AAHPERD Certification
Aquatics
The Adapted Aquatic Specialty Committee of the AAALF Aquatic Council sponsor courses to improve knowledge and skill of aquatic instructors in the delivery of service to individuals with disabilities. These courses are designed for individuals who want to be better prepared to teach instructional swimming and aquaatic safety to individuals with disabilities. The following levels of credentials are offered:
Teaching Assistant in Adapted Aquatics:
Prepares individuals to work in adapted .aquatics, under the supervision of a Teacher of Adapted Aquatics. Prrequisities include being at least I4 year old, having an intermediate level of swimming (Amearan Red Cross Level 3) and passing a swim test. Many professionals. who do not have the prerequisites to enroll in the Teraacher of Adapted Aquatics course, choose to take this course. It is often co-taught with the Teacher of Adapted Aquatics course. Individual Aquatic Coucil Master Teachers and Teachers of Adapted Aquatics set up their own courses and determine the tee for the course. The Aquatic Council Credential fee is $15.
Teacher of Adapted Aquatics:
Provide already certified aquatics instructors with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to safely and effectively implement quality adapted aquatics programs to individuals with disabilities in a variety of settings.
Prerequisites include:
- age 17+
- current CPR certificarion(Adult, Child and Infant included)
- current first aid certification
- Current instructor certificate in instructional swim from a national agency (e.g. WSI)
All course prerequisites must be met prior to enrollment for credentialing. If any “age qualified” individuals desires to take the course, they are welcome to audit, however, if prerequisite ceertifications are required at a lataer date, course work must be repeated for credentialing.
Two learning strands are available for credentialing as a Teacher of Adapted Aquatics. The first strand is an on-site course, taught by Master Teachers (who do their own scheduling). It consists of three practical experiences, a significant lecture-discussion segment, readings and assignments and a multiple choice final exam.
The second strand is for individuals unable to participate in the 24 hour on-site course. The phases consist of a three-part study system—correspondence study, participation in a 4 hour on-site practicum. and passing an on -sire exam. Each phase is completed separarely
Phase 1 Knowledge in Adapted Aquatics. Prerequisites -.as above or audit. This is a correspondence study course. Completion certificate issued upon successful Takes approximately 2 months from start to completion
Phase 2 - Practicum in Adapted Aquatics. Prerequisites as above or audit and successful completion of Phase I. Participation in a 4 hour on-site waterpracticum session, plus assignments.
Phase 3- Examination in Adapted Aquaatics. Prerequisites as above aned successful completion of Phases 1 and 2.
Mlaster Teacher of Adapted Aquatics:
Prepares current Teachers of Adapted Adapted to instruct the Teacher of Adapted Aquatics Course. This credential rcquires acceptance/review of the instructor’s resume/teaching experience and acceptance into and succcssful completion of the Master Teacher Workshop. This is offered on a limited basis usually in conjunction with an AAHPERD district or national conference.
Write or e-mail AAALF to obtain information regarding:
- A list of Master Teachers of Adapted Aquatics to contact for an on-site course.
- Applications for Phase 1,2 and 3
- Dates for Phase 2 Practicum Course
- Phase 3 Exams
Please include your name, address, phone number and e-mail address in your request. Contact: E-Mail aaalf@aahperd.org.www.aahperd.org.