Jumpstart Site Manager of the Year: Osvaldo Cabadas
The Department of Child and Adolescent Development‘s long-time Jumpstart site manager, Osvaldo Cabadas, has been named Jumpstart Site Manager of the Year. This national award honors Jumpstart site managers who have consistently met program performance goals and who have demonstrated excellence in mentorship of undergraduate student recruits (Jumpstart Corps Members) as well as leadership within the Jumpstart community. Child and Adolescent Development faculty and Jumpstart Campus Champion Emily Russell wrote, “Osvaldo represents the very best of Jumpstart and is very deserving of this award. He is an asset to our Department, College, Campus and Community!”
Jumpstart for Young Children has had a strong presence at CSUN for nearly two decades. The early education program is for children aged three through five, and is available thanks to a grant from California Volunteers and AmeriCorps. Housed in the Department of Child and Adolescent Development, but open to students of all majors, the program works with Volunteers of America (VoA) and the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) to match CSUN students with children in the community. The objective is to encourage and help children from traditionally under-served backgrounds, support their socio-emotional development, and develop a love of reading that can last a lifetime.
As the site manager, Cabadas works closely with Russell and CSUN Jumpstart corps members. He trains the students for their roles in Jumpstart then mentors and coaches them throughout the year. When asked what this award means to him he told us: “This recognition is an honor. As a first generation and transfer student, the Jumpstart program connected me to a community and developed my commitment to early education. I gained friendships, mentors, and experience that shaped my professional development. As site manager, along with our CSUN Jumpstart team, we continue to build and strive to provide a meaningful learning experience for our Corps Members as they support early education in the classroom.
“I’m grateful to the wonderful colleagues and mentors who have supported the Jumpstart program over the years. Thank you to professors, site managers, and program directors for your support, coaching, and kindness. Thank you to all the corps members who dedicate an academic year serving in the classroom and bringing children joy.”
Find out more about Jumpstart.
Su-2024
Emily Russell, Jean O’Sullivan