Basic Activity Program
4 College Credit Program

This program is specifically designed and scheduled for those working in an activity program and who are seeking certification or training as an Activity Assistant or Activity Director. The Basic Activity Program consists of 4 credits of online curriculum and practicum experience.  The student has the option of completing the program over one or two semesters. Upon successful completion of the Basic Activity Program, the participant will be awarded a 4 credit award of completion certificate.

Approved by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP #25126-08-NT) this program meets the education standards of the modular education program, part one.  Certification as an Activity Director, Track 4, requires completion of the Basic and Management programs (MEPAP Part 1 & 2), CEU's , work experience, and additional college credits.
 
Course Outline
1st Semester
Unit 1 Introduction to the Activity Profession
  • Explore agencies and organizations in the continuum of care
  • Identify aging resources
  • Identify professional resources
  • Regulatory issues
  • Understand Resident Rights
  • Identify vulnerable adults, neglect and abuse
Unit 2 Health and Aging
  • Explore physical and cognitive changes in aging
  • Explore sensory changes
  • Explore activity programming for functioning levels
  • Examine infection control and safety
 
 
2nd Semester
Unit 3 Activity Care Planning and Documentation
  • State and federal regulatory requirments
  • Assessments (MDS and Activity)
  • Writing care plans and progress notes
  • Documentation procedures
Unit 4 Activity Program Planning and Delivery
  • Types of activity programs
  • Program management
  • Intervention techniques
  • Calendar planning
  • Activity ideas and resources
 
Students choosing to do the program in one semester will complete all four units (4 credits total) in the same semester.
 
Textbooks 

"Essential for the Activity Professional" by Susan Lanza
"Documentation in a SNAP" by Ann Uniack
"Leisure and Aging" by McGuire, Boyd & Tedrick (3rd edition)
 
Necessary Skills for Successful Online Learning

Basic Computer Skills:
Students are expected to have basic keyboarding skill, use Microsoft Word, set up and manage files, saving and retrieving documents, use proper formatting and page set up for word documents, good writing communication skills such as spelling, grammar and sentence structure.

Internet Basics:
High speed internet is preferred, using an internet browser, accessing websites, and searching the Web for resources. Students must have access to a computer at various times throughout the day and week. All registered students at Ridgewater College will have an email account and it the official means of communication between the student, college, and instructor.

Interaction:
Online learning utilizes threaded discussions, chat rooms, and sending e-mail. Students will need to become familiar with and use these tools.

Netiquette:
Netiquette is knowing what is appropriate in the interaction and communication with your peers and instructor. Professionalism is required.

Time Management:
Being able to manage your time well and get assignments in on time is an important element for success. Setting aside uninterrupted time each week to work on assignments, do websearches, community research, participate in the discussions and other course requirements will be essential.

Feedback:
Providing your peers with perceptive, constructive and fair feedback. This is an online community of learners in which all of us should feel comfortable to share and learn.

Committment:
Online learning is not the same as learning in a traditional classroom. Students need to be committed to the online style of learning, be motivated to try new things and be a self-learner, and importantly a self-starter.