CPP Project

Comprehensive Program Plan
Comprehensive Program plan

Miami Dade Parks and Recreation
Florida International University
Professor Diane
LEI 3542
By:
Erika Allen
Melissa Duran
Michael Hernandez
Jackelyn Ochoa

Abstract
This Comprehensive Program Plan (CPP) is designed for the community of Miami-Dade County
Parks Recreation, and Open Spaces specifically for Tamiami Park that will benefit kids between
the ages of 6-13 with disabilities. This paper includes both an analysis and steps of the stages of
the CPP. The analysis section contains the five areas that will be the main focus throughout the
selected program plan know as: the community, the agency, the therapeutic recreation
department, the clients and the therapeutic recreation profession. There are five components in
which we will focus in the conceptualization section for Tamiami Park. These five components
are: physical fitness, health improvement, social interaction skills, emotional control, and
cognitive interaction skills. All of these components will fulfill the purpose statement and the
goals we made to benefit individuals with Autism.

Table of Contents
Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Demographics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Geographic Variable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Seasonal Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Economic Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Availability of Resources and Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Regulatory Body (ies) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Organizational Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Therapeutic Recreation Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
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Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Job skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Credentials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Job Abilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Internship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Budget. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Clients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Profession . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Philosophy of TR Practice Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Impact of Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Credentials/Professional Preparation of Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Professional Membership Held by Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Continuing Education/Professional Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Other Professional Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Conceptualization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Statement of Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Investigation and Determination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Program Component Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
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Physical Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Health Improvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Social Interaction Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Emotional Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Cognitive Interaction Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Appendix B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Appendix C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Appendix D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Appendix E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Appendix F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Appendix G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Appendix H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Appendix I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Appendix J . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Appendix K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Appendix L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Appendix M . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Appendix N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Appendix O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Analysis
A well thought out comprehensive program design is necessary in order to have a
successful and functional therapeutic recreation program that can make in impact on the clients
that wish to participate. The way that the program wishes to follow is crucial. The design of the
Comprehensive Program Plan for Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation, Tamiami Park, is based on
the Therapeutic Recreation Program Planning Model. Throughout the Therapeutic Recreation
Program Planning Model there are many different elements that help put together the proper
program for the chosen facility and its clients. In order to run a program individuals must
showcase a clear and to the point plan as to why this facilities program should be chosen over all
others that offer a similar. Throughout the analysis of the clients is to note what leisure needs do
you clients need and how can you help make their live more enjoyable while providing a
learning and therapeutic environment for them. Additionally, it is beneficial that the therapist
take time to learn what is going to help guide the program in the direction that will help the
program make sense to your clients needs. Through the analysis portion it may be possible to
note different areas of information such as the type of community, the agency, the therapeutic
recreation department, its clients and the therapeutic recreation profession. The information
provided for the therapeutic recreation department, the clients and the therapeutic recreation
profession will be a broad overview of what the Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation is in a few
statements and it will then it will begin to focus on Tamiami Park, and the program that the
therapist will be running in order to meet the need of children with different cases and
disabilities. The information that is mentioned in the analysis is touched upon in the facilities
mission statement and goals to help show that this facility strives on helping to assist those who
attend this program and wish to seek help with their particular disability.

The Community
In Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation, there are many parks. The community
located around Tamiami Park which is a widely known park and recreational center. MiamiDade County is one of the largest counties in Miami Florida but Tamiami Park is located in the
southwestern part of Florida. Appendix A will showcase a map with the location of Miami-Dade
County Park known as Tamiami Park. Tamiami Park is Located on 11201 southwest 24 street,
th
University Park. The park can also be located by looking up the address to Florida International
University.
Demographics. The United States Census Bureau (2015), states that the Miami-Dade
County population estimate for the year 2015 is about 2,693,117 people. Miami-Dade County is
said to be the largest and most populated county in Florida with 2,662,874. The Miami-Dade
County community consists of a variety of different percentages of the different races 78.1%
Caucasian, 18.7% black, 0.3% Native American, 1.7% Asian persons. The Hispanic and Latino
ratio is 66.8%. Tons of Latinos are found throughout the Miami-Dade County (U.S. Census
Bureau, 2012). Tamiami Park is in an area in which a large percentage of white, Hispanic
neighborhood. Miami-Dade County is noted to contain over 2,591,035 residents as of the year
2012. Miami-Dade County is made up of a variety of different individuals that come from
diverse group of foreign countries such as Cuba, Colombia, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua, and the
Dominican Republic. Facts show that Miami- Dade County has such a diverse amount of
individuals that come from different Countries in which can tend to speak a variety of different
languages. In Miami-Dade County there are several languages and those languages are English
63.25%, Spanish 59.7%, French/Creole 4.4%. English is most common but Spanish is not too far
behind. This information is essential due to the fact that all the participants may not speak the
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same language and as the staff we have to be able to accommodate our clients in order to have a
diverse group of participants join the program at Tamiami Park. Comprehensive Program Plan
located at Tamiami Park is built for those between the ages of 6-13 years of age. Age plays a
larger factor in our (CPP) because between the ages of 6-13 the children most of the time speak
the languages that is spoken to them at home. In Miami-Dade you should always be sure to have
individuals on your staff that can speak at least the three most common languages of MiamiDade County. Throughout Miami-Dade County there are several different religious
congregations practiced. Those religious congregations are Catholic, Evangelical Protestant,
other, Black Protestant, Mainline Protestant, Orthodox, and no religious practice. The three with
the highest percentage of individuals that are practiced are Catholic at 21.8%, Evangelical
Protestant at 10.9%, and other at 2.9%. Demographics are important to todays society because
the workers must be able to accommodate the clients and what is considered normal for them in
order to have a successful business.
Geographic variables. The United States Census Bureau states that Miami-Dade County
occupies over 1,897.72 square miles of land space with a population count of 1,315.5 per square
mile. 533 square miles of Miami-Dade is covered in water. A vast majority of the water that
covers Miami-Dade County is located in Biscayne Bay. Miami-Dade County is in the top five
largest land areas. The entire state of Florida is below sea level in some way. In Miami-Dade
County the typical business life is seen throughout the streets of Downtown Miami. Crops and
other agricultural items are found in Homestead area. Miami-Dade County has a very interesting
geographic background.
Seasonal variables. Floridas climate control center, reports that the weather in Florida is
like no other. Miami-Dade County can never be certain if it will be sunny, chilly, or storming on
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a day to day basis. According to the climate center Miami- Dade County is known for having
different weather patterns depending on the month. This year alone the state has seen some of the
hottest days in years. Fall and winter in Miami-Dade feels like summer. Winters are dry and hot
and when you can expect the least amount of rain. Summers in Miami-Dade County consist of
tons of heat and humidity. Miami-Dade is known to have tons rain between the months of May
through July. Rain is common throughout all the months of the year. The average temperature in
Miami-Dade is about 82 F. In the winter the average temperature is recorded to be 61 F
(Rosenberg, 2012, Koppen Climate Classification System). Those that live in Miami-Dade
County known that there are more tourist than usual in the winter time because our winters are
hotter than most states. The tourist that travel from the colder states in the winter to the hotter
states are called snowbirds. Snowbirds are individuals that want to avoid the cold months so they
make sure to travel to where the weather is not as cold. The temperatures in Miami are
accompanied by humidity that is higher than most states. The annual amount of rainfall in
Miami Florida is noted to be 53.58 inches (Rosenberg, 2012, Koppen Climate Classification
System). Snow is not common in Florida. Snow has only been seen once in Florida from what
reporters have reported and has never been seen since. The largest seasonal variable that is
known to occur in Florida is tropical storms/ hurricanes. Hurricane season starts on June 1 and
st
does not end till November 30 of every year. That is why those that residences and visitors that
th
are in the area between those months must be aware that hurricanes can occur and must know
what to do in case they have to experience a storm.
Economic Condition. According to the United States Census Bureau (2014) the average
household income (2010-2014) in Miami-Dade County is 43,099. The per capita money income
in the past 12 months (2014 dollars) for 2010 2014 is $23,433 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2014). In
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Miami-Dade County 20.4% of the people are below poverty level in 2010 2014. There are
approximately 1,010,556 (2014) housing units with 55% having homeownership (2010 2014)
(U.S. Census Bureau, 2014). In addition, according to the (U.S. Census Bureau, 2014), the
median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2006 2010 is $194,100.
In Miami-Dade County the percentage of civilian labor force (2010-2014) is 62.2%. The
total number of foodservice sales in (2012) is $7,696,552. The total number of health care in
Miami-Dade County in (2014) is $17,547,353. Appendix C contains a chart with the
diversification of Miami-Dade County. The county has gone through a recession over the course
of the years. But it is said that Miami Dade county did show some of the best growth in the state
of Florida. Miami -Dade County has the advantage because of the diverse community that is
supported by international trade. Tourism is a large factor in what keeps our county a float. Being
that there is a considerably large amount of tourist that are attracted to Florida. More and more
individuals are unemployed but the employment rate has increased significantly. Residents in
Miami-Dade must work hard for what they want. As long as things stay as is the county should
stay stable and enjoyable to all.
Availability of resources and services. Miami-Dade County is a county that offers
dozens of opportunities to benefit the people who live in their community. The Miami-Dade has
its own men and women in which serve our community on a daily basis. In Miami-Dade County
there are different branches that provide their safety staff to assure that all areas in Miami are
safe. Miami-Dade also provides many other forms of public services besides the ones that
revolve around safety. Those services departments are the Miami-Dade water and sewer, the
Miami-Dade Regional Juvenile Detention Center, and the Miami-Dade County Corrections and
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Rehabilitation Department. Those departments are all beneficial to the county in which each one
helps to make our county run smoothly on a daily basis.
Miami-Dade County is well known for its excellent education. There are over 392
schools with over 345,000 students in attendance on a daily basis. These schools also provide
over 40,000 jobs for teachers and other employees. Miami-Dade County is also known for its
amazing universities and colleges that provide education to the future of our generation. There
are 12 colleges/ universities in Miami-Dade County. These universities are all featured nationally
throughout the county.
Miami-Dade County offers many means of transportation such as its local bus and Metro
services as well as its airport services. Transportation is a key element being that some
individuals depend on these services in order to get to school, work or just to get from place to
place. Over a thousand individuals use public transportation on a daily basis. After traveling
around Miami-Dade County it is nice to know there are dozens of places for individuals to enjoy.
In downtown Miami-Dade you can find the Miami social life along with restaurants and bars.
People from all over the country come to Miami to enjoy what Miami has to offer. There are
scheduled events going on just about every week.
Miami- Dade offers something for everyone. This county caters to those who are in the
lower class to those who are upper class. Together the county of Miami-Dade has 8 major park in
which individuals can enjoy several different attractions. For example hiking, water skiing,
biking, dog walking, exercising etc. Miami-Dade also offers museums and wildlife experiences
for families to see and learn about things they may not be familiar with. Sports teams and events
are also a large part of Florida in general. Throughout the different seasons there are different
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teams in which impact the Miami sports. Dozens of individuals gather together to watch these
events in their individual stadiums to root on the home team.
Agency. Tamiami Park is the agency located in Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation
and Open Spaces. In order to have a more operative Comprehensive Program Plan, we need to
understand the agency. We need to have knowledge of Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation
and Open Spaces past history. Also we need to understand their mission statement, vision
statement, their agency mandate, and other important aspects of the agency. In order to
understand their important aspects of the agency, we need to understand the past history that has
developed this agency.
Description. Miami-Dade County Parks system was founded in 1929. It all started when
the County Road Beautification Department hired a man by the name of A.D. Doug Barnes.
During this time, there was a lot of worry and anxiety that was caused by the stock market crash
and the Great Depression. Parks across the country were beneficiaries of the grim economic
times, as men from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) were hired to construct shelters,
pavilions, and other park structures, (2007). Doug was credited for having the idea of acquiring
the many cherished parks of the county and overseeing their development. Some of the parks
they attained during the 1930s were: Greynolds Park, Matheson Hammock Park, Redland Fruit
and Spice Park, and Fairchild Garden. Throughout the years that followed, all the way up to the
1960s, the countys park and open spaces system included approximately up to 7,256 acres.
Throughout the 1970s to the 1990s there was both progress and tremendous setbacks in
their development. They were approved for the Decade of Progress Bond Referendum in 1972 to
help improve the parks that they have acquired. During the 1980s and 1990s, there was slow
growth and reduced operating and capital budgets. In 1990, the Park Impact Fee Ordinance was
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passed to help fund new park development. The Environmentally Endangered Lands Program
was passed that same year to help preserve the natural areas in the county. Hurricane Andrew
struck in 1992 causing the Save Our Parks County Charter Amendment in 1993 to be passed to
protect these parks and help repair the damage that was caused by the hurricane and future
dangers. Today, Miami Dade County parks is known as the third largest county parks system in
the United States. It comprise of 270 parks and has over 13,000 acres of land. They are focused
on making plans for the next generation of growth and developing new tools and strategies for
getting there.
Miami-Dade County offers many programs to all individuals from youth to adults to
individuals with disabilities. They offer: out of school, afterschool, seasonal camps, and teacher
work day programs. During these programs they use a variety of facilities located in MiamiDade County. Although they may use different facilities as field trips, they have programs to help
provide help with homework, learning, and having fun.
Miami Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces deal with all different types of
disabilities from ages six to twenty-two. Each program is designed for a certain age group and
disability. The Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces and the Children Trust funds
these programs so that the participants do not need to pay a cost to join. Some different
disabilities that they have programs for is Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Down Syndrome,
Intellectual Disability, General Anxiety Disorder, and Physical or Visual Disabilities. The most
common disability found in their program is Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD) is a disorder in which affects the individual social interactions, communication
skills (verbal and nonverbal), behavior, and interest. There are three different types of ASD:
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Aspergers Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (not specified), and Autistic Disorder.
They have a few locations in Miami-Dade County that offer programs to these individuals.
Greynolds Park and Tamiami Park are two locations in which offer afterschool, summer,
and seasonal programs to individuals with Autism. Although they offer the same program to
these individuals but they are for different ages. Greynolds Park offer their services to
individuals from ages thirteen to twenty-two while Tamiami Park offers their services to ages six
to thirteen. Depending of the size of the property and the money they receive from the Children
Trust determines the number of participants that each program could accept. For example, for
Greynolds Park they accept up to fifteen participants for each program while Tamiami Park
accepts up to thirty participants.
Mission Statement. Miami Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces mission statement
is to, create outstanding recreational, natural and cultural experiences to enrich you and enhance
the quality of life for our community for this and future generations, (2016). They want to help
create a community that is healthier, more livable, and supportable for the Miami-Dade
community by using the application of the Parks Open Space Master Plan. Their vision statement
is focus on connecting the people with their variety of parks for life.
Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces uses core values in which they provide
to all local children, adults, and people with disabilities. Outstanding customer service is a core
value in which they want to represent to all of their customers when using their services. To
provide outstanding services to their clients, they need to do so in an enthusiastic attitude. The
attitude that the workers representing Miami-Dade County should be respectful to all coworkers,
clients, and potential clients that use their services. Another core value that the agency represents
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is accountability and integrity to their community. The agency focuses on building the public
trust and confidence by providing dependable, reliable, and excellent facilities and programs.
Another core value mention on their website is stewardship. Miami-Dade Parks,
Recreation and Open Spaces is a responsible and committed steward of the communitys
physical, natural, and cultural resources creating a legacy for this and future generations,
(2014). Inclusiveness and accessibility is a top priority that this agency wants to provide to all
individuals in the community and outside of their community. They follow the guidelines of the
ADA to help individuals with disabilities be able to use parks and facilities that they offer in their
county. Other core values that are mentioned on their website that they represent for their
customers and clients are: leadership and professional development, excellence, and creativity &
innovation. To learn more detail about the core values, mission statement, and vision statement
about Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces, it is located in Appendix D.
Regulatory Body. The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has awarded
re-accreditation to Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces department by the
Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). CAPRA is the only
national accreditation for parks and recreation agencies. The Commission is comprised of
representatives from NRPA, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, the
National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, the International City/County
Management Association, the Academy for Leisure Sciences, the Armed Forces Recreation
Network and the Council of State Executive Directors, (Philips, 2015). Originally Miami-Dade
County Parks Recreation and Open Spaces received accreditation from the CAPRA in 1995 but
is the first and only municipal park system to be honored with the accreditation of its original
year. This accreditation measures the agencies overall quality of operations, their management
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and their service to the community. In order for the agency to receive the mark of distinction
indicates that an agency has met rigorous standards related to the management and
administration of lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety and services (Philips, 2015).
There are several standards that affects the RT program. Looking at the National
Accreditation Standards on the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies
(CAPRA) web page gives us the list of standards
(https://www.nrpa.org/uploadedFiles/nrpa.org/Professional_Development/Accreditation/CAPRA
/CAPRA%20-%202014%20Standards%20-%205th%20Edition_04-03-14.pdf). One of the
fundamental standard that is required of all agencies seeking accreditation to have is a Recreation
Planning Plan. The agency shall have a recreation programming plan covering 3-5 years that is
updated periodically and a current year implementation plan, (2014). This standard includes:
activity selection, type and scope of programs, and outreach initiatives. Other standard that is
important for agencies are Program Objectives. There shall be specific objectives established
for programs and services that are reviewed periodically, (2014). In this standard, objects need
to be defined by programs areas like: nature, music, sports, fitness, and etc. There are a few more
standards that are listed on the CAPRA website.
There are several legislative that has had an impact on the RT department in MDPROS.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been used and supported by Miami-Dade County
Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces. They have been trying to have all their parks accessible to
all individuals with disabilities. They even provide programs all around the county to individuals
with disabilities. There are other several different legislative acts that has been passed for
MDPROS. Some of them that were passed are for: Florida Forever/ Conservation Lands/ Land
16

