Student Interns:
Alyssa Lacava
Drexel University, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Creative Arts in Therapy
Olivia Trotto
Drexel University College of Medicine
Academic Preceptor:
Kelley White, MD
Drexel University College of Medicine
Community Preceptor:
Conny Lockwood
Frankie’s World
Community Site:
Frankie’s World is a nonprofit medical day care center and preschool for children with medical needs in the Philadelphia area. Frankie’s World is staffed by a group of skilled nurses, energetic teachers, and kind aides who all work together to provide comprehensive medical care and engaging and thoughtful early childhood education. This care encourages physical, social, and educational development throughout early childhood. Frankie’s World is a safe and accepting place for children of all walks of life to play, learn, and grow together.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns assisted staff at Frankie’s World in planning, organizing, and leading a day care class and a summer camp for children with medical needs. Each day, the interns planned and led educational lessons, craft activities, and group games for children aged 5 to 10. The interns incorporated a range of activities to help the students practice both gross and fine motor skills and to encourage their social and emotional development. The interns used adaptable and kid-friendly techniques to promote a welcoming and exciting environment for all children.
Reflections
“Being at Frankie’s World has taught me a lot about what it means to work with 2- and 3-year-old children of varying physical and developmental abilities. I learned how to be attentive to each individual child. Gradually I was able to see each child’s personality, cleverness, and creativity shine through as I was able to attune myself to their thoughts, feelings, and needs, which were not always communicated verbally. Each child experienced food, art, song, dance, and play with their own individual flair. Additionally, I learned what it means to communicate and work within a multidisciplinary health setting. I communicated about schedules and roles with various speech therapists, physical therapists, nurses, administrators, and other professionals. I was very impressed with this day care facility and all that it does for the children who require its services. Through this experience I was able to reflect on what it means to accommodate individuals with varying abilities. Places like Frankie’s World are crucial because traditional day cares and preschools often do not have the staff or resources necessary to give these kids adequate care. This space allows for them to get an academically and socially enriching experience where they otherwise may have been isolated due to structural and systemic ableism in many public and educational spaces. I hope to take this experience with me by prioritizing physical and mental accommodations into my own practice.”
Alyssa Lacava
“Frankie’s World is a place where kids with medical and developmental needs get to just be kids. I spent the summer working in the camp program, and one of the first things I noticed was how much joy and personality each child brings. Whether they’re playing tag, dressing up, or dancing around the room, the focus here is on letting kids connect, have fun, and feel seen, not just managing their medical needs. Being around the kids every day reminded me how important that kind of space is. I also learned a lot just by watching how the staff interacted with them: the patience, creativity, and flexibility it takes to create a safe and fun environment. There were moments when I wasn’t sure what the right approach was, especially coming from a hospital background, but over time I learned to slow down, pay attention, and just be present. This experience has made me think more about what inclusion really means, and how small changes in our environment and attitude can make a big difference. I feel lucky to have been part of a place that values every child’s individuality and lets them shine.”
Olivia Trotto