Aloha! I hope you had a great Fall. Are you ready for it to snow?

Fall Conference 2017 Recap
Patti Olsen and I attended Fall Conference as Intermountain’s representatives on the National Children’s Task Force (NCTF). Intermountain again sent two representatives to this year’s event, because I feel that Patti’s perspectives from the initial National Children’s Committee meetings to-date are important for the task force to consider in moving the Children’s Specialist (CS) program forward. At this year’s conference, the NCTF:
 – Reviewed the CS Standards and CS Rubric;
 – Developed CS learning outcomes and assessment criteria using the “learning outcomes” model developed by educators from Penn State University;
 – Updated the core CS question bank used by all divisions as a preparatory step towards developing and implementing a national CS1 workbook and/or evaluative quiz;
 – Collaborated on the proposed contents for the new Children’s Manual – 3rd edition.

From the group’s learning outcome discussions, the NCTF identified several distinguishing CS values:
 – Child Development
 – The Child Partnership
 – The Parent Partnership

In addition, the NCTF developed the following outcome statements for CS1:
 – A CS1 instructor is able to build a child-centered learning experience.
 – A CS1 instructor is able to develop relationships and engage in a partnership with the child and parent.
 – A CS1 instructor is able to identify and describe the cognitive, affective and psychomotor (CAP) domains of child development.

The NCTF agreed to continue to work on CS learning outcomes, and the associated learning experiences, assessment activities, and assessment criteria. Stay tuned for more details.

CS Program Syllabus and Workbook Updates
Following the NCTF’s review of the CS question banks, minor revisions will be forthcoming to the CS1, CS2 and CS Trainer workbooks. In addition, the CS Program Syllabus will be amended to better clarify curriculum requirements. Please look for these updates at: https://www.psia-i.org/disciplines/children/

NOTE: For those participants attending a December 2017 CS event, we still will accept 2016-17 workbooks.

In Other News
The NCTF continues to receive member inquiries regarding CS credential reciprocity with other Snowsports federations/associations. Unfortunately, at this time, no international children’s credentialing agreements are in place; you must be a member of PSIA/AASI, and have your Level 1 and/or Level 2 (discipline) certification to receive a CS certificate. Questions? Please contact the Division Office.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our events this season!