blog #4

1. I will treat children and youth with respect and sensitivity to their needs and rights as developing persons.

          I as an intern at the children’s learning center of Hackensack have to respect the children and treat them as children with constant respect daily. I help them with delicate care to get them through their daily needs that will help them develop and grow into older adults.

2. I will strive to understand children and youth in the context of their families.

          This is one of my favorite principles because I can relate to is very much. This is the exact reason I choose to intern at the children’s center in the first place. This principle allows me to understand children developmentally grow through how they interact, play, sleep, etc. To become a Pediatric Occupational Therapist I must understand how children grow to give them the right care.

            These principles are especially important because as an intern at the children’s learning center I will have to respect every child and treat them with special care and understand their specific needs so I can assist them and help them grow positively. Working with Children requires delicate care and patients; this is the first step into working and helping children. 

Blog #5

Job Application Report

FCST 400

Senior Seminar

Montclair State University

Due May 1

Job application #1

I. Introduction:

1.      Provide a brief description of the type of job/graduate programs that you are you searching for after college. (If there is more than one discuss them all

I am searching for a job that involves learning about children’s developmental and learning skills. I want to become a Pediatric Occupational therapist after I save up enough money and work for about a year. I will start my master program in late 2015 or early 2016. I want to gain experience and work before I go back into school.

2.      How did you decide on this career path?

I have always worked with children since I was younger. I babysat, tutored, and was a teacher’s assistant in different schools. I love children and understand them well. So I know I will always enjoy working with children in the future.

3.      How do you think your personal and educational accomplishments have led you to this career path?

Well I always thought I would become a first grade teacher. I always loved working with children. So I thought I wanted to teach. After working in different schools and environments I knew it wasn’t for me. I know I loved children and wanted to work in a field where it was children friendly so I decided to help children by choosing Pediatric Occupational Therapy. I will be able to help children developmentally and will enjoy my career. After interning and choosing FCST as my career choice in school, this helped me decide what and be assertive of completing my goal of becoming a Pediatric Occupational Therapist.

II. Job Search/Career Fair Information/Grad School

Answer the following set of questions

1.      Where did you apply, or what career fair did you attend -- give as much information as you have.  I applied to The Children’s learning center of Hackensack.

2.      Name of organization, business etc., career fair and website is applicable. The name is The Children’s Learning Center of Hackensack.

3.      How did you find this job opening, grad program or career fair (i.e. the on-line, career services at MSU, word of mouth, etc. I found this job through my internship.

4.      Provide job announcement, link to graduate program website, or career fair announcement/e-mail. The job announcement is that I would be a substitute teacher or teachers assistant for The Children’s Learning Center.

5.      How did you submit your application (on-line, snail mail, in person etc.). I submitted it in person.

6.      List all the materials required for job application (resume, cover letter, description of qualifications, proof of educational attainment, GRE scores, Analogy test, transcript, letter of recommendations etc.).  The materials I need for this job was my bachelors degree, which I will achieve in May 2014.  I gave in a resume and I had to get my fingerprints done to remain there for my internship and to qualify for the job the director didn’t ask me for any other requirements.

7.      If you attended a career fair, who did you speak with and did you think there were organization there that matched your job goals? I didn’t attend a career fair.

8.      8. If you applied to a graduate school what materials did you have to submit (letter of application, transcripts, resume, letter(s) of references. Whom did you ask to write these (i.e. professor, personal reference?) and how many did you need. I didn’t apply to graduate school.

III. Job Search/Grad School/Career Fair Follow-up

1.      After you submitted your application(s) have you followed up in any way (e-mail, phone call)? I was offered the job while interning so I didn’t receive a phone call or e-mail.

2.      Have you heard anything from the organization/university you applied to or have you had any communication from organizations you visited at career fair? Yes, that I will for sure have a position opened for me when I graduate.

3.      Have they asked for more information and how did they contact you? Yes, by phone call, just to make sure when I will be coming in with my resume and for my interview.