Acquisition, Beach re-nourishment, Florida Department of Transportation, Elderly Meals/Local
Services Programs, and Trial Funding.
Agency Organizational Chart. Appendix F and G both provides the breakdown of
where each department is located on the Miami-Dade County organizational chart. Looking at
appendix G, it shows you where you could locate Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces section in
Miami-Dade County. Firstly, it start at the top of the chart with the department of county
residents. From this department breaks into two divisions: county departments and board of
county commissioners. Under the county departments there are six subdivisions classified under
this branch. These six divisions are: recreation and culture, public safety, neighborhood and
infrastructure, transportation, economic development, and health and human services. Under the
recreation and culture unit you would find Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces section.
In order to find the TR program you need to look into the organization of Parks,
Recreation and Open Spaces. Looking at the chart in appendix G, you would see where you will
find the RT program within the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces (PROS).
Underneath this subunit, you will find the main unit Parks Operations Management. This
department is the head of these seven subdivisions located below them. One of these seven units
is where you will find the RT programs services.
Agency Resources. The Therapeutic Recreation specialist needs to fully understand the
availability and potential resources that the agency has in their district. When an individual
understand these resources they could use it to their ability of creating programs and activities
for the individuals in the community. This agency provides many resources to all of their
residents and community be providing quality staff members, facilities for recreation use, and the
budget to help maintain facilities and provide a variety of programs for all ages.
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Staff. Miami Dade County Parks Recreation and Open Spaces has other disciplines that
are representing this agency. Previously mentioned in the mission statement section, the core
values need to be embodied by the staff members or anyone representing the agency needs to
follow. We need to have the best staff with the credentials and pedigree to administer these
recreational activities or just to maintain the county itself. Miami-Dade County is responsible for
all the property in the county such as: beaches, parks, recreational activities, pools, fields, golf
courses, marinas, and facilities. During recreational activities you can intertwine into one
location. For example, if you are going to Tamiami Park, you could use the fields to play soccer,
football, or baseball while in the same park you could go to the swimming pool for swimming
lessons. Not only could you use this park in a recreational setting but you could compete in
programs that they offer all ages and even to individuals with disabilities.
Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department encourages
Miami-Dade residents to volunteer their time at the park of their choice by building a
playground, beautifying parks, maintaining natural areas, playing basketball with children in an
inclusive setting, coordinating activities for senior programs, completing a scouting merit badge
program, providing golf ranger/starter duties, cleaning and maintaining a park of fulfilling
community service hours and more, (2016). Tamiami Park accepts volunteers and internships
for their programs to help with children and adults with disabilities.
Facilities. For therapeutic recreation programs, Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open
Spaces department offers many of their facilities to all individuals. In Tamiami Park they use a
variety of facilities throughout their afterschool programs, seasonal programs, and summer
programs. One facility they use is the pool that is located across from their facility. This pool is
ADA approved for individuals with disabilities and provides a water lift for individuals that have
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little to no mobility. While using the pool facility, the participants learn how to swim by certified
American Red Cross water safety instructors. During the summer they have swimming lessons
once every week for four consecutive weeks. After the swimming lessons they could free swim
with lifeguards and staff members watching over them.
This agency also provides a variety of parks to all of their recreation programs such as:
Food and Spice Park, Oak Grove, Coral Estates, and Zoo Miami. Not only do they provide parks
but beaches as well. Crandon Park, ranked one of the top ten beaches in the United State for the
last ten years, offers services to individuals with disabilities. They provide: beach wheelchairs,
accessible pathways, showers and concessions stands that are wheelchair accessible. Not only do
they provide this service in Crandon Park but also in their other locations like: Matheson
Hammock Park, Haulover Park, Biscayne Bay, and Pelican Island. Other facilities that they offer
are fitness zones, dog parks, event planning venues, and golf courses. Miami-Dade County is
complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act to make a more accessible to individuals
with disabilities to all of their locations.
Budget. Looking at appendix E, you will see the breakdown of the potential 2016-2017
budget in Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces. The Parks, Recreation and Open
Spaces department acquires, plans, designs, constructs, maintain, and operates County parks and
recreational facilities; provides landscape maintenance security guard services and street lighting
for special taxing districts; maintains all of the coastal beaches; provides roadside and medical
maintenance; administers toll collection on the Rickenbacker and Venetian Causeways; and
coordinates recreational programming activities, (2016). The revenues that Miami-Dade County
Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces receives are from Interagency Transfers ($38,076),
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Proprietary fee and Bond Funds ($118, 094), Countywide General Funds ($20,435), and UMSA
General Funds ($27,924).
Looking at the Expenditures by activity chart, it provides the breakdown of how much
money is used on each department. The office of the director provides overall leadership and
direction for departmental operations. Some decisions that they do are: coordinates special
projects, public information, marketing, serves on the board of the Park Foundations, and so on.
They also are in charge on making plans for fundraising efforts and lead this activity.
Therapeutic Recreation Department
Mission. As most of the therapeutic recreation facilities, we have a mission to provide
recreational therapy to all of our clients while improving leisure education, health, and functional
ability, to the best of our ability. Our mission at Miami Dade Parks and Recreation is to provide
an outdoor environment in which the main goal is to not only expose, but to enhance the lives of
those with disabilities through leisure and recreation.
Staff. A pivotal part of parks and recreation for those with disabilities is the management
and guidance through recreation. Considering that most of our participants are sometimes
participating in an activity for the very first time in their lives, it is paramount to have the best
staff, made up of individuals with the credentials and pedigree to administer this recreation.
Miami Dade parks and recreation has many programs and activities for special need individuals,
which are overseen by our Recreational specialist. The staff includes a therapeutic city wide
coordinator, who is the head of the department and is reported to by the recreation supervisor,
who must be a Certified Recreational therapist. Under them are Certified Therapeutic
Recreational specialist. These jobs can be offered as part time or full time depending on the need
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of the department. They serve not only as teachers and instructors, but also use therapy to
provide a positive and healthy form of recreation. Under them is the support staff. The support
staff consist of recreational assists, specialized instructors, and any other potion specific for
certain activities. Support offers as many as 10 position and 1 support member per recreational
therapist.
The job title for our recreational specialists is Recreational Therapists. Their Job Duties
consist of, but are not limited to, organizing and directing forms of recreation such as sports,
games, confidence building activities, activities that promote inclusion, group activities, outdoor
leisure, aquatic therapeutic leisure, and fitness related activities. Also, our therapist must develop
programs for individuals that are in accordance with each individuals personal abilities and
needs. Recreational therapists must oversee all programs and delegate tasks as seen fit.
Recreational therapist are in charge of creating group activities that include all individuals, not
only outspoken individuals. They must also oversee all recreational therapy assistive employees
and make sure that all staff under him or her, are conducting themselves in a manner fit for a
Miami Dade parks and rec employee.
Job Skills:
Our Recreational therapists must possess many skills. Among those skills, the most
important skill is active listening. Our recreational therapists must listen to all
participants and not simply be a voice but also an ear. However, our Recreational
Therapists must also have verbal skills. These skills include being well spoken and
having an authoritative, yet friendly manner. These two skills fall under the major
category of communication and that is basically what a recreational therapists need.
Communication makes our system work. Our Recreational therapist must also have
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basic computer skills and high-quality writing ability with note taking skills. They must
possess critical thinking and problem solving skills, along with judgment and decision
making skills. Finally, our recreational therapists must possess system analysis and
evaluation skills along with minor skills in sports, but must have significant knowledge in
games and recreational activities.
Credentials:
Our recreational Therapists must have at least a bachelors degree from an accredited
college or university. They must also be licensed as certified therapeutic recreational
specialists in Florida. They must have a valid Florida drivers license. In addition, they
must acquire CPR and BLS certifications. Finally, they must be able to pass a level 2
background check.
Job Abilities:
Our recreational therapists must have the ability to hand multiple tasks simultaneously.
They must possess the ability to speak publicly and conduct instructive group lessons.
Recreational therapists must have the ability to meet the physical demands of the job
which include: walking, standing, pushing, pulling, carrying, swimming, kneeling,
climbing, squatting, stooping, and running. Our therapist must have the physical agility to
act in times of emergency and crisis.
The likelihood of us increasing our RT/TR staff will all depend on the number of clients.
Since our organization is a Miami Dade program, we expect a large number of participants. If
this is the case then we will have to increase the number of employees to accommodate the size
of our cliental. Also, since this is a growing field, we will be looking to expand and offer a wide
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variety of programs and activities. We will need a sufficient amount of employees to run our
business as efficient as possible.
Volunteers. In Miami Dade parks and recreational therapy, we heavily rely on volunteer
work and not only offer volunteer opportunities, but encourage those looking for experience
working in this setting. We offer volunteer opportunities for all sorts of jobs that come with many
responsibilities. Our volunteers help build playgrounds, play with the kids in playground, play
sports that promote inclusion, help maintain a clean environment for the therapeutic recreation to
take place, among many other tasks. Volunteers primarily work under the supervision of
recreational therapists. Tasks are delegated to them in order to help assist the therapist in
providing the best therapy possible.
So who are good candidates for volunteer work? Anyone is a good candidate as long
as they are able to perform all duties, for no pay. Volunteers cannot volunteer to do
duties in which they already receive compensation for. Volunteers may choose to help
in any aspect in which they donate their own time.
What are volunteers allowed to do? Volunteers are allowed to help in all facet of the
recreational therapy department. There are limitations. Volunteers should not perform
any duties he or she does not feel comfortable performing. Volunteers should not
assist in any duties harmful to ones well-being. Volunteers must be afforded all the
same protective equipment of the park staff. Volunteers are not expected to make
extensive contact with the clients unless instructed to do otherwise by the
Recreational specialist.
What are some duties volunteers would be expected to perform? Volunteers are
expected to help assist the recreational therapists in all tasks deemed suitable such as
leading swim classes and nature hikes, playing inclusive sports with the clients,
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refereeing any competitive sports, offering a second voice encouragement, and help
coordinating any food related activity.
Internships. Moving on, Miami Dade Park Recreation and Open spaces offers
internships to college students looking to pursue a degree in recreational therapy. The mission of
the Recreational Therapy internship is to allow young minds to introduce and develop young
minds in their journey of delivering therapeutic recreation, while having a certified specialist
mentor and guide them. Internship is offered in many different departments.
Interns are accepted all year long. All interns must email the Therapeutic Recreation
department head about an interest in interning for Miami Dade Parks Recreation and Open
Spaces. They must send an updated version of their resume. Applicants must be at least 17 years
old. Applicants must fill out a full application
There are positions in the assistant directors office, health and wellness, operations, and
communications. It is unpaid but hours are flexible. Students will be Monitored by a CTRS. All
interns will be subject to a background check. Students are expected to show up on time wearing
specific attire to the assigned department. If the student is completing a rotation of internship 1,
160 hours will be offered. For internship 2 the total hours will be allowed. Students will be
responsible for a wide range of jobs such as maintaining grounds, assisting in the running of
Miami Dade Parks Recreation programs and activities, promotion of park events, and assisting in
administration and planning.
Facilities. Miami Dade parks and recreation are full of many facilities which serve its
sole purpose of maintaining a safe, adaptable, inclusive area for recreation. Recreational therapy
department will have access to all these facilities which include swimming pools, playgrounds,
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marinas, basketball courts, baseball fields, golf courses, and open spaces. Other facilities that can
be used by our Recreational therapy department are the Miami Dade park clubhouses which
include all kinds of fun activities such as Ping-Pong tables, foosball tables, air hockey, and air
conditioning. Miami Dade parks are also loaded with fitness zones. These are zones located all
over the parks with the intention of providing a variety of exercises for clients to learn and
attempt. Our facilities also include accessories that are accessible for our CTRS to utilize which
can be used in the aid of recreation. These accessories include equipment for sport such as balls,
bats, cones, rope, and jump ropes. In the swimming pool, Miami Dade parks recreation and open
spaces offer swimming aids such floats, dumbbells made for water activities, boogie boards, nets,
and life jackets.
Furthermore, Miami Dade parks recreation is unique in that it is home to many marinas
that offer opportunities at boating, diving, fishing, and sailing. The marinas also feature water
front dining, golf tennis, and bait and tackle shops.
In addition, Miami Dade parks and recreational facilities are equipped with at least two
bathroom, with plumbing and are fully handicap accessible, and are conveniently located to
hotspots such as parking lots, clubhouses, and shelters. All these facilities are afforded to the
Miami Dade parks and recreation therapeutic recreation department. Miami Dade parks and
recreation is equipped with multiple spots for convenient parking and also has handicap friendly
parking which follows all ADA guidelines.
Although Miami Dade parks and recreation shares its facilities with the Recreational
therapy department and the public, there are many pieces of equipment that are exclusive to the
RT department. These include hand cycles, goal ball equipment, wheelchairs for wheelchair
basketball, adaptive painting equipment, and other adapted equipment.
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Forms of transportation include public transportation such as the metro rail and public
bus transportation. There is also self-transportation. Miami Dade parks recreation and offers
many spots for convenient parking and as previously mentioned includes parking for vehicles
made specifically for handicapped individuals.
Budgets. The therapeutic recreation Department primarily receives its budget from
Miami Dade Park Recreation and Open spaces. Approximately $44,000,000 is being proposed
for the 2016-2017 Miami Dade parks and recreation budget specifically for park operations.
Thats about 35% of the entire Miami Dade parks recreation and open spaces budget proposed
for the 2016-2017 year. About 2.5%, or $1,100,000 of the funding to park operations will be the
total annual budget for the Therapeutic Recreation department. The therapeutic Recreational
department funding is much smaller than other departments in the Miami Dade parks Recreation
and Open Spaces. This is due to specific need, development, size, extent of other departments.
While the therapeutic recreation department does not receive the lions share of funding, it still
works with the other departments sharing resources, and delegating facilities and equipment of
other departments.
The amount of third party Reimbursement that the therapeutic recreation department will
receive in the upcoming year will be the same amount received by Miami Dade Parks Recreation
and Open spaces. The Therapeutic Department budget is reviewed when the development of the
entire budget of Miami Dade Parks Recreation and Open spaces is reviewed before the beginning
of the year cycle. During this time the budget is looked over by the mayor and the head of all the
departments.
Additional ways to supplement the department would be to create programs that show
increasing demand for therapeutic recreation. Also, fundraising is always a mainstay in
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departmental fund supplementation. Finally, finding outside funding from small businesses
through connection by offering opportunity of sponsorship, free advertisement, and possible
naming rights.
Clients
Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation Open Spaces Therapeutic Recreation
departments are open to serve all individuals that subside in Miami-Dade County that have a
diagnosed disability. In Tamiami Park the facility can serve up to 30 clients at once in the
program. The ratio of adults to client is a 1 to 5 ratio with at least 2 CTRS on site along with the
rest of the staff. The site has an extremely large facility and has lots of land that the program can
use at their own discretion. The program at Tamiami Park is funded by a grant given to then by
the city. This Grant covers the meals that will be provided to the clients as well as the equipment
that will be used throughout the program to help make things fun and exciting for the clients.
The Tamiami Park facility is designed to serve clients between the ages of 6-13 years old.
The primary diagnoses that is dealt with at this facility is autism. Autism affects many kids in
today society. Autism is a disorder that can have many different effects on a person. It is not as
scary as it may seem because of the amount of residence that live in Miami-Dade County. Being
that we are only able to impact only a certain amount of clients it is sad to see numbers so high in
our county. The only bright side to this is programs just like the one at Tamiami Park are
provided all over the county you just have to look and apply and see how you can enter. The
demographics of the Tamiami Park facility is as mentioned above children between the ages of 613. Most of the individuals that live around the Tamiami Park area are Hispanic. Most of them
coming from a Catholic background. In other words the clients that would be served would relate
to the demographics mentions in section one of the Comprehensive Program Plan.
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Children that suffer from any given disability have to struggle on a daily basis. This
program will hopefully help those who struggle with their disability break away from there shell
and help them feel involved and give them a place to just be themselves around individuals that
go through the same things. Autism spectrum disorder is a new diagnoses. This disorder ties in
four previously diagnosed disorders into one with four levels of symptoms (APA, 2013).
Diagnoses for Autism are known to be problems with social communication, repetitive patterns
of behaviors. Symptoms come about in early child development and can cause functional
impairment. The three levels of severity when it comes to Autism are level 1 requires support,
level 2 require sustainable support, level 3 require substantial support (APA, 2013). Autism is
diagnosed by behavioral and developmental characteristics (APA, 2013). The causes can be
genetics, neurological structure and development, and environmental factors. The secondary
problems include anxiety, depression, sleeping disorders etc. (APA, 2013). Autism is extremely
common in children. This disorder can be difficult because it involves children but at the same
time it allows for the patient to be able to show even more progression as far as therapy is
involved. The Therapeutic Recreation professionals, they should know how to help and
understand what strategies that are need to be enforced toward our clients. This will help our
clients feel as though they are able to take something away from this experience. The leisure
related activities consist of different strategies for our clients. These strategies are to help our
clients with social skills, daily living skills and behavior skills. Socialization skills can be taught
through a series of games our can be taught through a small group activity. Daily living skills can
be taught through games as well as having them actually apply the things that they are learning at
the facility. Along with games as a program we will taking field trips to different places to teach
our clients how they should behave in other environments. For instance we will be visiting a
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swimming pool in which our clients will be learning how to swim which is a key thing to learn in
life. In other words have them actual have to do certain things to show them this is how things
should be done at home. Behavior skills are taught the exact same way as far as kids are
concerned. The TRs must be sure to be firm with discipline so that the clients understand how
they should act when around there families. TR professionals must also know how to be patient
because clients with autism tend to have a mind of their and it can be difficult for individuals to
handle. With time and the proper training the clients will adapt to the way things are done at the
facility and watching the achievement and success is some of the most rewarding achievements
that a TR specialist can see. Our facility promises that we will do what it takes to help our client
feel that we helped better them whether it is a small or a huge different in their life. At the end of
the day a disability is a small set back that will time and effort they will overcome.
Therapeutic Recreation Profession
We are professional staff in the Therapeutic Recreation Profession. We understand the
rules, regulations, and requirements to be such professionals. We adhere to our practice models.
Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics and Credentialing by the NCTRC. Furthermore, we
continue to be active professionals of therapeutic recreation, holding memberships and furthering
our craft.
Philosophy of TR Practice Model. The practice model that we abide be here at our
agency is the Leisure and Well-being Service Delivery Model. We use this model because it is
designed to facilitate clients development of the skills, knowledge, and resources essential to
well-being (Hood & Carruthers 2016). This model also incorporates the use of short term and
midterm goals to promote the long term goal (Hood & Carruthers 2016). We strive to promote
recovery while making sure there is leisure involved. We assist with helping our clients to regain
29

