Counselor-In-Training (C.I.T.) Program
We'd like to welcome you to the staff of the Daisy Recreation Program. You're joining an outstanding program and you will be working with an exceptional group of people.
Our kids (soon they'll be your kids) are delightful. Putting aside for the moment their individual special needs, you'll find quickly that they require the same love, care, attention and concern from others as we all do. You'll find the same range of individual characteristics and qualities in our "Daisy Kids" as you would find in the mainstream population. Our "kids" are not any different than their main-stream peers.
The purpose of the C.I.T Program at Daisy is to provide you with experiences to help develop your skills and talents. You will learn about people, and learn more about yourself as you begin to work with us. You'll help to further develop an excellent program by adding your unique qualities and enthusiasm and at the same time have the wonderful experience of helping others to find pleasure in their lives. Our program continues to grow more effective and responsive to the "kids" needs as the seasons pass. Your skill in working with this special population will help us to continue to develop as you get involved.
Don't be concerned about how you'll react to individuals who have special needs. You will not have any more problems than you would at entering into any new situation. Being nervous, excited, apprehensive, worried and concerned is part of life. It will not become overwhelming nor will it be unhealthy to experience these mixed feelings.
You'll quickly sense that the key to our continued success is the warm feeling that we have toward the children and toward one another.
We are fully aware that for many individuals who become C.I.T. s this is often the first step in independence. It may be the first experience you will have that makes demands on your mind, your emotions and most definitely on your heart.
You will be assigned to a group and a Division Leader. The Division Leader will give you information on how the group of "kids" with whom you'll work, functions. The Division
You must always be concerned for the safety of the participants ("kids") in your group. Never allow situations to develop where you are losing control. Think ahead, plan and prevent accidents.
Never leave any participant alone. You are responsible for them. No excuses. Bring them to the Division Leader or ask another staff member to take charge if needed. Some participants will wander off even if you think they won't. We’re not joking when we say you must count the number of participants so you know that none have strayed or gotten lost. Use your common sense to determine if you need assistance.
You are considered an integral part of the staff. Your suggestions and questions will be well received. We want you to ask "Why?", if you don't understand something. Your questions will make the rest of the staff aware of any problems.
Don't be shy at asking for help. It's not a sign of weakness but indicates maturity. This is supposed to be a training program for you. We all are most anxious to help you.
Many of our participants are on restricted diets and many have restrictions on their activities. Please do not give them any food of any kind at any time as they may have an adverse reaction to it.
Do not under any circumstances give the participants medication.
When you are with your kids, your participation in all activities is essential. The participants and counselors all get involved. When you're with your group you can't disregard the participants and have a conversation with another staff member. If the kids don't see you participating they won't participate. Most of our kids need a "hands on" approach. This requires that you literally catch, run, sing, cut, jump, hit, etc. with a child. Some kids lack confidence as well as skill. You have to be prepared to get directly involved. Your enthusiasm will rub off on everyone.
Prior to the beginning of the program we will have meetings. Your attendance is necessary. At these meetings questions will be asked as well as answered, information will be exchanged, and you'll become more confident and familiar with the program.
Your attendance every day is essential. The children will depend on you as will the rest
of the staff. If you are sick, please call Janice on her cell phone at 732-236-2588.
Our day begins promptly at 8:30 a.m.. Please do not be late as we will have problems with trips and meetings. Your program day ends at 4:30 p.m. Please don't ask to leave before that time.
Each of us feels that working with the Daisy participants is a very special experience. We care about the participants as people who are in need of assistance. We hope and expect that you will see and feel our spirit and it will become part of you.
The C.I.T. program is in many cases, the first step toward a paid position as a staff member. Not every C.I.T. can work as a counselor in future programs. Your work with us provides us with an indication of your ability and potential.
I'll be happy to provide information and answer questions. I'm easy to contact; just call me on my cell at 732-236-2588 or reach me via e-mail at janice.pennington@eastbrunswick.org.
Janice Tangen-Pennington, Coordinator, Daisy Recreation Program
Forms you will need to download to register as a C.I.T.
1. 2012 C.I.T. Memo Re: Registration as a C.I.T.
2. 2012 C.I.T. Memo Re: C.I.T. Program
3. 2012 Program Description (Read but do not return)
4. Directions to Daisy Recreation Center, Bicentennial Park (DO NOT SUBMIT)
5. 2012 Staff Medical Record and Physical Examination Form
6. 2012 Application for C.I.T. Program
7. 2012 C.I.T. Emergency Home Contact
8. Two (2) copies of Reference Check
9. 2012 Child Abuse Record Information Form (CARI Form)
10. 2012 Department of Children and Families Information for Parents and Staff
11. 2012 Discipline Policy
12. 2012 Staff Medication Policy
13. 2012 Township Smoking Policy
14. 2012 C.I.T. Committment to Work
15. 2012 Township Drug and Alcohol Policy (Read but do not submit)
16. 2012 Township Drug and Alcohol Policy "Sign Off Form"
If you or your parent have any questions, please contact me through my cell phone at
732-236-2588 or via e-mail at janice.pennington@eastbrunswick.org.
Janice Tangen-Pennington, Coordinator, Daisy Recreation Program