4.      Have you received an interview…phone or in-person or by Skype? I received an interview in person.

5.      If you had an interview, where was the interview? At the learning center itself at the director’s office.

6.      Was it a group or an individual interview? It was an individual interview.

7.      Who interviewed you (name and position)? The owner/director, Ms. Danielle.

8.      Provide a brief description of how you thought the interview went: was it positive/negative/neutral? Do you think you had a good interview etc., why or why not? How might you improve your performance on your next interview? The interview went great. She and other staff members enjoy my work there as an intern so she is pleased to have me work there.

9.      Was the interviewer and questions asked what you expected, why or why not? Yes they were.

10.  What was the outcome of the interview? Describe whether you heard nothing or were rejected and how was that communicated? Or were you asked to attend a second interview or offered the job? Did they offer the job in the interview or in a follow up meeting, e-mail etc. For graduate school did you get accepted or not? How were you notified? I was notified about me getting the job in person before and during the interview.

11.  If offered the job, what is the current status: did you accept the position/place in graduate school, why or why not? Did you negotiate for salary? What is the title of your new position? When do you start? I still have not accepted. I am awaiting a response from other job places I applied too.

12.  Please provide any additional comments or information you think are relevant. I think I might take this job over other places I applied to; But not sure yet. I really enjoyed my time here interning, so I know I will love working there since I am used to being part of The Children’s Learning Center family.

Job Application Report

FCST 400

Senior Seminar

Montclair State University

 Due May 1

Job application #2

I. Introduction:

1.      Provide a brief description of the type of job/graduate programs that you are you searching for after college. (If there is more than one discuss them all

I am searching for a job that involves learning about children’s developmental and learning skills. I want to become a Pediatric Occupational therapist after I save up enough money and work for about a year. I will start my master program in late 2015 or early 2016. I want to gain experience and work before I go back into school.

2.      How did you decide on this career path?

I have always worked with children since I was younger. I babysat, tutored, and was a teacher’s assistant in different schools. I love children and understand them well. So I know I will always enjoy working with children in the future.

3.      How do you think your personal and educational accomplishments have led you to this career path?

Well I always thought I would become a first grade teacher. I always loved working with children. So I thought I wanted to teach. After working in different schools and environments I knew it wasn’t for me. I know I loved children and wanted to work in a field where it was children friendly so I decided to help children by choosing Pediatric Occupational Therapy. I will be able to help children developmentally and will enjoy my career. After interning and choosing FCST as my career choice in school, this helped me decide what and be assertive of completing my goal of becoming a Pediatric Occupational Therapist.

II. Job Search/Career Fair Information/Grad School

Answer the following set of questions

1.      Where did you apply, or what career fair did you attend -- give as much information as you have.  I applied to St. George School in Paterson where I volunteered at previously.

2.      Name of organization, business etc., career fair and website is applicable. The name is St. George School, Also called IEP.

3.      How did you find this job opening, grad program or career fair (i.e. the on-line, career services at MSU, word of mouth, etc. I found this job through my mother who already is a teacher’s assistant currently there. She referred me to her boss and the job opening.

4.      Provide job announcement, link to graduate program website, or career fair announcement/e-mail. The job announcement is that I would be teacher’s assistant at St. George School.

5.      How did you submit your application (on-line, snail mail, in person etc.). I submitted it in person at the director’s office.

6.      List all the materials required for job application (resume, cover letter, description of qualifications, proof of educational attainment, GRE scores, Analogy test, transcript, letter of recommendations etc.).  The materials I need for this job was my bachelors degree, which I will achieve in May 2014.  I gave in a resume and I had to get my fingerprints done to remain there for my internship and to qualify for the job and work with children. I needed a couple of previous recommendation letter which I received from my professors and current high school teachers. Also from board of education directors whom I have good relationships with.

7.      If you attended a career fair, who did you speak with and did you think there were organization there that matched your job goals? I didn’t attend a career fair.