control and independence by having the Leisure and Well-being Service Delivery Model
as guideline.
Impact of Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Our staff and our agency both
utilize and meet the 12 standards of practice. A list of the 12 SOPs can be found towards the end
of the CPP in the appendices. We also follow the Code of Ethics and hold them dear to our daily
practice. Following the SOPs and Code of Ethics allow for effective delivery of our services. We
meet these standards on the national level and are able to give exquisite service to our clients
through them. Following these SOPs and the Code of Ethics not only benefits us but it benefits
our clients. The Self-Assessment Guide, in the appendix, is an evaluation tool used to ensure that
our programs and agency as a whole satisfies the 12 Standards of Practice. We are
professionally evaluated by national agencies such as JCAHO and CARF. A completed SelfAssessment Guide is found in the appendices of this CPP.
Credentials/Professional Preparation. To be a CTRS staff must be certified by the
NCTRC. There are three paths to receive certification through the NCTRC, an Academic Path
and two Equivalent Paths. The Academic Path requires a Bachelor's Degree in Recreational
Therapy composed of courses focusing on recreational therapy, supportive coursework and 560
hour internship under the supervision of a CTRS. Equivalency Path A requires a Bachelor's
degree or higher, coursework in Recreational therapy, 5 years of full-time work, and passing of
the Certification. Equivalency Path B also requires a Bachelor's degree or higher, coursework in
recreational therapy and a passing of the Certification Exam but, instead requires 1 year full-time
work under the supervision of a CTRS. All paths are acceptable for any new applicants, but our
staff all took the Academic Path. (www.nctrc.org)
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Professional Memberships Held by Staff. Our staff here at all hold professional
memberships with the American Therapeutic Recreation Association, or the ATRA. This
membership is comprised of many benefits for its members including but not limited to
marketing and educational efforts, educational opportunities at conferences as well as the CAS to
stay up to date on national news. (www.atra-online.com/welcome/become-a-member).
A premier membership is also held by NRPA, the National Recreation and Park
Association. NRPA works hard To advance parks, recreation and environmental conservation
efforts that enhance the quality of life for all people The possession of this membership
provides our staff and agency with opportunities to further educate themselves as well as
network with other professionals in the field.
(http://www.nrpa.org/About-National-Recreation-and-Park-Association/)
Continuing Education/Professional Development. While our staff possess a minimum
of a Bachelor's Degree in Recreational Therapy, we encourage them to further their education at
the Master's Degree Level. Florida International University here in Miami is the only school in
Florida that possess this program at the Masters level.
Aside from scholarly CEUs we urge our staff to continue their professional development
also. In doing so our staff attends at least two webinars offered by the ATRA. We make sure that
all of the webinars that our staff attend are CEU qualified and are approved by the NCTRC.
Many other opportunities are available such as internship supervision, attending conferences, and
agency education provided here. After 5 years it is required to renew certification by either
retaking the National Certification Exam or by completing 50 hours of CEUs.
(www..atra-online.com/education/continuing-education/webinars)
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Professional Resources. Additional resources are provided to our department and are
beneficial to it such as books, webinars, and benefits through membership. Being apart or the
NRPA we are gifted with webinars to stay up to date with trends and issues in the field. We also
partner with different parks in our county as well as Palm Beach and Broward County Parks and
Recreation. Our department office is equipped with many books on Recreational Therapy, many
being written my CTRS. Books we have on file include Facilitation Techniques in Therapeutic
Recreation by John Dattilo and Alexis McKenney, Recreational Therapy for Specific Diagnoses
and Conditions edited by Heather Porter, Therapeutic Recreation Program Design: Principles
and procedures by Norma Stumbo and Carol Ann Peterson, to name a few. Our agency also has
access to the American Journal of Recreation Therapy and the Therapeutic Recreation Journal to
use as resources.
Conceptualization.
Conceptualization means to form a concept or idea. In Therapeutic Recreation it is
required for the facility to have a Comprehensive Program Plan Model. The most important step
is to provide a statement of purpose for the Therapeutic Recreation Department of Miami-Dade
County Parks and Recreation and Open Spaces agency that relates to its clients and there
disabilities. After developing the statement of purpose the facility can then go ahead and create
Comprehensive Program goals. Tamiami Park as mentioned above main focus is to help develop
a program in order to benefit children with Autism.
Statement of Purpose. Our purpose is to deliver quality care to all clients with
disabilities. Our programs main focus is to improve skills of clients ranging from physical and
social abilities to mental and emotional competence. With the improvement of these skills we can
help our clients with their overall development and functional independence. Goals of this
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program, are designed to improve well- being of life and provide a safe and comfortable
environment to prove therapeutic recreation.
After developing the statement of purpose as a facility five comprehensive program goals
were put together. Each goal is in place to show that as a facility and staff they wish to help their
client make progress on the goals provided. The goals developed are statements of intent and are
not idealistic (Stumbo & Petersen, 2009).
Goals.
1.0 To help clients understand their relationship between leisure health and quality of life.
(Leisure Education)
2.0 To improve clients cognitive functioning. (Functional Intervention)
3.0 To provide activities that increase clients social interaction skills ( Leisure Education)
4.0 To provide an environment for the integration of diverse physical, mental, social and
emotional skills. ( Recreation Participation)
5.0 To provide services that improve physical fitness. (Functional Intervention)
Investigation and Determination.
Program Component Chart. A comprehensive program component chart, appendix O,
was created in order to show the organization of the goal with a potential program component. In
appendix O, provides us with the five program components that would be focused in MiamiDade County Parks Recreation and Open Spaces Therapeutic Recreation departments program at
Tamiami Park. These five program components are: Social Interactions skills, cognitive
interaction skills, physical fitness, emotional control skills, and health improvements. In the
following sections, we would future discuss in detail the components.
Physical Fitness. (Goals 1.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0) While participating in this
component of the program each client will enjoy a wide variety of activities. Physical activity is
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meant to test our clients range of motion, strength and stamina while maintaining a balanced
body weight. This component is not only built to help our clients mental state and a clients
feeling. Physical fitness is considered to be appropriate for children with disabilities such as
autism. Exercise is a key element for those with and without disabilities. Exercise targets
different physical skills such as fine and gross motor skills. Therapeutic Recreation specialists
can use exercise as an appropriate therapeutic vehicle to enhance cardiovascular fitness, muscle
endurance and strength, flexibility, and body composition (Miller, 1995). Exercise helps to
improve health, enhance physical ability and helps to reduce secondary diseases or disabilities
from occurring. Exercise has shown to be a useful way that has been incorporated throughout the
Therapeutic recreation field and is beneficial to all.
The examples that will be used as the modalities of this component include dance and
movement therapy. This can be accomplished by putting together creative routines and
movements during their time at the facility and achieve their goals. Ballet is a great form of
therapy for and individual with Autism. Ballet is an art that is in a classroom environment. Those
who suffer with Autism need to be able to adapt to being social with others. In other words ballet
will do just that. There are different forms of Autism which may have different needs. A common
form of Autism is when the individual is hyper active. Ballet is a form of therapy that can relax
those individuals. The soothing music and structured environment can assist those with this
particular set back. The involvement with other students can also help. The classroom
environment can be helpful because children with autism require support in which would be the
job of the instructors to make sure to distribute their attention to be sure all the children are able
to meet their goal of advancing to the higher level classes which is an incentive that will push the
kids to strive for greatness. Therefore, exercise and dance has been concluded to be a beneficial.
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Health Improvements. (Goals 1.0, 4.0, and 5.0) As children, many of us are
taught the saying you either sink or swim as a mantra to use for life. This is more than just a
mantra as the world is made up of 70% water. Great bodies of water are everywhere. Water
makes up easily the most important resource on earth. It is the very reason why earth is
inhabitable. It is part of the air we breathe and it allows to create food for us to eat and live. It
also allows for all species to have food which they can live on. Not to mention that our body is
made up significantly of water.
Water does more than just give us food and is not just the livelihood of our planet. It also
heals our wounds and fights our diseases. Water plays a significant role in healthcare, treatment,
and rehabilitation. Aquatic therapy is the leader of water rehabilitation. Aquatic therapy has been
a revolutionary blessing is Athletic Training and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, and
Recreational Therapy. It is also very beneficial for severe injuries, such as spinal and lower back
injuries. According to a scholarly journal on orthopedic nursing, Aquatic therapy is a viable
rehabilitation alternative for the treatment of spinal pain and dysfunction. The unique physical
properties of the water make it an ideal medium for the rehabilitation of low back injuries
(1998). Aquatic Therapy, also referred to as aquatics, contains unique abilities in healing and
rehabilitation and has been a form of healthcare for many centuries.
Moving on, what is Aquatic Therapy specifically? Well, According to the American
physical therapy association, Aquatic Physical Therapy includes but is not limited to treatment,
rehabilitation, prevention, health, wellness and fitness of patient/client populations in an aquatic
environment with or without the use of assistive, adaptive, orthotic, protective, or supportive
devices and equipment. Aquatic Therapy allows therapist of all disciplines to give patients with
all kinds of injuries and diseases a form of rehabilitation that allows patients to perform exercise,
35

