The year 2020 has proven to be challenging on many levels for all sectors of life. The health care worker in long term care settings has had their life turned upside down with multiple restrictions which change almost daily. Continuing education remains important while ensuring the safety of our residents and clients. Gathering together in a traditional classroom, sitting together at tables and interacting comfortably with classmates is a thing of the past for the moment.
In light of these changes, DH Special Services will be offering the Modular Education Program for Activity Professional in two different formats.
Self-Guided Independent Study: This format of the class can be started at any time. It is open enrollment and you can enroll whenever you are ready. You do need a community that will allow you to complete your practicum assignments and an individual within the community that will act as your practicum supervisor. If you have all that in place, you can begin. With self-directed independent study, the materials are sent to you one lesson at a time. Coursework is sent to you via e-mail/Google Classroom or regular USPS. You also receive a guide as to what tasks should be completed each week. The student will submit completed work via email or mailed via USPS. If you follow the guide, you should complete the class within 6-7 months. However, life happens and sometimes a lesson may take a bit longer to complete or the class may need to be put on pause for a few weeks. That is the beauty of self-directed independent study. There is a one year deadline for the course. If you are a goal oriented person and like working independently at your own pace – this may be the method for you.
Instructor Led Independent Study: This format will begin at a designated time every year. Like the self-directed format, you need a community that will allow you to complete your practicum assignments and an individual within the community that will act as your practicum supervisor. This should be established before we start the course. All students begin the course together and go through the lessons together virtually. There will be virtual meetings conducted through the Zoom meeting platform 2-4 times per months. The meeting will be approximately 2 hours long and have an agenda. The meetings will introduce the lesson, outline expectations and guide the student in completing the various tasks. There will also be mini-lessons on course content introduced periodically. The student will be required to submit work according to course deadlines and remain current with course content. The student needs internet access and a web cam to participate. Course materials will be provided via Google Classroom and student work can be submitted via email or regular USPS. The course should be completed with 6-7 months. If you feel you need more guidance and explanation of tasks assigned or you are the type of person that needs firm deadlines, this may be the method for you.
Both formats of the course follow the same curriculum established by the Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals. The course is a qualifying credential toward becoming nationally certified through the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals. The course is a qualifying credential to be a director in many states as well.
If you have any questions regarding the MEPAP, NCCAP certification, the formats of delivery and which format is best for you, feel free to email debbiehommel@comcast.net or call 609-290-4549.