Lize de Jager is an experienced occupational therapist and business owner applying for vacancies at a school. She has 14 years of experience as an occupational therapist treating children with developmental delays. She then owned and managed 4 businesses for several years, gaining experience in personnel management, marketing, and finances. Most recently, she has been the Head of Goodwoodpark Crèche cum Pre-primary for 5 years, where she manages the school, adapts the curriculum to students' needs, and identifies children who need additional support. As the mother of two, she is passionate about stimulating children's development. She believes her well-rounded experience in education, healthcare, and business would make her an asset to the school.

1. Dear Principal
Application for vacancies
I am a qualified occupational therapist who started my career as an employee at a
private OT practice 14 years ago. Following 2 years of intensive training I started my
own practice, treating children with developmental delays and learning difficulties. In
2002 I became interested in the commercial application of my medical background
and became involved with several businesses, within a variety of industries, of which
I owned and managed 4. General responsibilities included the training and
management of personnel, customer care, finances, stock control and marketing.
During this time I furthermore consulted a marketing agency that specialised in
marketing & communication to children and parents, drawing on my skills and
experience as an educational and medical expert.
For two years to follow, I focused on contract work that required both my managerial,
as well as educational and medical background. This included the management of
several marketing campaigns, including the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome’s national
fundraising drive. My role also required consultation with a large toy retailer on
educational product procurement and benefits, staff training and management as
well as general liaison with stockists and third party suppliers.
At the end of 2012, I was appointed Head of Goodwoodpark Crèche cum Pre-
primary, where I am currently employed. My key role is to manage the children,
parents and staff of this school, which caters for children between the ages of 3
months and 6 years. I am very involved with the educational needs and development
of the learners, once again drawing on my skills as educational and medical expert.
It is my responsibility to adapt the curriculum according to the learners evolving
needs and to develop new stimulating programmes, which includes sourcing the
relevant educational toys and equipment. My background as an occupational
therapist, specializing in paediatrics, enables me to identify children with
developmental delays and learning difficulties. As part of a holistic educational team,
I consult these children’s parents and teachers and assist with the development of
therapeutic programmes or do the necessary referrals.
As a mother of two girls, I realize the importance of stimulating children from a young
age in order to help them reach their potential. Assisting and stimulating children in
all areas of development, ensure a solid educational corner stone for them to build
on. It is important not only to give them knowledge but also to develop their fine
motor, gross motor, perceptual, social and emotional skills in preparation for their
scholastic career and future life.
Children and the realisation of their potential and happiness is what motivate me
both in my personal, as well as my professional life. My experience as an
occupational therapist, but also as the owner of several businesses has allowed me
to become a well-rounded professional, with a proper combination of educational,
medical, commercial and human resource expertise.

2. I have a deep understanding of children’s needs and wants, both emotionally and
medically and have a unique ability to address those effectively, whilst contributing to
the bottom line in a positive manner.
I believe I will be an asset to your school.
Kind regards
Lize de Jager
Tel: +27(0) 741 588 885
Email: lizedj1@gmail.com