improve health, increase flexibility and strength, while improving their recreational intelligence.
Aquatic therapy treats patients in a unique way by allowing the properties of the water to assist
in healing the patient, while the patient participates in their therapy.
Furthermore, Aquatic therapy has been around for a very long time. According to
Knowles, the first documentation of aquatic therapy goes all the way back to china BC. Even on
the western side of the world in Europe, the ancient romans who created one of the greatest
empires in history believed that water was the most important instrument in healing and could
actually help prolong youth. In Germany during the 20th century, the Olympic Teams utilized
adaptive water tanks as their main form of rehabilitation. And now it is used for pretty much
every high profile sporting organization or therapeutic and athletic facility. Aquatic therapy is not
just for athletes. It provides major benefits to the elderly and you can find an adaptive pool in
many retirement homes.
Benefits of Aqua therapy are endless. Aqua therapy is perfect for increasing physical
fitness. Aqua therapy allows improved muscle tone, core strength, improve stamina and
endurance. Clients also can increase flexibility and joint health, enhance circulation, and improve
overall cardiovascular functioning. Aqua therapy also gives patients a sense of empowerment
and improved self-worth.
A type of activity that would allow aqua therapy to improve physical fitness, would be
water aerobics. Water aerobics is the utilization of dumbbells made of floats in order to perform
exercise with resistance in a body of water, normally in a pool. Water aerobics is usually
conducted in class setting and in a pool. Instructors coach all kinds of adapted exercises one
would perform in a normal aerobics class. Movements include, but are not limited to, dumbbell
pushdowns, dumbbell flys, side lateral raises, etc.
36

