By Dina Kartch, IPRA Education and Conference Director

IPRA is the primary source for quality education and advancement in the park and recreation field. That is important to IPRA and to you. Why? First of all, education is one of the four pillars of IPRA membership and part of what makes membership in the association so beneficial. (These four pillars are Education, Resources, Networking, and Certification.) In addition, IPRA's educational programming fosters a professional environment of growth and commitment. By continuously seeking out quality educational opportunities, our professionals not only advance their careers, they advance their agencies and their communities as well. Further, education is the key ingredient to professional certification, which cultivates credibility and respect for the profession in the eyes of the general public.

The major educational program experience provided by IPRA is the IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference, held each January. In addition, IPRA and IPRA's specialized sections offer a number of one-, two- and three-day workshops throughout the year. The learning experiences IPRA offers are general in nature and address the needs of its diverse membership, while the sections' offerings are more specialized.

"education is the key ingredient to professional certification"

IPRA has identified the need to accommodate the educational needs of newcomers to the field of parks and recreation, as there is currently a significant change in leadership. Young professionals or others who have entered the parks and recreation field from other career tracks are filling many positions. This "movement" has created a unique opportunity. IPRA is developing educational opportunities that not only address the specific needs of this group but also capitalize on the fresh ideas and enthusiasm people from outside the industry bring to their new parks and recreation-related positions. In addition, IPRA is currently

reviewing and redefining the field's core competencies. These will become the framework around which future educational programming is designed. This will ensure we are offering the most relevant and timely educational topics and enable our members to stay ahead of the curve.

Are there workshop topics or learning opportunities that you would like to see on IPRA's calendar of events? Feel free to submit any suggestions you may have for educational offerings throughout the year to IPRA Education and Conference Director Dina Kartch at dina@ilipra.org. If your suggestion is more specific to a particular section of IPRA, direct your suggestion to Professional Services Director Mike Selep at mike@ilipra.org

What Kind of Education Does IPRA Offer?

IPRA collaborates with the National Recreation and Park Association in offering the Aquatic Facility Operators Course and Exam (AFO), as well as the National Playground Safety Institute Course and Exam (NPSI) several times throughout the year. These courses provide the technical knowledge to those professionals responsible for ensuring the safety of our pools and parks, as well as the opportunity for national certification in these areas.

Advancing the Professional Advances the Profession

The goal of every educational opportunity offered through IPRA is to advance the profession by advancing the professional. Another important way this is accomplished is through the certification program.

The Illinois Park and Recreation Certification Board oversees the Certified Park & Recreation Professional (CPRP) program in Illinois. Over 900 professionals in Illinois have satisfied the requirements needed to receive this national certification through their educational background and by continuing to pursue resources and training to keep them knowledgeable in the core competencies needed to succeed as a recreation professional. Credibility is attributed to individuals who demonstrate their knowledge of the field. This enhances certified professionals' image among their peers and also fosters career advancement. Further, many communities recognize that they are better served by trained and certified professionals.

Behind every great community lies a great park, recreation or conservation agency. You, the professionals, are the ones who advocate for — and promote the benefits of — the work you do and all you believe in. Use IPRA's four pillars -Education, Networking, Resources and Certification — to advance your community and your career.