8.      8. If you applied to a graduate school what materials did you have to submit (letter of application, transcripts, resume, letter(s) of references. Whom did you ask to write these (i.e. professor, personal reference?) and how many did you need. I didn’t apply to graduate school.

III. Job Search/Grad School/Career Fair Follow-up

1.      After you submitted your application(s) have you followed up in any way (e-mail, phone call)? I have not heard much yet since they have enough staff so far at the school.

2.      Have you heard anything from the organization/university you applied to or have you had any communication from organizations you visited at career fair?  Only that they will call me when they have an opening for teacher assistant positions.

3.      Have they asked for more information and how did they contact you? Yes, I got a call asking about when I would be available for summer hours if they had opening for the summer positions.

4.      Have you received an interview…phone or in-person or by Skype? No, I haven’t received a call for an interview yet.

5.      If you had an interview, where was the interview? I had no interview yet.

6.      Was it a group or an individual interview? None.

7.      Who interviewed you (name and position)? None.

8.      Provide a brief description of how you thought the interview went: was it positive/negative/neutral? Do you think you had a good interview etc., why or why not? How might you improve your performance on your next interview? Didn’t get the interview yet.

9.      Was the interviewer and questions asked what you expected, why or why not? So far the questions I have been asked were rational.

10.  What was the outcome of the interview? Describe whether you heard nothing or were rejected and how was that communicated? Or were you asked to attend a second interview or offered the job? Did they offer the job in the interview or in a follow up meeting, e-mail etc. For graduate school did you get accepted or not? How were you notified?  Still waiting for a response.

11.  If offered the job, what is the current status: did you accept the position/place in graduate school, why or why not? Did you negotiate for salary? What is the title of your new position? When do you start? I still not received a definite reply from the school.

12.  Please provide any additional comments or information you think are relevant. I hope to get answers fast; though I know I have a job promised at another school. I was told it will take a while before I get a call, but I am willing to wait until I graduate. 

Blog #3 final resume

Kadijah Awad

(973) 333-7422

Education:

Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ

Major: Occupational Therapy and Family Childhood Studies

Minor: Public Health

BA expected 2014

·         GPA: 3.8

Related Experience:

The Children’s Learning Center, Hackensack, NJ

Internship                                                                                                                               

·         Started January 2014  

·          Ending May 2014

Oasis, Paterson, NJ

Fieldwork

·         Started October 2013

·          Ended November 2013

Work Experience:

St. George School, Paterson, New Jersey

·         Full- time Teacher Assistant , Started June 2012- Ended August 2012                                               

·         Worked with children, 3-4 years of age.

·         Enjoyed taking care of children and staff, and assisting them with their needs

·         Served breakfast/lunch/ snack and prepared nap times and class activities

·         Formed strong friendships with children and families/parents

St. Joseph’s Hospital, Paterson, New Jersey  

·         Transporter, Started September 2011-Ended April 2012

·         Worked with patients of all ages.

·         Transported patients to rooms, other departments, and to their vehicle

·         Formed very friendly relationships with staff, boss, and nurses

Success Learning Center, Clifton, New Jersey                                                                                                                                                                                    

·         Tutor, Assist children between the ages 4- 15 years old, Started June 2013- Ended August 2013

·         Worked one on one to assist with homework

·         Helped prepare students for exams

·         Organized students’ paper work in files

Private Families, Clifton, Wallington, Garfield, Totowa, -New Jersey                                                                   

·         Childcare Provider, Started September 2013-  Still continuing Private tutoring

·         Provide care for children between the ages of 3-12 years old

·         Followed parents instructions very carefully, leaving them feeling safe and satisfied

Skills:

·         Languages: Bilingual (English and Arabic), Conversational with Spanish too

Blog #2

1) Briefly describe your internship site. Provide background information of your agency that you work in this semester (e.g. location, services offered, population served, etc). 