Assisted swimming classes are another form of aqua therapy that can be included into a
good aqua therapy program. Assisted swimming is when clients are instructed on new inclusive
and adaptive ways of swimming, while overcoming an injury or disease that may impede their
swimming progress. Assistant equipment can include floats, boogie boards, rope, and any other
equipment the instructor sees fit. The goal of this activity is to improve the clients form in
swimming and teach new adaptive ways of swimming in order for the client to learn this new
ability. Once the clients learn how to swim, the client can then use this skill to improve their
health.
Moving on, this form of therapy is highly appropriate for the population that we would be
delivering it to. In Miami Dade Parks Recreation and Open Spaces, we serve many children with
special needs and these children will benefit highly from aqua therapy. Considering that children
without disabilities would find value in classes that teach skills to improve ones health and other
classes that teach and encourage swimming, children with special needs would greatly benefit
from this considering that water is a new and interesting terrain for them and learning to swim is
a skill that is crucial for them to master. But most importantly, children with disabilities can find
themselves suffering from many other health complications because of lack of fitness in their
lives. These complications come in the form of obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, repertory
conditions, and many more.
Overall, aqua therapy is highly beneficial to all populations, but can find special
significance with children who have disabilities by teaching them skills to live healthier lives.
These skills are some that special needs children will be able to utilize and improve on
throughout their entire lives. The benefit that children with special needs will receive will allow
37

them to branch out into new types of activates that improve their health. These skills are vital and
must be delivered, thats why aqua therapy is a very popular form of therapy.
Social Interaction Skills. (Goals 3.0 and 4.0) Through the use of this
component, we want to help provide activities that increase clients social interaction skills and to
provide an environment for the integration of diverse physical, mental, social, and emotional
skills. Social skills are skills we use to communicate and interact with each other, both verbally
and non-verbally, through gestures, body language and our personal appearances, (2016). Social
interactions are very important for the development of all children. Through social interactions,
children begin to establish a sense of self and to learn what others expect of them,
(Changnon). When playing with others, children learn appropriate social behaviors like: sharing,
cooperating, respecting the property of others, communication, cognitive, and motor skills.
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder have complications with social interactions.
Many researchers have been studying on the causes of these obstacles. Their observations have
shown us that, whereas typical infants are pre-wired by evolution with the motivation and
capacity to begin establishing an immediate social relationship with their caregivers, individuals
with autism tend not to focus on human faces or voices, (2013). Individuals with autism do not
respond too many of the non-verbal form of communication like: facial expressions, physical
gestures, and eye contact. One of their most dominating characteristic of autism is the inability to
express their needs and unable to understand the needs of others. They also have impairments in
their communication with others. Some impairments they face are: delayed language
development, difficulty initiating and sustaining conversations, and stereotyped and repetitive
use of language such as repeating phrases from television (2016).
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Providing programs to individuals with autism at an earlier age helps them improve their
social skills when they grow up but the later the time you start implementing a program the
harder it is to implement a change to their interactions. To help instill this component into the
program and achieve these goals we use a variety of activities in our program. Miami Dade
County Parks Recreation and Open Spaces location in Tamimai Park focuses on individuals who
have Autism Spectrum Disorder. Using the adaptations needed for individuals who are autistic in
their activities, we could help them to improve their social skills. There are several studies that
support these programs for individuals with autism.
One of the activities you will find within our program is the therapeutic use of sports.
Most sports of today only developed in their current form in the 19th and 20th century, though
many take their origins from more primitive sports and pastimes of ancient times, (2016).
Sports were recorded as early as the ancient Olympic Games in the 760 BC. Only one event took
place at the time, a footrace, but as time progressed, other sport activities were included. Looking
at present time, sports is popular around the world. People either watch professional players play
on TV or they play for fun. Recreational sport is a sport in which is engaged primarily for fun
and health.
Our facilities provides a field in which we could conduct our activities on site. We
provide a variety of team sports yearly to help them increase their communication and motor
skills. In the article, Effects of physical exercise on Autism Spectrum Disorders: A meta-analysis,
is a studying in which shows the benefits of physical exercise. All activities programmes
yielded significant progress on the measures assessed, but the individual programmes yield
significantly more improvement than the group interventions in the motor and more surprisingly,
also in the social domain, (Sowa, Meulenbrock, 2011). In their results, they concluded that
39

social skills in children and adults with ASD benefit most from individual exercise interventions.
Through the use of sports, the individuals learn to play with their teammates and communicate
with them. Some examples of sports that could help improve an individual with autism is
basketball, volleyball, and baseball. The CTRS should make adaptations if needed for the
individual.
Adventure Therapy is another program that would be used in Tamiami Park location. In
the 1800, the Friends Hospital opened in Philadelphia and incorporated the use of the natural
environment to help individuals treatments for mental illness. Then, in 1901, Manhattan State
Hospital East introduced tent therapy to isolate TB patients from other patients and found
unexpected health benefits for patients related to being outside, (2016). This was the first record
case that used outdoors as a healing process to individuals. As time went on and individuals
started to learn about the improvements that nature had on individuals with disability, adventure
therapy was exposed in 1971.
One of the areas targeted within adventure therapy is social identity. Being identified as
part of a group also helps people to establish a sense of connectedness with others, and provides
them with information that they can use to define themselves, (Dattilo & McKenney, 2016).
Group members could influence the individual on what they think, how they feel, and what they
do. In adventure therapy it is necessary for small-group interactions. In adventure therapy, a
variety of relationships are both built and explored, including relationships between the
individual and therapist, staff, peer group, family, and community, (Dattilo & McKenney,
2016). During activities individuals need to communicate with their group members and share
responsibilities on what the activity is. There are articles that supports adventure therapy with
individuals with autism. Looking at the article, Adventure-based group therapy to promote social
40

skills in adolescents, gives us support that adventure therapy helps an individuals with their
social skills. This article includes several examples of how these factors used in adventure
therapy can be used to promote social skills within the individual. Some activities that could fall
under adventure therapy program is scavenger hunt, camping, hiking, and canoeing. All of these
activities could be considered field trips at other facilities and parks within Miami-Dade County.
For example, camping and scavenger hunts could be performed at Greynolds Park while
canoeing and hiking could be done at Oleta State Park. At these locations the CTRS should make
adaptations to the individuals if needed.
Emotional Control. (Goals 1.0 and 4.0) Our program is designed to achieve the
goals of providing an environment for the integration of diverse physical, mental, social, and
emotional skills and to help clients understand their relationship between leisure health and
quality of life. Emotion regulation is the conscious or non-conscious control of emotion, mood,
or affect, (Kowalczyk, 2016). Conscious Control, also known as the coping mechanism, is a
behavior to control your emotions and mood. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder have a
hard time expressing themselves in what they like and do not like. Sometimes they would get
frustrated when someone could not understand them or if the individual with autism has
difficulties expressing themselves to other individuals.
To help individuals who are autistic with their emotion control and expression, we want
to provide programs in which we could support their emotional needs. An example of a program
that we will implement is anger management. These activities and exercises will be provided all
year in the summer and school year program. Anger management refers to the process by which
a person learns how to identify stressors, take necessary steps to remain calm, and handle
situations in a constructive, positive manner, (2016). It is impossible to avoid all the people,
41

things, or settings that initiate anger but the individual could learn how to adapt to it or control
their reactions and response in a socially appropriate manner. Anger management could be traced
back thousands of years in the times of Roman philosophers and Greek physicians. Some of the
anger managements major modern-day contributors include Peter Stearns, Raymond Novaco,
Howard Kassinove, Raymond Chip Tafrate, Louis Dudin, Brad Bushman, and Michael Hoyt,
(2016).
There are several activities that could be used for individuals with autism for emotion
control. Not only are these activities help but studies show the improvement within the
individuals. Some of the activities that would be used is angry paper toss, humortunities: using
laughter meditation to let go and relax, and deep breathing techniques. Anger paper toss is an
activity in which the individual draws or writes down what they are angry about. Many
individuals feel writing down or drawing what makes them angry about helps them to express
what they are feeling. This activity is for the individual to write down on a piece of paper with
markers. After writing it down, they will have to post the paper on the wall. The participants will
then grab wet paper napkins (the more water the paper holds, the better) and proceed to throw it
at the paper that makes them angry. They do this several times until the paper with the markings
is wiped clean. Another activity that we would use is humortunities. This activity is based on
laughter meditation. Some examples within this activity that you could do with the participants is
laughter from jokes (your funniest laugh after hearing a joke), telephone laugh, and animal
laughter. This is an activity that would work best in a group setting. Another activity used under
this program is deep breathing techniques. The CTRS or instructor would lead a group into deep
breathing exercise to release the tension and stress the individual is expressing.
42

Another program we would implement into Tamiami Park for individuals with autism is
expressive arts as therapeutic media. This would be a great technique to help the individuals with
expressing themselves. Expressive arts also provides a sense of accomplishment and a path for
self-expression, satisfaction, contemplation, exhilaration, and liberation, (Dattilo & McKenney,
2016). There are several different types of activities that are underneath this program such as:
visual arts, music, dance, drama, and poetry. Expressive arts as therapeutic media evolved as a
result of the development of the perception that art is a way to facilitate positive changes in the
physical, social, and emotional functioning of a person with a disability, (Dattilo & McKenney,
2016). This form of therapeutic program was formed from art therapy which was started before
World War II. A developer in the use of art as the therapeutic media during World War II was
Adrian Hill. He used painting to relieve boredom of military personnel who were recuperating
and then used it as a way to assist expression of terrors and emotional state of living with a
disability.
There are several different activities that could be used for individuals with autism in
Tamiami Park to help their emotion expressions. Expressive painting is an activity that the
participants could do within this program. They could paint anything they would like and how
many color paints they want to paint. They could use bright colors, dark colors, or other objects
to symbolize what they fear or what they want. Another activity that could do is photography.
They could learn the bases on how to take a picture and how to develop the pictures. In the book,
Facilitation Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation, gives us several cases in which visual arts
was successful. For example, Edrisinha and colleagues did a study on individuals with
developmental disabilities with the use of photography (Dattilo & McKenney, 2016). They used
four individuals to participant and take photos and develop them. They helped each individual
43

understand the concept of what they needed to do. After six months, all participants were able to
take photos and develop the photos. This activity increased their social skills, and emotional
skills. There are a few adaptations needed that the CTRS could make to help bring out the
emotions of an individual with autism. Not only would it help bring out their emotions but also
social interaction skills.
Another activity is music therapy. Having them listen to calming music could help them
with their anger or frustrations of expressing themselves. In the article by Mr. Kim, Mr. Wigram,
and Mr. Gold, they did a study that supported the use of music therapy on individuals with
autism. This study investigated the social-motivational aspect of musical interaction between
the child and the therapist in improvisational music therapy by measuring emotional,
motivational, and interpersonal responsiveness in children with autism during joint engagement
episodes, (Gold & Kim & Wigram, 2009). The conclusion of this study showed how much of a
positive value of music therapy has in promoting social, emotional, and motivational
development in children with autism.
Cognitive Interaction Skills.
44
Appendix A
45
Appendix B
46
Appendix C
47
Appendix D
Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces
Mission Statement:
We create outstanding Recreational, Natural and Cultural experiences to enrich you and
enhance the quality of life for our community for this and future generations, (2014).
Vision Statement:
Connecting people and parks for life, (2014).
Core Values:
Outstanding Customer Service: Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces

provides outstanding customer service exemplified by a professional, effective, efficient,
considerate and friendly attitude towards our community, visitors and coworkers.
Enthusiastic Attitude and Teamwork: Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces
works as a team based on respect for coworkers, our community and our environment.
Teamwork embodies loyalty to the Departments mission, vision, core values and goals in
order to deliver outstanding parks and programs.
Accountability and Integrity: Miami-Dade Parks and Open Spaces is responsive to the
community we serve by building public trust and confidence. We provide dependable,
consistent and quality facilities and programs.
Creativity and Innovation: Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces fosters
and supports innovative, dynamics and creative solutions, programs and projects placing
the Department as a leader in our profession.
Stewardship: Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces is a responsible and
committed steward of the communitys physical, natural and cultural resources creating a
legacy for this and future generations.
Inclusiveness and Accessibility: Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces
provides parks, facilities and programs that are inclusive of the diverse residents of our
community and are accessible to those with disabilities.
Leadership and Professional Development: Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open
Spaces fosters and supports life-long professional development, training and mentorship
by providing education and professional development opportunities which demonstrate
best management, technical and leadership practices.
Excellence: Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces fosters and supports
excellence and professionalism in carrying out our mission, vision, and goals for the
delivery of outstanding parks, programs and facilities.
Source: Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces

