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NATIONAL PLAYGROUND SAFETY INSTITUTE (NPSI)
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, 200,000 children were treated for playground accidents in 1994. Of these, 70% or 140,000 occurred at public parks and schoolyards.
How does your equipment measure up? How many preventable injuries occurred on your playgrounds?
Sponsored by the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association, Inc. and the National Recreation & Park Association, this course is the most comprehensive training program on playground hazard identification and risk management methods offered. Advanced reading and 12 hours of training will prepare you to sit for the Certified Playground Safety Inspector exam scheduled at the culmination of the certification course.
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CERTIFICATION
What is Certification?
Certification is the term applied to the process whereby an individual voluntarily submits his/her credentials 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. The purposes of this plan are: to establish national standards for certification in the recreation, park resources, and leisure service profession, to provide recognition of individuals who have qualified; and to afford a guarantee to employers that certified personnel have attained stated education and experience qualifications.
Why Become Certified?
Attainment of certification assures employers that certified personnel meet prescribed education, experience and continuing education requirements and that they have shown a dedication to their chosen profession through voluntary certification. Increasingly, employers are listing certification as a desirable element of employment. On a larger scale, the certified practitioner raises the quality of service nationwide and aids in public recognition of the profession. "To me, the real value of certification is the continuing education that is needed to retain certification. This keeps the professional up to date in the field. Another value is legal in nature. If your organization is facing a court case, it helps if those involved have CPRP behind their name." Robert Toalson, CPRP, General Manager, Champaign Park District, Champaign, IL, 1991 NRPA President, 1995 NRPA Distinguished Professional
How do I Become Certified?
Contact MRPA for information at (301) 942-7203. Download a certification application.
Complete and return the application which includes a summary of education and experience, your school transcripts, and fee to MRPA.
Applications will be reviewed by the Certification Board. Provisional Professional and Associate certifications will receive written notification and certificates. Those applying for CPRP status will be notified of approval or disapproval to sit for the exam. CPRP applicants will be informed of their status following completion of CPRP examination. Successful applicants at all levels are awarded certification and will receive the appropriate certificates.
IMPORTANT! New Certification Rules Take Effect January 1, 2008
To read about these important changes,
click here.
What is the National Certification Examination?
The examination is one of the principal requirements for certification as a Certified Park and Recreation Professional. It is designed to assess the core knowledge of job-related tasks common to entry-level professionals. The examination is administered each year under the auspices of the NRPA National Certification Board.
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 profession. To this end, it is necessary to earn two (2.0) approved Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or equivalent academic credit in lieu of CEUs during each 24 month certification period.
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TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
CEU Criteria and Application
This program application must be submitted to the MRPA office 8 weeks prior to the date of the program. A copy of the application must be submitted to the members of the Professional Certification Board 6 weeks prior to the date of the program. Applications must be typewritten. Download a program application.
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SCHOLARSHIPS
MRPA maintains a commitment to the excellence of the recreation and parks industry by providing alternative sources of income for educational opportunities. Take advantage of these scholarship opportunities and you may receive up to $500 in scholarship money! It is well worth the time to complete the very simple application.
The application deadline for the following scholarship is due
July 20, 2008
- Kay Valeson Memorial Scholarship
Recognizing Kay Valeson's love of the profession and encouragement of continuing education, this scholarship funds attendance at the National Recreation and Park Association National Congress (or closely related national conference). Preference is given to first-time attendees. Recipients are encouraged to share information gained from the conference with MRPA members.
The application deadlines for the following scholarships are February 15, 2008 / April 15, 2008 / October 15, 2008..
The MRPA Scholarship Committee would like to encourage applicants to apply for the following:
- William L. Montgomery Memorial Graduate Scholarship
This scholarship was established in memory of William Montgomery's professional contributions and leadership in the development of MRPA. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited graduate program in leisure services or a closely related field and have satisfactorily completed at least six (6) credits.
- Undergraduate Scholarship
This scholarship for undergraduate work provides financial assistance to students pursuing a major in recreation and parks, leisure studies or another closely related field. Students must be currently enrolled at an accredited college or university and have completed at least one year of study.
- Rubini Continuing Education Scholarship
Named in memory of the professional contributions of Frank Rubini, this scholarship can be applied toward any type of training or continuing education program that supports the professional development of the applicant. Examples include, but are not limited to: local or regional conference attendance, management schools, or one-day professional development workshops.
- Certified Park and Recreation Professional Grant
This grant reimburses fifty percent (50%) of the exam fee for the Certified Park and Recreation Professional exam administered by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Applicants must meet the qualifications from the NRPA to sit for the exam. Recipient must register and pay all appropriate registration and exam fees, complete the course, pass the exam on the first attempt, and present proof of passing score. The recipient will then be reimbursed for fifty percent (50%) of the exam fee.
- West Recreation, Inc., National Playground Safety Institute Grant
West Recreation contributes to the education of recreation and parks professionals by sponsoring a full scholarship to NRPA's National Playground Safety Institute course. The recipient must register and pay all appropriate fees, complete the course, pass the exam on the first attempt, and present proof of a passing score. The recipient will then be reimbursed for the course and the exam fee. One applicant is awarded annually.
Scholarship Applications
Applications can be obtained by calling MRPA at 301-942-7203 or download a scholarship application. Questions can be directed to Kathy Garrity, scholarship chair, by email.
Please mail completed applications to:
Maryland Recreation and Parks Association
Attn: Scholarship Committee
2000 Shorefield Road
Wheaton, Maryland 20902
Criteria
- All applicants must be MRPA members and must live, work or be active volunteers in Maryland.
- Priority is given to applicants who have not received a previous scholarship and/or grant.
- Applicants will be evaluated on the following criteria: MRPA involvement, contributions to the profession, transcripts, financial resources, individual merit, and/or personal interview.
- Proof of attendance for the course or workshop is required. For academic scholarships, the participant must provide a copy of the final course grades, which must be a "B" or higher, before the scholarship can be reimbursed.
- For all other scholarships, the recipient must register and pay all appropriate fees, complete the course or workshop and present proof of a passing score. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- Only completed applications will be accepted.
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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
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