Executive
Director Report for April 06-07
What
an incredible year NCCAP has had!
ADC
Track 5 significantly changed the number of files, mail
and phone calls coming in and out of the NCCAP office
this past year. The office reviewed over 800 pieces
of mail in the month of December alone! With the board's
approval to extend the deadline for ADC Track 5 until
June 2007, the influx of communication should continue
well on into 2007. We have reviewed all the ADC Track
5 applications in house for consistency, accuracy and
timeliness.*
The
NCCAP staff has collectively worked for you the members
for a total of 36 years. Audrey has been with NCCAP
since September 1995, Betty started in April 1997, I
started on the Board of Directors in 1996, and as Executive
Director in 1999, and Kelly has worked as the Clerical
volunteer and now part-time employee since September
of 2001. That's a lot of dedication, on behalf of the
association.
Also
NCCAP has several dedicated volunteers that review the
new applications*, the certification renewals, and the
pre-approvals that come into the association. The volunteers
are asked to turn these files around within a two-week
time frame, which is incredibly fast and still allows
for the time it takes to process, mail, review, mail
and process. Many certified individuals receive their
renewal or their credential before their check even
clears the bank! Most of the time when a call comes
in, that they "sent their application in weeks
ago and haven't heard anything yet", it didn't
get sent until much later, or received much later than
they thought, or we are waiting on something from the
applicant to complete the process. For example, a copy
of the High School diploma/GED must be on file, and
often times the applicant over looks that requirement.
The
MEPAP 2nd edition has now been taught over 14 times
throughout the United States with all but 15 current
instructors receiving the new information, materials
and text. The instructor page is on the www.nccap.org
site, and being developed to meet the needs of the pre-approved
instructors. The last component of the 7-year reengineering
of the MEPAP will be the standardized exam.
I
have had the fabulous opportunity to attend various
state conferences this past year to include; South Carolina
Activity Professionals Association (SCAPA) in February
2007, held in Charleston, SC. What a GREAT group of
people! There were about 42 people at the certification
session, all but 2 were eligible at that time to apply
for some level of certification thru NCCAP, in fact
7 applied for NCCAP right on the spot! The energy and
kindred spirits definitely help this group continue
building their "bridge", their state theme
song being Love can Build a Bridge. Thanks to Amy Jackson,
Debbie Bouknight and others for such a fabulous time,
and opportunity to speak.
Indiana
Association of Activity Professionals (IAAP)in October
2006; was held in Nashville, IN. This group was so excited
about NCCAP certification that many individuals have
followed through and applied for their national certification
since the conference. John Rowlett and Glenda Dearth
and others were recognized for their assistance and
leadership with this organization. Other presentations
on professionalism and highlights of the new guidelines
were also well received.
New
Jersey Activity Professionals Association (NJAPA) in
November 2006; was held in two location within the state.
What a dynamic group of individuals! A special recognition
was given to Debbie Hommel for her efforts and leadership
in assisting individuals in maintaining their NCCAP
credential. **Special note that this state has over
500 nationally certified individuals, pretty awesome
for such a small state!!! Eager individuals brought
their certification packets with them to the session,
as well as the baby boomer session and the other presentations
were equally well received.
These
are simply three examples of supportive activity associations,
led by certified activity professionals, that are out
there offering educational opportunities to their members
and non members alike to pursue their national credentials
or to gain additional knowledge, network with their
peers etc. Many states have conferences and workshops
- remember to POST the upcoming educational opportunities
on the NCCAP bulletin board so others might attend!
I am looking forward to attending WV and PA conferences
in 2007.
Lastly,
the instructor and state association challenges are
over, but it is my hope, that it indeed encouraged others
to get on board, to get enthusiastic about their credential.
Each discipline has their own credential (i.e. Nurses,
physicians, recreation therapists etc.) and NCCAP is
the Activity Professional credential. I believe that
every certified individual should take the initiative
to assist others in achieving their professional goals,
and in turn elevating the recognition and credibility
of the profession. DON'T wait; help someone obtain their
certification with NCCAP, TODAY!
Thank
you to everyone who has shown support and assisted NCCAP
in yet another productive year. NN
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