48

Website: http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/mission-values.asp
Page last Edited: Thu Feb 20, 2014 10:04:38am
Appendix E
Miami Dade County Parks and Open Space Master Plan
49
Appendix F Budget
Expenditures by Activity & Revenues by Source
50
51

Appendix G
Miami-Dade County Organizational Chart Part 1
52

Appendix H
Miami Dade Parks Recreation and Open Spaces (PROS) Organization Chart Part 2
53

Appendix I
NCTRC
7. Elmwood Drive
PROFESSIONAL ELIGIBLITY
ANNUAL MAINTENANCE
New City, NY 10956

call (845) 639-1439
fax (845)
639-1471
APPLICATION
email nctrc@NCTRC.org
www.NCTRC.org
Name as it appears on ID
SSN (Last 4 digits)

_
Current Full Mailing Address

City _ _ _
Work Phone (include area
code)
Fax Number (include area
code)
State/Province
_
_
Country
Zip/Postal Code _
Home Phone (include area
code)
E-mail Address
Agency
Agency Address/City/State(Province)/Zip(Postal)Code/Country
Employment:
From
To
1. Please check the box that best describes your employment status
during the past year: I work full-time in TR/RT (at least 30 hours
per week).
I work full-time at my agency, but only part of this time is in TR/RT.
Number of hours per week in TR/RT
___________________________________ I work only parttime in TR/RT (less then 30 hours per week).
Number of hours per week in TR/RT
___________________________________ I do not work in
TR/RT.
I am not employed.
Other ___________________________________
2. How would you best classify your position in TR/RT? (Select only the
primary one):
Therapist Supervisor
Therapist/Supervisor Administrator
Other
54

Educator Consultant
Volunteer
Student
Please enclose the Professional Eligibility Annual Maintenance fee of

$80.00.
Reinstatement fee$25.00
Payment Options: NCTRC accepts Credit Cards, Checks and Money
Orders in US funds. Please fill out the appropriate selection:
CREDIT CARD CHECK MONEY ORDER
Visa MasterCard American Express
Name as it appears on card: ___________________________________________
Card Number: __________________________________________________
Expiration Date: __ __ / __ __
By signing below I do hereby authorize NCTRC to charge
$___________ to the above
Visa/MasterCard/American Express
Account
Signature (required): ___________________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________________________
PLEASE COMPLETE MANDATORY SECTIONS ON THE BACK OF
THIS FORM
Revised 0316
NCTRC OFFICE USE ONLY
Date Received
Amount and Date Paid
Date of Eligibility Renewal
ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS & DECLARATION
Mandatory Sections: Please complete all sections on this page for your
application to be reviewed.
ELIGIB
ILITY
QUEST
IONS:
Please complete the following questions. A YES response to any of the questions
posted below requires supporting documentation relevant to your response. NCTRC
must be notified immediately if your response to any of the following questions
changes during the period of your active certification.
1.
Do you have a disabling condition or addiction to any substance that could
impair competent and objective professional performance of therapeutic recreation
services and/or jeopardize public health and safety?
YES or NO: ______
2. At any time, have you been subject to an investigation or disciplinary action by
a health care organization, professional association, governmental entity or
regulatory or licensing agency or authority?
YES or NO: ______
3. Have you ever been convicted, found or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere,
or are you presently being investigated or charged
with any felony or misdemeanor directly relating to therapeutic recreation services
or public health and safety? YES or NO: ______
Questions #2 and #3 include, but are not limited to investigations or disciplinary
actions by an employer, state or federal licensing agency, and/or any crimes involving
55

violence, rape, assault, sexual abuse, use or threatened use of a weapon, and/or the
prohibited sale, distribution or possession of a controlled substance. On an attached
sheet of paper you must identify all investigations, allegations, charges and outcomes.
Attach documentation if available. Note: if you are currently imprisoned, on probation
or parole or a case is being appealed, NCTRC will deny certification or recertification
until 3 years following the exhaustion of your appeal, completion of probation or
parole, or final release from imprisonment, whichever is later.
DECLARATIONS - NCTRC PROCESSING AGREEMENT:
NCTRC agrees to process your application subject to your agreement to the following
terms and conditions.
1.
To be bound by and in compliance with all NCTRC Certification Standards and
rules relating to eligibility, renewal and recertification, including, but not limited to,
payment of applicable fees, demonstration of educational and experiential
requirements, satisfaction of annual maintenance and recertification requirements,
compliance with the NCTRC Grounds for Sanctions and other standards, and
compliance with all NCTRC documentation and reporting requirements, as may be
revised from time to time.
2.
To authorize NCTRC to disclose, publish and/or release, in the sole discretion of
NCTRC, any information regarding your certification or recertification application
or status and any final or pending disciplinary decisions to state licensing boards or
agencies, other health-care organizations, professional associations, employers or
the public.
3.
To hold NCTRC harmless and to waive, release and exonerate NCTRC, its
officers, directors, employees, committee members, and agents from any claims
that you may have against NCTRC arising out of NCTRCs review of your
application, or eligibility for certification, renewal, recertification or reinstatement,
conduct of the examination, or issuance of a sanction or other decision.
4.
To only provide information in your application to NCTRC that is true and
accurate to the best of your knowledge. You agree to revocation or other limitation
of your certification, if granted, should any statement made on this application or
hereafter supplied to NCTRC is found to be false or inaccurate or if you violate any
of the standards, rules or regulations of NCTRC.
5.
To abide by the following testing conditions:
1.
NCTRC reserves the right to refuse admission to any NCTRC examination
if you do not have the proper identification, or if administration has begun. If you
are refused admission for any of these reasons or fail to appear at the test site, you
will not be entitled to a refund or deferral of the application or examination fees.
During the exam, the use of scratch paper, calculators, or reference to textbooks or
notes is prohibited and you are not allowed to remove any exam materials from the
administration room.
2.
NCTRCs examinations are only offered to individuals who are seeking
NCTRC certification or recertification, and for no other purpose. NCTRCs exams
and individual questions are copyright protected and highly confidential trade
secrets. Any disclosure or reconstruction of test questions and content shall be a
violation of NCTRC rules and subject to damages including, but not limited to, the
cost of replacing the compromised question(s) and reconstruction of the exam, if
advisable in the discretion of NCTRC.
3.
Proctors are authorized to maintain a secure and proper test
administration. You may not communicate with other examinees during the
examination. Any irregular, disruptive, inappropriate or suspected cheating
behavior by you may result in your relocation or removal from the examination site
56

and/or a refusal to release your examination scores; in such event, your
examination fees will not be refunded or deferred.
SIGNATURE: By signing, I acknowledge and affirm that I have carefully read and
understand NCTRCs standards, rules and requirements and that I agree to abide by
these terms and to be bound by all of the provisions of the Declarations above.
PRINTED NAME: ________________________ SIGNATURE:
_________________________________DATE:_____________
CONFIDENTIALITY RELEASE (Optional): I agree that NCTRC may release my
name and any contact information on record with NCTRC to individuals and/or
organizations for educational and/or research purposes. By signing this section, I
understand that my name and address will be released on mailing labels requested by
organizations sponsoring educational programs, conferences, and special research
studies
Applicant Signature Applicant Signature
Date
Date
Appendix J
American Therapeutic Recreation Associations

Code of Ethics
The American Therapeutic Recreation Associations Code of Ethics is to be
used as a guide for promoting and maintaining the highest standards of ethical
behavior. The Code applies to all Recreational Therapy personnel. The term
Recreational Therapy personnel includes Certified Therapeutic Recreation
Specialists (CTRS), recreational therapy assistants and recreational therapy
students. Acceptance of membership in the American Therapeutic Recreation
Association commits a member to adherence to these principles. -ATRA
PRINCIPLE 1: BENEFICENCE
Recreational Therapy personnel shall treat persons served in an ethical manner by actively
making efforts to provide for their well-being by maximizing possible benefits and relieving,
lessening, or minimizing possible harm.
PRINCIPLE 2: NON-MALEFICENCE
Recreational Therapy personnel have an obligation to use their knowledge, skills, abilities, and
judgment to help persons while respecting their decisions and protecting them from harm.
PRINCIPLE 3: AUTONOMY
57

Recreational Therapy personnel have a duty to preserve and protect the right of each individual
to make his/her own choices. Each individual is to be given the opportunity to determine his/her
own course of action in accordance with a plan freely chosen. In the case of individuals who are
unable to exercise autonomy with regard to their care, recreational therapy personnel have the
duty to respect the decisions of their qualified legal representative.
PRINCIPLE 4: JUSTICE
Recreational Therapy personnel are responsible for ensuring that individuals are served fairly
and that there is equity in the distribution of services. Individuals should receive services without
regard to race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, disease/disability, social and financial
status.
PRINCIPLE 5: FIDELITY
Recreational Therapy personnel have an obligation, first and foremost, to be loyal, faithful, and
meet commitments made to persons receiving services. In addition, Recreational Therapy
personnel have a secondary obligation to colleagues, agencies, and the profession.
PRINCIPLE 6: VERACITY
Recreational Therapy personnel shall be truthful and honest. Deception, by being dishonest or
omitting what is true, should always be avoided.
PRINCIPLE 7: INFORMED CONSENT

Recreational Therapy personnel should provide services characterized by mutual respect and
shared decision making. These personnel are responsible for providing each individual receiving
service with information regarding the services, benefits, outcomes, length of treatment,
expected activities, risk and limitations, including the professionals training and credentials.
Informed consent is obtained when information needed to make a reasoned decision is provided
by the professional to competent persons seeking services who then decide whether or not to
accept the treatment.
PRINCIPLE 8: CONFIDENTIALITY & PRIVACY

Recreational Therapy personnel have a duty to disclose all relevant information to persons
seeking services: they also have a corresponding duty not to disclose private information to third
parties. If a situation arises that requires disclosure of confidential information about an
individual (ie: to protect the individuals welfare or the interest of others) the professional has the
responsibility to inform the individual served of the circumstances.
PRINCIPLE 9: COMPETENCE
Recreational Therapy personnel have the responsibility to maintain and improve their knowledge
related to the profession and demonstrate current, competent practice to persons served. In
addition, personnel have an obligation to maintain their credential.
PRINCIPLE 10: COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Recreational Therapy personnel are responsible for complying with local, state and federal laws,
regulations and ATRA policies governing the profession of Recreational Therapy.
58
Appendix K
American Therapeutic Recreation Associations

