DH Special Services
Education for the Activity Professional |
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May 2018
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John Lennon once said "How can I go forward if I don't know which way I am facing?". A profound thought on many levels. The activity profession is a fast paced profession. Once we have one activity planned, we are quickly on to the next. It is easy to lose our direction, let alone to be mindful of which way we are facing. A solution would be to have clearly defined professional goals to keep our department focused and on the right path. If we do not define our own path, we may end up where someone else feels we belong. I would rather drive my own destiny, personally and professionally.
E- Learning Library (see article below). It is also available via a google drive link.
We now have THIRTY-SEVEN programs available for your continuing education needs. Many are based on books which are mailed to you with course materials. Six programs are E-Programs and are sent via a google drive link. And the newest format is through the LMS system which allows instant access to your course. The topics range from specific programming approaches to leadership to memory care to management and documentation.
To gain the hours, you read the book and complete the course materials. Once the materials are successfully submitted, the certificate is sent to you via email and the hard copy is mailed. This is an excellent way to gain continuing education hours while building your professional library of resources. The courses can be discounted if you already have the book or you share the program with your peers.
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Introducing the E-Learning Library |
 We are excited to introduce a new feature to the Distance Education Program. Four programs are now available through an on line Learning Management System. Once you purchase the program, you are immediately given a link to the program materials. You can access all the course materials at your leisure and once successfully completed, you can immediately print out the certificate.
Currently four programs are accessible via this method, with more to come. These four programs are still available via a google drive link if you would like the items e-mailed to you directly.
Check it out today
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The MEPAP Classroom Fall schedule is being finalized with
locations noted below and dates are pending.
MEPAP I will be conducted at Avista Care in Cherry Hill (accessible via NJ Turnpike, Rt 295, Rt 70 and Rt 73) MEPAP II is still being arranged and should be finalized within next few weeks. Check the website for current details.
If the class location is too far or you want to get started right now, consider the independent study version of the course. Meeting your professional goals of becoming NCCAP certified can start when you are ready. The independent study version of the MEPAP course can be started at any time and completed at your own pace. E-mail for more information on the classroom or independent study version of MEPAP class or national certification.
 If you are interested in certification through the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals or the MEPAP Courses but are unsure as to how to proceed - feel free to contact me. I will be happy to assist you in defining your path to professional growth and certification.
If you are not NCCAP certified - check out the requirements. You may have some of the qualifications and it is only a matter of gathering some documents and sending them in.
 √ Visit the NCCAP site and check out the requirements. √ You may already have some of the requirements needed to apply today.
√ For personal assistance in defining your path toward certification, e-mail today
There are some activity professionals unable to attain Activity Director Certified status because they have not completed college. If you have completed MEPAP I and II and have over 6 years of work experience within the past ten years - you may want to look into Track Four. This track enables to you become Activity Director Certified without college credits. . If you think you fulfill these criteria, email for more information.
Also check out newly introduced Track Five which is a professional equivalency path for those who are certified through another certifying body (NCTRC, etc) and have related experience. See NCCAP web site for details.
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Check out the newest listings on the job board. All positions are posted at no charge. Here are some leadership positions that were recently posted: 1. Director of Activities for Arista Care of Whiting in Whiting (Ocean County). This is a long term care community with memory care and a special cultural wing for the Indian population. Apply to ibroyde@aritacare.com
2. Assistant Coordinator of Programming for Cadbury - a CCRC in Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County). This is a leadership position. Apply to wutdaheck6@yahoo.com3. Recreation Director for South Amboy Adult Day Center in South Amboy (Middlesex County). Apply to mstatkus@southamboyadhcc.com 4. Memory Care Coordinator for Arbor Terrace in Middletown (Monmouth County). Apply to
wmalko@arborcompany.com 5. Activity Director for a long term care/sub acute care facility in Middlesex County. Apply to
If you find a position filled, please let me know as I strive to keep job board current. |
~ Facebook continues to be the on line meeting place for activity professionals and it is wonderful to be able to reach out to others for ideas and resources.
~ My page is a celebration of what we do: promoting opportunities to live a good life no matter your age or living situation. My favorite posts get "smile of the day" and "age is just a number".
~ Posts are added daily, not only by myself but members of the group. I am happy to say - the page is a positive promotion of the new age of aging.
~One of my favorite posts this month was about an intergenerational pen pal club. Not a new idea by any means but with today's schools moving away from cursive, it gave writing to older adults new meaning. The video about the program was priceless, showing t  he older adults offering advice and finally meeting the youngsters at a gathering. I also enjoyed the story of the gentleman who wanted to learn how to dance ballet at 80. Proves that you are never to old to achieve your dreams and goals. ~As a member of this group, you are invited to share posts about your good works with our elders.
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I find and post many articles and items of interest to activity professionals on a few sites. You are invited to join, like, follow or contact me through any of the following sites:
Facebook My facebook page is very active with several postings daily, not only from myself by by the group members. This is a great place to get the latest news in activities.
Linked In My group here mainly focuses on articles of interest related to aging, dementia care, industry news and similar topics.
Pinterest My Pinterest page continues to grow daily. If you are not on Pinterest - you should check it out. It is a free resource and a quick avenue to find countless ideas and resources for programming.
Hope to "see you" on one page or another.
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