Major of the Month - Child Life

Have you ever thought that you would like to work in a hospital, specifically with children, but Nursing just isn't for you?  A new major is popping up that might be for you: Child Life.  What exactly is Child Life you might be wondering.  Child life specialists work with seriously ill and hospitalized children, adolescents and their families.  

Children undergoing medical treatment have unique developmental, social, emotional and educational needs, as do their families. Child life specialists are specially trained members of health care teams who focus on addressing these needs.  Some specific responsibilities of a child life specialist include teaching children ways to cope with painful medical procedures, helping children understand their diagnosis in an age appropriate manner, supporting families during stressful situations, and promoting play and normal childhood development in the healthcare setting.

A child life specialist is an important part of the healthcare team working to improve outcomes for the hospitalized child by advocating for the child’s unique needs.  Child life specialists work in a variety of settings, such as pediatric inpatient and outpatient units, hospital emergency rooms, clinics and intensive care.

Springfield College, University of New Hampshire, Utica College and Wheelock College are just a few colleges that offer Child Life as a major.

20 Questions to Ask Your School Counselor

Here is a great list of questions compiled by The CollegeBoard to ask your school counselor!

Your school counselor is one of your best resources as you plan for college. Your counselor has information about admission tests, college preparation, and your education and career options. Here are some basic questions to help get your conversation started:

1. What courses do I need to take to be ready for college?
2. How should I plan my schedule so I'll complete them?
3. Which elective courses do you recommend?
4. Which AP^® courses should I consider taking?
5. When is the PSAT/NMSQT^® going to be given?
6. How should I study for the SAT^®, and is it given at this high school or do I need to go somewhere nearby?
7. Do you have any college planning sessions scheduled?
8. Do you have college handbooks or other guides that I can browse or borrow?
9. What activities can I do at home and over the summer to get ready for college?
10. What kinds of grades do different colleges require?
11. Are there any college fairs at this school, or nearby?
12. What colleges do other kids from our school go to?
13. What are the requirements or standards for the honor society?
14. Can you put me in touch with recent grads who are going to the colleges on my wish list?
15. Do you have any information to help me start exploring careers?
16. If my colleges need a recommendation from you, how can I help you know me better, so it can be more personal?
17. Are there any special scholarships or awards that I should know about now, so I can work toward them?
18. Can I see my transcript as it stands now, to see if everything is as I think it should be?
19. What forms do I use to apply for financial aid and where I can find them online?
20. How does our school compare to others, in terms of test scores and reputation?

Reality Check

Your school counselor may be the most accessible person on the planet, or may be juggling a thousand students and barely know your name. So, remember that the person who has the biggest stake in your academics is you. It's up to you to stay on top of opportunities and deadlines so you can take control of your future. (1)

1.  http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/starting-points/114.html

Math Accuplacer Boot Camp

Are you unhappy with your Placement Test score?

Join the QCC Math Department for an intensive, fun, helpful and FREE week of instruction and on-line work designed to improve your math skills and prepare you to retest on the College Placement Test

Math Boot Camp Schedule

Boot Camp 1: July 11 - 15 Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Boot Camp 2: July 18 - 2121 Monday - Thursday, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Boot Camp 3: August 1 - 5    Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Boot Camp 4: August 8 - 12  Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Boot Camp 5: August 8 - 11  Monday - Thursday, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Boot Camp 6: August 15 - 18 Monday - Thursday, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

 Individuals requesting accommodations should contact Disability Services at 508.854.4771 / TTY: 508.854.5424 or email: disabilityservices@qcc.mass.edu 18 The best place to get your mind in shape!

Your Plan for College

Your Plan for College offers students a place to organize academic information, test scores, activites and personal information. You can use the site to research colleges and find the best fit for you or plan for your career. This new website also allows for direct communication between you and your guidance counselor and GEAR UP advisor. You will be able to request recommendation letters, upload transcripts and submit and track college applications with just the click of a button. If you haven't registered yet stop by the GEAR UP office and we will get you set up. If you have already registered, start exploring!

www.yourplanforcollege.org

Experience College for a Day!

Dependent Verification

Seniors, have you received a dependent verification form like the one pictured here?  This form takes just minutes to complete.  If you require assistance please bring the form (signed by parent or guardian) and signed tax returns for both student and parent/guardian to GEAR UP right away.  It is important for students and families to understand that once you are selected for verification your financial aid award package will not be completed until all requested documents have been received at the college.  If you ignore the request you will not get an award letter and you will not receive aid (grants, loans, work-study).  If you have any questions or concerns, have lost your letter, or need any assistance at all please see GEAR UP right away!

Required Immunizations for College Freshmen

Planning to go to college in the fall?  Our friends at mycollegecalendar.org put up a timely reminder today about the Hepatitis B immunization.  This must be given in 3 doses over a 5-6 month period.  If you start the series now you'll be all set for a fall completion.  Most colleges will require proof of immuniation for serveral other common ailments so check with the institutions you have been accepted to and review the requirements with your physician.

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