Standards of Practice
STANDARD 1: Assessment
STANDARD 2: Treatment Planning
STANDARD 3: Plan Implementation
STANDARD 4: Re-Assessment and Evaluation
STANDARD 5: Discharge and Transition Planning
STANDARD 6: Prevention, Safety Planning and Risk Management
STANDARD 7: Ethical Conduct
STANDARD 8: Written Plan of Operation
STANDARD 9: Staff Qualifications and Competency Assessment
STANDARD 10: Quality Improvement
STANDARD 11: Resource Management
STANDARD 12: Program Evaluation and Research
59
Appendix L
NCTRC
7 Elmwood Drive
PROFESSIONAL ELIGIBILITY
New City, NY 10956
call (845) 639-1439
APPLICATION
fax (845) 639-1471

email nctrc@NCTRC.org
Date of Application
Social Security Number
Gender
Female Male
Name as it appears on ID _
Current Full Mailing Address
City
State/Province
Exam Preference-January, March, May, July, September, November
Date of Birth
_
_
_
Zip/Postal Code
Country
60

Work Phone (include area code)
Home Phone (include area code)
Fax Number (include area code) _
Please check appropriate information.

to complete the exam?
First application for eligibility

Second application for eligibility
E-mail Address _
Do you need special accommodations

Yes No
If Yes, please check the following
accommodations you are requesting and
Previous certification expired _______
submit the NCTRC Special Testing

Accommodation Application
according to the NCTRC instructions. If the required information is not
provided, then special accommodations will not be provided at the test
site. Which Application Path are you selecting?
Academic Path (Complete)

Academic Path (Degree Pending) Reader Marker Separate Room
Equivalency Path A
Double Test Time
Extended Test Time by
1.5
Equivalency Path B
Sign Language Interpreter
Confidentiality Release (Optional): I agree that NCTRC may release my name

and any contact information on record with NCTRC to individuals and/or
organizations for educational and/or research purposes. By signing this
section, I understand that my name and address will be released on mailing
labels requested by organizations, programs, conferences, and special
research studies.
Please enclose the Professional Eligibility Application & Exam Registration

fee of $425.00.
Applications submitted using Academic Path (Degree Pending)
option require an additional $25 processing fee ($450.00)
Payment Options: NCTRC accepts Credit Cards, Checks and
Money Orders in US funds. Please check the appropriate
selection: CREDIT CARD CHECK MONEY ORDER
Visa
MasterCard
American Express
Name as it appears on card: ___________________________________________
Card Number: __________________________________________________
Expiration Date: __ __ / __ __
By signing below I do hereby authorize NCTRC to charge $___________
to the above
Visa/MasterCard/American Express Account
Signature (required):
Date:
NCTRC OFFICE USE ONLY
61

Date Received
Amount and Date Paid
Academic Preparation: Submit an official academic transcript for each

college/university listed below. A student transcript copy is acceptable if it is the
official student copy from the school. For those applying Academic Path
(Complete), transcripts must indicate the date of graduation and the degree
awarded. All transcripts must accompany this application. All transcript
information must be in English or be accompanied by a notarized translation to
English. List all courses that relate to the NCTRC Professional Eligibility Standards
found in the Certification Standards. Enclose official course outlines for any
independent study or special projects course listed below. Please print in ink
or type all information.
College/University Name
State
Dates
Attended
Major
Degree
Degree
Date
to
to
to
to
Therapeutic Recreation Course Title

Course
(Only list content courses worth 3 or Prefix
more credit hours each)
Course
Number
Course
Credit
General Recreation Course Title

Course
(Only list content courses worth 3 or more credit Prefix
hours each)
Course
Number
Course
Credit
Supportive Course Title

Course
(Only list support courses worth 3 or more credit Prefix
hours each)
Course
Number
Course
Credit
62

Anatomy/Physiology
Human Growth & Development Across the
Lifespan
Abnormal Psychology
FOR ACADEMIC PATH APPLICANTS ONLYName:

4 digits):
SSN (last
Please complete this form and submit to NCTRC upon completion of your
internship experience.
If you have not yet completed your internship experience, then retain this
form and submit it once your internship experience is complete.
Internship Experience: If you are applying under the Academic Path, be sure to
list the exact name and certification number of the CTRS agency internship
supervisor and academic internship supervisor. Specific dates, weeks and hours
must be provided on this application or the internship experience cannot be
evaluated. You must submit a copy of your internship time logs if a range of
hours per week is provided. The internship experience must be completed after
the majority of required therapeutic recreation/general recreation coursework is
completed and verified on your official transcript.
Agency Name _ _ _ _ _ Agency Telephone Number (include area code) _
Agency Mailing Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal Code
Country
CTRS Agency Supervisor Name
CTRS Academic Supervisor Name
Certification Number
Expiration Date
Expiration Date
/
/
/ /
X
=
First month/day/year of placement Final month/day/year of placement Total Weeks
week
Total Hours Please answer the following:
1.
Hours per
Indicate the primary service setting of your internship experience (check

only one):
o
Hospital
Community
Partial or Outpatient
o
School
Residential/Transitional
Skilled Nursing
Facility
o
Correctional
Adult Day Care
Other ______________
Indicate the primary service sector that you worked with during your
internship experience (check only one):
Psychiatric/Mental Health
Physical Rehabilitation
Other ______________
o
Developmental Disability Geriatrics
63
Indicate the primary level of care that you worked with during your
o
Acute
Sub-Acute
Long Term Care
Home
Health
Rehabilitation
Other ______________
Indicate the primary age group that you worked with during your
Pediatric
Adolescent
Adult
Older Adult
Other ______________
National Job Analysis Task Areas: Please check

your level of exposure in each category of TR tasks
below. Review Part V: NCTRC Job Analysis Task
Areas prior to completing this section to insure
accuracy of your responses.
Nev Rar
er
ely
Someti
mes
Ofte
n
A. Professional Relationships and Responsibilities

B. Assessment
C. Plan Interventions and/or Programs
D. Implement Interventions and/or Programs
E. Evaluate Outcomes of the Interventions and/or
Programs
F. Document Intervention Services
G. Treatment Teams and/or Service Providers
H. Develop and Maintain Programs
I. Manage TR/RT Services
J. Awareness and Advocacy
NCTRC Office Use Only:
Agency Supervisor Certified: Yes No
Supervisor Certified: Yes No
Cert Date: _
One year prior? Yes No
FT, 50% in TR? Yes No Academic
FOR EQUIVALENCY PATH APPLICANTS ONLY

Therapeutic Recreation/Recreation Therapy Employment History: List only
paid work experiences in therapeutic recreation/recreation therapy. There must
be evidence in your descriptions that your job responsibilities included the
therapeutic recreation/recreation therapy process as defined by the NCTRC Job
Analysis. Please complete an Employment Information Release and Authorization
Form for each therapeutic recreation/recreation therapy work experience listed. If
you had more than one full time job in therapeutic recreation/recreation therapy,
please copy this page before filling it out and include as many additional pages as
needed to document your paid jobs in TR/RT. Do not list any non-TR/non-RT jobs,
jobs where you worked less than 20 hrs, and seasonal employment.
Agency Name _ _ _ _ _ _
Agency Mailing Address _ _ _
City
State/Province
Agency Telephone Number (include area code) _

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Zip/Postal Code
Country
Applicants Job Title
64

Name of Supervisor
/
First month/day/year of employment

Hours
Expiration Date
/
Final month/day/year of employment
Average Weekly
Job Duties (please describe your job duties in relation to the NCTRC Job Analysis Task
Areas):
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
NCTRC Office Use Only: Supervisor Certified Yes No TR Process Yes No

VLS Date to HR:______________________ VL from HR Return Date:_____________________
VL Problems with HR:
VLS Date to CTRS:______________________

Date:___________________
VL Problems with CTRS: Yes

No
VL from CTRS Return
Yes No
ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS & DECLARATION
Mandatory Sections: Please complete all sections on this page for your
application to be reviewed. The Declarations must be signed in the presence of a
Notary Public and have the proper seal affixed as evidence. NCTRC will not
65

accept a notary without an affixed notary seal. A Notary is a public officer who
attests or certifies writings to make them authentic.
ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS
Please complete the following questions. A YES response to any of the questions posted
below requires supporting documentation relevant to your response. NCTRC must be
notified immediately if your response to any of the following questions changes during the
period of your active certification.
1. Do you have a disabling condition or addiction to any substance that could
impair competent and objective professional performance of therapeutic recreation
services and/or jeopardize public health and safety?
YES or NO: ______
2. At any time, have you been subject to an investigation or disciplinary action by
a health care organization, professional association,
governmental entity or regulatory or licensing agency or authority?
YES or
NO: ______
3. Have you ever been convicted, found or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere,
or are you presently being investigated or charged
with any felony or misdemeanor directly relating to therapeutic recreation services or
public health and safety? YES or NO: ______
Questions #2 and #3 include, but are not limited to investigations or disciplinary actions
by an employer, state or federal licensing agency, and/or any crimes involving violence,
rape, assault, sexual abuse, use or threatened use of a weapon, and/or the prohibited sale,
distribution or possession of a controlled substance. On an attached sheet of paper you
must identify all investigations, allegations, charges and outcomes. Attach documentation
if available. Note: if you are currently imprisoned, on probation or parole or a case is being
appealed, NCTRC will deny certification or recertification until 3 years following the
exhaustion of your appeal, completion of probation or parole, or final release from
imprisonment, whichever is later.
DECLARATIONS - NCTRC PROCESSING AGREEMENT

NCTRC agrees to process your application subject to your agreement to the following
terms and conditions.
1. To be bound by and in compliance with all NCTRC Certification Standards and rules
relating to eligibility, renewal and recertification, including, but not limited to,
payment of applicable fees, demonstration of educational and experiential
requirements, satisfaction of annual maintenance and recertification requirements,
compliance with the NCTRC Grounds for Sanctions and other standards, and
compliance with all NCTRC documentation and reporting requirements, as may be
revised from time to time.
2. To authorize NCTRC to disclose, publish and/or release, in the sole discretion of
NCTRC, any information regarding your certification or recertification application
or status and any final or pending disciplinary decisions to state licensing boards or
agencies, other health-care organizations, professional associations, employers or
the public.
3. To hold NCTRC harmless and to waive, release and exonerate NCTRC, its officers,
directors, employees, committee members, and agents from any claims that you
may have against NCTRC arising out of NCTRCs review of your application, or
eligibility for certification, renewal, recertification or reinstatement, conduct of the
examination, or issuance of a sanction or other decision.
4. To only provide information in your application to NCTRC that is true and accurate
to the best of your knowledge. You agree to revocation or other limitation of your
certification, if granted, should any statement made on this application or hereafter
66

supplied to NCTRC is found to be false or inaccurate or if you violate any of the
standards, rules or regulations of NCTRC.
5. To abide by the following testing conditions:
1. NCTRC reserves the right to refuse admission to any NCTRC examination if
you do not have the proper identification, or if administration has begun. If
you are refused admission for any of these reasons or fail to appear at the
test site, you will not be entitled to a refund or deferral of the application or
examination fees. During the exam, the use of scratch paper, calculators, or
reference to textbooks or notes is prohibited and you are not allowed to
remove any exam materials from the administration room.
2. NCTRCs examinations are only offered to individuals who are seeking
NCTRC certification or recertification, and for no other purpose. NCTRCs
exams and individual questions are copyright protected and highly
confidential trade secrets. Any disclosure or reconstruction of test questions
and content shall be a violation of NCTRC rules and subject to damages
including, but not limited to, the cost of replacing the compromised
question(s) and reconstruction of the exam, if advisable in the discretion of
NCTRC.
3. Proctors are authorized to maintain a secure and proper test administration.
You may not communicate with other examinees during the examination.
Any irregular, disruptive, inappropriate or suspected cheating behavior by
you may result in your relocation or removal from the examination site
and/or a refusal to release your examination scores; in such event, your
examination fees will not be refunded or deferred.
NOTARIZATION OF NCTRC APPLICATION AND AGREEMENT TO ALL TERMS

