Daniela Aguilar is part of the first cohort of co-op students from the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Her placement at Ready, Set, Go is not only helping to strengthen the organization’s support for newcomer families but also providing Aguilar with invaluable hands-on experience in her field. As Ready, Set, Go’s Family Support Assistant, she is gaining practical insights into a career path she is deeply passionate about exploring—child protection and family support.
Since 1996, Ready, Set, Go has been a cornerstone of support for new Canadian families in Windsor, addressing challenges like poverty, social isolation, and poor health. By fostering educational, child-centered environments in collaboration with local organizations, the initiative ensures families have the resources they need to thrive.
Alli Slavik, Family Support and Community Engagement Coordinator at Ready, Set, Go says the organization is committed to creating a supportive and dynamic team to help families navigate the challenges associated with being newcomers to Canada.
“We seek individuals who are eager to learn and are driven to work alongside those facing diverse social challenges,” says Slavik. “We have worked with the University of Windsor’s Psychology Practicum Course for years and have made long lasting impacts through that collaboration.”
Ready, Set, Go has strengthened its collaboration with the University of Windsor by welcoming its first Psychology co-op student, Daniella Aguilar, through the University of Windsor co-op program. Aguilar is among the first cohort of co-op students participating in work terms as part of the newly launched co-op programs within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Aguilar shares that her placement at Ready-Set-Go provides an opportunity to delve into a career path she is deeply interested in.
“The opportunity to be Ready, Set, Go’s Family Support Assistant is an amazing foundation for my career goal because they aid in addressing a variety of barriers for families and their children including low income, nutrition and social isolation,” she says.
Aguilar spends her days between Ready, Set, Go’s EarlyON Drop-In Centre and office, and the Matthew House Refugee Centre. Her tasks range from media outreach to referrals and activity planning.
“I engage with families and children ages birth to six by educating them about the importance of exercise, nutrition, and mental stimulation,” says Aguilar.
At Matthew House, Aguilar attends client appointments with her supervisor, engages with children, and provides aid to parents to help plan for their future.
“I am most proud of my work at Matthew House because our services bring relief that is very visible in our client,” she says.
Slavik says Aguilar’s dedications as a co-op student has been an asset to the Ready, Set, Go team.
“I have nothing but positive things to say about Daniela. Her proactive approach and enthusiasm inspire those around her, contributing to a collaborative and productive work environment,” she says.
Aguilar says her co-op experience has helped her apply theoretical concepts she’s learning in the classroom to real-world contexts.
“Many theoretical concepts in developmental psychology are seen in practical situations at my workplace, such as a child’s domain of development, their attachment styles, and their ability to learn multiple languages at once,” she says. “My co-op experience has directly enhanced my knowledge and skills in educating and communicating with children based on their age group.”
With one work-term almost complete, Aguilar plans to continue seizing opportunities to explore a career in child protection.
“Co-op has allowed me to see and attempt to understand the various barriers that families in Windsor face, and how we can help them as much as possible.”
Applications for Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (FAHSS) co-op programs are opening December 1st for UWindsor students.
Intersted in hiring a student from the FAHSS co-op program? Learn more here.