V E R M O N T

Certification is the term applied to the process whereby an individual voluntarily submits his/her credentials for review based upon clearly identified competencies, criteria, or standards. The primary purpose of certification is to ensure that personnel employed in recreation, park resources, and leisure services meet high standards of performance. The National Recreation and Park Association instituted a National Certification Plan in 1981.

What is Certification?
Certification attests that an individual has met qualifications determined by an agency or association. The primary purpose of certification is to ensure that the personnel employed in recreation, park resources and leisure services has met standards of performance. The purpose of the National Certification Plan is to establish minimum standards for certification in the profession provide recognition of individuals who have qualified, and afford a guarantee to employers that certified personnel have attained stated educational and/or experience qualifications.

Why Become Certified?
Attainment of certification is a guarantee to employers of minimum levels of education and experience. The certified individual is recognized as committed to continued professional development. On a large scale, the certification of practitioners raises the quality of service statewide and aids in public recognition of the profession. Currently there are over 30 certified individuals in Vermont. Many agencies list certification as a requirement or as a hiring preference.

What are the Types of Certification?
The Certified Park and Recreation Professional is recognized nationally, making certification an attainable goal for those employed in recreation, park resources and leisure services. Certification as a Professional requires successful passage of the National Certification Examination.

How do I Become Certified?
For information on becoming certified, contact the National Recreation and Park Association via email or by phone at 703-858-4732.

How is Certification Maintained?
Certification is a continuous process designed to keep the individual current with new developments, techniques and standards of practice in the field. To this end, it is necessary to earn twenty hours of approved Continuing Education Units or approved academic credit in lieu of CEUs during each 24-month certification period.

Join fellow Park & Recreation Professionals from the New England area for the Annual Northern New England Recreation & Park Conference scheduled in early January. The conference is held at the Attitash Grand Summit in New Hampshire. This is one of the greatest values for your continuing education budget line. For under $300 you get a two-night conference with educational sessions, lodging, networking and food. No need to worry – there is time built in to enjoy relaxing in the outdoor heated pool and the night owls can enjoy visiting in the well stocked hospitality room.

The Northern New England Conference is well known for a real chance to network with other professionals in an intimate atmosphere. Visit http://northernnewenglands.com/ for details on the upcoming conference and the current registration materials.

HISTORY:

In 2007, the Executive Committee of the Vermont Recreation and Parks Association proposed setting aside $1,000 of the proceeds from the Annual Silent Auction, for the purpose of awarding professional development scholarships to current VRPA members, to attend state, regional, and/or national training programs and conferences, when they might otherwise not be able to afford to attend. The membership approved the $1,000 appropriation in the 2007 budget and that amount has increased annually since then.

ELIGIBILITY:

1. Applicant must be a member in good standing of the Vermont Recreation and Parks Association.

2. Applicant must be able to show proof that they are presently employed, either full-time or part-time, in a paid capacity in the Parks, Recreation and/or Leisure Services field within the state of Vermont, and have been for at least 12 months.

3. Applicant must justify intent of using this award towards furthering their training and/or education, and indicate exactly how they would use the scholarship money. Acceptable expenses include registration fees, lodging, and transportation.

4. Applicant must submit with the application one letter of recommendation verifying the applicant's commitment and dedication to the park and recreation profession, leadership skills, and a detailed reason why this applicant is deserving of the scholarship. This letter, addressed to the scholarship committee and included with the application, should include the length and nature of the writer's association with the applicant, and the writer's address, phone number and email address.

5. Applicant must be willing to share some of what he/she learned by writing an article for the VRPA newsletter, speaking at a Quarterly Meeting, presenting at the Governor's Conference, or some other agreed upon means. AMOUNT: Up to a maximum award of $500 per person.

Download attachments: vrpa_prof_develp_scholarship_criteria__application_6_10.doc (0 download)

DEADLINE: The deadline for submitting applications for the 2010 NRPA Congress is August 2, 2010. If there is any money available after this first round off applications, another round will be offered.

SUBMISSION INFORMATION: Submissions should be completed and returned to: Vermont Recreation & Parks Association, Professional Development Scholarship, 721 Main Street, Colchester, VT, 05446. If you have questions, contact the VRPA office at 802-877-2077.

PAYMENT INFORMATION: The recipient will be required to show proof of purchase directly related to the proposed training/educational program. VRPA will then reimburse the recipient within 30 days.