My New Job

So I've gotten email from people that are telling me I've been mysterious about my new job.  Trust me, that was not my intention.  I'm extremely proud of the place I work and just wanted to get settled in before I blasted it all over Speech Lady Liz. 

In advance thanks for being patient as I've figured my life out and gotten settled in this new job.  It's different than what I've been used to and has taken a little adjusting.  I work at a place called Black Bear Academy in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood.  It's a pre-school owned by an SLP who is extremely passionate about providing the best services for all her students.  So let me give you some basics on ol' Black Bear.  Black Bear is a pre-school with 2 different tracks.  A neuro-typical pre-school (taught by early childhood educators) and a therapeutic pre-school (taught by SLPs).  The facility is top of the line and coming from the public schools it's amazing to me the kind of materials that are now at my fingertips. I've always loved working with the little one's and here I really get to know each child.  If you ask any of my old co-workers they will tell you that I used to cry and blubber about how I wish I had more time with each child to work on all their goals.  When you're in the public schools and have 60+ kids on your caseload it is physically impossible to be able to do that.  In the therapeutic classes, Black Bear has a 3:1 student to teacher ratio (yes, I allow all of you to be super jealous right now).  I see some kids for 7-8 hours a week. Talk about seeing improvement.  There is consistency and you truly get to know the child.  Basically everything I always wanted in the public schools, but realized was physically impossible to achieve.  I'm still figuring out my role and how I can continue to provide you all with resources and materials that will fit all of your caseloads.  I will do my best, but bare with me.  My dad always says that when he doesn't hear from his children it usually means that everything is going well, so take this recent absence in posts as a sign that Speech Lady Liz is happy and will be back in full swing soon.  Make sure to check out the Black Bear website.  I still have some work to do, but I might have already had my hand in it. :)

If you would have told me that I would be blogging and organizing websites last year I would have laughed in your face....I guess the joke is on me!

Also, if you live in the Chicago area and have any questions about Black Bear, please email me and I would love to give you more information.

Yay to new jobs and new experiences!