I choose to intern at The Children’s Learning Center in Hackensack New Jersey. The learning center is located exactly on 27 Fair Street, Hackensack, NJ, 07601. This learning center provides services to children between ages six months until five years old. It is a private tuition based learning center, so services are not government funded.  Each class has about ten to fifteen children with a range of two to three teachers per classroom (Depends on the range of children that attend the classroom per day). The learning center surrounds Hackensack hospital and is off of exit 65, Grand Street, on route 80.

2) Discuss why you chose this site and how you think it may play a role in your future career goals.

I hope to learn much more about families in my community. I am also growing as an early adult while interning, so it will be beneficial, as well as a great experience. This course and internship will allow me to mature even more and help as much as possible. It will allow me to learn how to deal with children and families hands on. I plan to get my masters in Pediatric Occupational Therapy after I graduate, so this will be great practice of dealing with young children along with their families. Overall, I hope to gain a lot of information and experience that will benefit me with my future plans and goals in life to help families and children in need.

3) Describe the physical aspects of the agency site and the neighborhood surrounding site.

The Children’s Learning Center of Hackensack is located in more of the poorer area, where families and children are living in poverty. The learning center I would say is located in an area that benefits these children in families since it is in demand to help these families. The facility is three floors high, including the basement. There is enough room for children in the classrooms, as well as a big playground outside for children to play. Classrooms and hall ways are decorated children friendly. There is a large parking lot enough for staff and parents to park their cars when dropping and picking up children in the morning and afternoon.

4) Although you are just starting your internship describe your initial impression of the strengths and weaknesses of the agency i.e. om what areas is the agency strong and in what areas are they lacking?.

The Children’s Learning Center of Hackensack is planning on rearranging the classrooms due to government educator authorities intervening because of laws that have been broken by the director and owner of the center.  Some of the weaknesses of the center were that they had an exceeded amount of children in each classroom and not enough teachers to give the children the attention they needed. Classrooms didn’t have regular schedules or daily lesson plans organized for children; classrooms were very hectic and didn’t seem in order. They didn’t have lesson plans and an organized daily activity schedule for the children. Teachers weren’t trained to run a classroom properly. Some of the strengths of the center recently, is that the director/owner is now trying to get the learning in shape. She is now offering training for teachers so they can conduct a classroom properly and following the states regulations to ensure children get the right learning services.

5) Identify the funding source(s) for this agency (i.e. state, federal etc.)

The Children’s Learning center of Hackensack is privately owned. It is a monthly tuition based system per child. Every child is responsible of bringing their own personal classroom supplies, lunches, and snacks per day of the week. Classroom materials are provided by the director/owner.

6) Tell us if you think there is an opportunity for full-time work once you graduate. Why or why not?

There is an opportunity for a full time job for me after I graduate because I was offered a full time job there after  I graduate this May 2014!

Blog # 3

Resume Draft

Name: Kadijah Awad Age:  21 Home Number: 973-523-7306 Cell Number: 973-333-7422

Summary: Seeking employment for experience and to earn an income to expense on college and family expenses/needs. Very responsible, hardworking, always on time, friendly/social, and a fast-learner. Full-time student at Montclair State University, though great balancer. Enjoy school, family, friends, and working.

Work Experience:

 St. George School, Teacher Assistant.

·         Worked with children, 3-4 years of age.

·         Worked from 7a.m. till 5p.m., Monday through Friday.

·         Enjoyed taking care of children and staff, and assisting them with their needs.

·         Served breakfast/lunch/ snack, prepared nap times and class activities.

·         Formed very friendly friendships with children and families/parents.

St. Josephs Hospital, Transporter.

·         Worked with patients of all ages.

·         Worked from 5p.m. till 9:30 p.m. every Friday in high school.

·         Transported patients to rooms and departments. Also, transported them to their vehicle.

·         Formed very friendly relationships with staff, boss, and nurses.

Success Learning Center, Tutored.

