the program in numerous ways.
“My experience as an FCIC trainee was wonderful,” said Samantha. “All the professors and staff helped me in more ways than one to become the behavior analyst that I am today. Frequent communication of the most up to date research, webinars, laws and policies has been wonderful, especially upon completion of the program. I also enjoyed being able to access research that I may not have had the pleasure of accessing, such as Universal Designs for Learning and Assistive Technology.”
Currently, Samantha is the Regional Director at Precision Teaching Learning Center in Wesley Chapel and the South Tampa area. She works with children who are struggling or wanting to advance grade levels by building academic skills to functional fluent levels.
“I work directly with almost every student at both centers, create the curriculum, attend IEP meetings, manage or advise cases, and conduct assessments for almost all incoming clients. I love to watch my students make huge academic gains while building confidence in skills that they may have never had before.”
The Interdisciplinary Training program is designed to enhance a student’s academic experience by providing additional supports and training across a wide range of disciplines through webinars, reports, and research students may not otherwise encounter. Trainees also have access to the AUCD national network and resources, which include funding and job opportunities, materials, research, and access to experts around the country. USF trainees have an opportunity to apply for FCIC travel grants for presentations and conferences that align with the FCIC mission and values.
“Being able to attend and present my research at the International Precision Teaching Conference in 2013 has not only helped me advance in my career, it also helped me meet people in the field of behavior analysis who share my common interests and goals,” said Samantha.
“In addition, it was very helpful to have access to professionals in my field of study. Dr. Don Kincaid was especially beneficial as my thesis advisor, and due to his knowledge and previous background in precision teaching, he also helped me to conduct my research in that area, which is a passion of mine. Dr. Heather George and Dr. Kwang-Sun Blair also created an opportunity for me to gain experience in the public school system. Access to these professionals both in and out of USF has helped me to develop as a well-rounded behavior analyst and precision teacher.”
“Samantha was an outstanding student and trainee,” said Dr. Jolenea Ferro, who serves as training director. "She took advantage of many of the benefits that being a trainee provides, including access to free supplementary training and travel funding to the Precision Teaching Conference."
USF students are eligible to be a trainee if they are enrolled in one of FCIC’s academic programs, the ABA program, or are mentored by one or more of the FCIC faculty through a practicum, internship, or their dissertation or thesis. Click here to view additional information.