·         Assist children of ages 4- 15.

·         Worked one on one to assist with homework .

·         Helped prepare students for exams.

·         Organized students’ paper work in files.

Other:

Babysitting.

·         Babysitting Children ages 3-12.

·         Take care and was very responsible with children.

·         Followed parents instructions very carefully and they were very satisfied.

·         Started this job in high school and is still do babysitting.

Community involvement.

·         Volunteered in high school activities, bake sales and fundraisers. Completed field experience work at Oasis in Paterson NJ. Also in college activities/clubs (now).

Tutoring.

·         Tutor children after school.

·         Helpe them with reading skills, math skills, science skills, etc; and homework.

Education:

Montclair State University.

·         3.8 GPA.

·         Involved in associations/clubs and activities.

·         90 credits- finished 3 years at Montclair State University.

·         Graduate year 2014.

·         Major: Occupational therapy and Family Childhood Studies.

·         Minor: Public health.

·         Internship: The Children’s Learning Center of Hackensack.

Interests: I enjoy Running, Working  out/gym, cleaning, working, and having fun with my family and friends.

Languages: Fluent English and Arabic. Understands Spanish too.

Blog #1

1) Please tell us about yourself. For example what is the funniest thing that ever happened to you or what about your makes you interesting?

          Hey, my name is Kadijah; my friends call me JiJi for short. Some hobbies that I enjoy are, running, working out, and hanging out with friends and family. One interesting thing about me is that I can speak three languages. I speak Arabic, English, and Spanish. This is beneficial for me since I will be working with diverse families in work force.  I am graduating this May 2014, as you may know, and I am super excited to get my career on the road. I love helping children and families, and I want to continue working with children and families that are in need in the near future. I have always worked with children since high school; whether I volunteered or had a paying job. I hope to continue working and being successful doing what I love.

2) Please tell us your concentration. Why did you choose this concentration?

         

           I am a Family Services concentration. I choose this concentration because I want to get my Masters in Pediatric Occupational Therapy. Occupational Therapy falls under Family Services so this will allow me to get a head start towards my future plans after graduation.

3) What is the name of your internship site and what is your position?

          I am Interning at The Children’s Learning Center in Hackensack. I don’t have a solid position, but I will be floating and learning about all aspects of the center (managing, shadowing, and being in classrooms).

4) What are your current career or graduate school plans? Or tell us if you plan to marry rich or travel the world!

          I plan on getting my masters in Pediatric Occupational Therapy.  hopefully after graduation! I might take a year off and get back on my school grind or get right into it in September 2014.

5) Also, tell us about your family - for example - are your parents married or not, do you live with them, do you have siblings, pets etc? What is an activity you like to share with your family? etc.

          My mother and father have been divorced for about six years now. Honestly, I don’t have a good relationship with my dad, so I am enjoying life now with my mom. I only have one sister. We are a year and 6 months apart, so we have a strong bond. My mother basically raised me on her own, along with my younger sister, so we are all extremely close. I love my small family. I couldn’t have asked for a better mom or sister. We love watching movies, going out, and enjoying each other’s company.

6) Please also write about 1 or 2 topics on the syllabus that interest you and WHY.

One topic that caught my eye was talking about working with diverse families. I especially will enjoy this topic because I will work with diverse families with my future plans and work with diverse families now. So I am pretty familiar with this topic, but not completely. Another topic that I found interesting is the guest speakers that will be coming in that are already in our work field. I will love to learn everything I don’t know and about t what I can maybe experience in my career choice. I find this very helpful for us students that are graduating and will soon be job seeking with families and children.

7) Last tell me what you think about wikis - or what you learned from the video.

Honestly, It’ s taking me a while to get used to. I was confused about linking wiki to my blog. Other then that the work load posted on wiki is fair. It’s a structure I am not familiar with, so I guess that is why it took me some time to get a hang of.  I learned how to upload, edit, and save my work from the wiki video.