OF DECLARATIONS
AGREEMENT: By signing, I acknowledge and affirm that I have carefully read and
understand NCTRCs standards, rules and requirements and that I agree to abide by these
terms and to be bound by all of the provisions of the Declarations Agreement above. Your
signature must be in the presence of a notary public, sworn to under oath and penalty of
perjury, and must be affixed with an official notary seal. Applications without a notary seal
will not be accepted.
PRINTED NAME: _____________________________ SIGNATURE: _____________________________
DATE:_____________
Notary Public of the State of ________________; County of ___________________. On this
_______ day of __________, 20__, the applicant personally appeared before me and
stated under oath and penalty of perjury that the information contained in this
application is true and correct and that the applicant agrees to abide by the
terms and conditions identified in this application.
Notary Signature ______________________________________ SEAL:
My Commission Expires: ____________________
FOR EQUIVALENCY PATH APPLICANTS ONLY

National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification Professional Eligibility Application
Employment Information Release and Authorization

Directions: Please complete this form using one (1) of the following methods.
Option 1: Applicant and Human Resource or Personnel Director complete the form and submit it
directly to NCTRC (This option requires notarized endorsement)
Option 2: Applicant completes the upper portion of the form and submits it directly to NCTRC
(This option does not require the notarized endorsement)
Human Resource or Personnel Director

Agency Name
Area Code and Phone Number
67

Agency Address
Area Code and Fax Number
Agency City, State, Zip Code
Agency Email Address
Applicant Release and Authorization: Permission is hereby granted to furnish as part of my

certification requirements to the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
(NCTRC), information regarding
First Name
Middle/Maiden Name
Last Name
SSN (Last 4 digits)
and you are further authorized to provide NCTRC with any additional information contained in
my file which may be requested with my certification application.
Signature of Applicant
Date
First month/day/year of employment
through
Final month/day/year of employment
The above named applicant stated that they were employed at your agency as a fulltime employee under the job title of _______________________________ with fulltime responsibilities in therapeutic
recreation/recreation therapy services.
NOTE: This section of the form must be completed by Human Resource or Personnel
Director. If the form is given to you by the applicant, then your signature must be
witnessed by an authorized notary.
Verification of Full-time Work Experience in Therapeutic Recreation/Recreation
Therapy: To the best of your knowledge and according to your records, during the dates
of employment listed above, was this individual:
1 Employed for the above dates, job title and duties? (If no, please provide correct dates of
employ ment and job title on an attached piece of paper.)
YES ___ NO ___
2. Subject to an investigation or disciplinary action, suspension or termination by your
organization or other health care organization that directly related to the provision of
therapeutic recreation/ recreation therapy services and/or public health and safety?
YES ___ NO ___
2. Subject to an investigation or disciplinary action by a governmental entity or regulatory
or licensing agency or authority that directly related to the provision of therapeutic
recreation/recreation therapy
services and/or public health and safety?
YES ___ NO ___
4. Investigated, charged or convicted of any felony or misdemeanor directly relating to the
provision of therapeutic recreation/recreation therapy services and/or public health and
safety? YES ___ NO ___
Please describe any YES responses for questions 2 through 4 on an attached piece of
paper and include any documentation you believe may be of assistance to NCTRC
in reviewing this applicant.
Print Name
Job Title
Notary Public of the State of _______________; County of

___________________. On this ____ day of __________, 20__, the individual personally
appeared before me and stated under oath and penalty of perjury that the information
contained in this application is true and correct and that the individual agrees to abide by the
terms and conditions identified in this application.
Notary Signature ______________________________________ SEAL:
My Commission Expires: ____________________
Please mail this completed form to: NCTRC, 7 Elmwood Drive, New City, NY 10956 or fax to 845-639-1471
68

If you have questions call 845-639-1439 or email question to: nctrc@NCTRC.org
APPENDIX OF CERTIFICATION PATHS

(http://nctrc.org/new-applicants/paths-to-certification/academic-path/)
69

Appendix M
Academic Path
The Academic Path to Certification is designed for the traditional academic
graduate.
Academic Path Overview

1. Completion of Bachelor degree or higher with concentration in recreational therapy
(therapeutic recreation) in addition to specific support coursework
2. Completion of a minimum 14 week / 560 hour internship supervised by a CTRS
3. Pass the NCTRC Certification Exam
Requirements
Academic Degree
The Academic Path eligibility requirements to take the CTRS exam are a baccalaureate degree or
higher from an accredited college or university with a major in recreational therapy (therapeutic
recreation) or a major in recreation or leisure with an option in recreational therapy (therapeutic
recreation). An official transcript must be submitted with the application that verifies the degree,
major and coursework. A major in therapeutic recreation or major in recreation with an option in
therapeutic recreation refers to the completion of a degree which includes the following:
Professional Content Coursework

A minimum of 18 semester or 24 quarter hours of recreational therapy (therapeutic recreation) and
general recreation content coursework with no less than a minimum of 15 semester or 20 quarter
hours in therapeutic recreation content.
A minimum of five (5) courses in recreational therapy (therapeutic recreation) is required

and each course must be a minimum of three (3) credit hours. Two (2) of the required
recreational therapy (therapeutic recreation) courses may be taught by the applicant as a
full-time educator.
Content specific recreational therapy (therapeutic recreation) coursework is
recommended as part of the NCTRC professional eligibility requirements. Specific course
content in the following areas: a) Assessment; b) TR Process; and c) Advancement of the
Profession is highly recommended but not required for eligibility.
Supportive Coursework
A total of 18 semester hours or 24 quarter hours of support coursework.
70
A minimum of: (i) three (3) semester hours or four (4) quarter hours coursework in the
content area of anatomy and physiology; (ii) three (3) semester hours or four (4) quarter
hours coursework in the content area of abnormal psychology; and (iii) three (3) semester
hours or four (4) quarter hours coursework in the content area of human growth and
development across the lifespan.
The remaining semester hours or quarter hours of coursework must be fulfilled in the
content areas of social sciences and humanities.
Experience in RT Practice
A minimum 560-hour, fourteen (14) consecutive week internship experience in recreational therapy
services that uses the recreational therapy process as defined by the current NCTRC Job Analysis
Study, under the supervision of both academic and agency internship supervisors who are NCTRC
CTRS certified. An acceptable internship experience is one which is completed after the majority of
required recreational therapy (therapeutic recreation) and general recreation coursework is
completed as verified on the official transcript.
Application Prior to Degree Completion

Applicants may apply for professional eligibility review after completion of the following conditions:
1. Enrollment in a degree program pertaining to Recreation Therapy (Therapeutic
Recreation) as defined by the current NCTRC standards.
2. Completion of a minimum of 90 credit hours toward degree attainment.
3. Completion of all required coursework other than the internship requirement, as defined
by the current NCTRC standards.
4. Submission of an official academic transcript denoting the completion of the above
requirements.
Applicants completing this option of the Academic Path application process will be awarded NCTRC
certification and the CTRS certificate upon demonstration of the following:
1. Successful completion of the NCTRC exam.
2. Completion of an internship experience in accordance with NCTRC Standards.
3. Academic degree attainment as documented by an official academic transcript.
Please note: Applying through this process will require an additional $25.00 fee. The total application
fee is $450.00 when submitting the Professional Eligibility Application.
Professional Eligibility Application

Download Printed Version (PDF) OR Online Submission
71

(http://nctrc.org/new-applicants/paths-to-certification/equivalency-path/)
Equivalency Path A
The Equivalency Paths are designed for applicants who have accomplished
extensive work in RT in combination with designated coursework to meet the
NCTRC Certification Standards.
Equivalency Path A Overview

1. Completion of a Bachelor degree or higher
2. Completion of specific coursework in recreational therapy (therapeutic recreation) and
related areas
3. Five (5) years full-time paid work experience in recreational therapy
4. Successful completion of the NCTRC Certification Exam
Requirements
Academic Degree
The eligibility requirements to take the CTRS exam are a baccalaureate degree or higher from an
accredited college or university verified by an official transcript and the following:

A minimum of 18 semester or 24 quarter hours of recreational therapy (therapeutic recreation) and
general recreation content coursework with no less than a minimum of 15 semester or 20 quarter
hours in therapeutic recreation content.

therapeutic recreation courses may be taught by the applicant as a full-time educator.
Supportive courses to include a minimum of 24 semester hours or 32 quarter hours in the content
areas of
social sciences and humanities.
72

A minimum of five (5) years of full-time paid work experience in recreational therapy (therapeutic
recreation) services that uses the recreational therapy process as defined by the current NCTRC
Job
Analysis.
Applicants who possess a graduate degree in recreational therapy need a minimum of three (3)
years of
full-time paid work experience in recreational therapy services that uses the recreational therapy
process as defined by the current NCTRC Job Analysis.

(http://nctrc.org/new-applicants/paths-to-certification/equivalency-path-b/)
Equivalency Path B
The Equivalency Paths are designed for applicants who have accomplished
extensive
work in RT in combination with designated coursework to meet the NCTRC
Certification Standards.
Equivalency Path B Overview

1. Completion of Bachelor degree or higher
2. Completion of specific coursework in recreational therapy (therapeutic recreation) and
related areas
3. One (1) year full-time paid work experience in recreational therapy (therapeutic
recreation) under the supervision of a CTRS
4. Successful completion of the NCTRC Certification Exam
Requirements
Academic Degree
The eligibility requirements to take the CTRS examination are a baccalaureate degree or higher from
an
accredited college or university verified by an official transcript and include the following:
73
A minimum of 18 semester or 24 quarter hours of recreational therapy (therapeutic

recreation) and general recreation content coursework with no less than a minimum of 15
semester or 20 quarter hours in recreational therapy (therapeutic recreation) content.
recreational therapy (therapeutic recreation) courses may be taught by the applicant as a
full-time educator.
Supportive courses to include a total of 18 semester hours or 24 quarter hours of support
coursework
A minimum of: (i) three (3) semester hours or four (4) quarter hours coursework in the
content area of anatomy and physiology; (ii) three (3) semester hours or four (4) quarter
hours coursework in the content area of abnormal psychology; and (iii) three (3) semester
hours or four (4) quarter hours coursework in the content area of human growth and
development across the lifespan.
The remaining semester hours or quarter hours of coursework must be fulfilled in the
content areas of social sciences and humanities.
A minimum of one (1) year full-time, paid work experience in recreational therapy services that uses
the
recreational therapy process as defined by the current NCTRC Job Analysis Job Skills, under the
supervision
of a CTRS. Additional work requirements are as follows:
Required work experience in therapeutic recreation must occur in the 5 years before
application.
Credit will not be given for administrative or consultant work, which does not include
direct client experience.
One-year full-time experience is defined as a minimum of 1500 hours (excludes
scheduled and unscheduled leave time) worked within a minimum of a full calendar year
(52 weeks). The 1500 hour number is determined by calculating full-time as a minimum of
30 hours per week over 46 weeks. 46 weeks is determined by subtracting potential
vacation, holiday and leave time from 52 weeks in a year.
74
A minimum of 30 hours per week will be considered full-time status. Part-time

employment of no less than 20 hours per week will be pro-rated to full-time equivalent up
to the minimum of 1500 hours of employment.
The supervisor must hold an active CTRS credential throughout the period of supervision.
The supervisor may be either employed on-site with direct supervisory responsibility for
the applicant (direct supervisory responsibilities refer to having primary responsibility for
the applicants performance evaluation, clinical and/or managerial supervision); or a
preceptor or consultant to the agency and applicant. The preceptor/consultant must
provide on-site supervision of the applicant for a minimum of one hour for every 10 hours
of the applicants employment for a minimum of 150 hours within the calendar year of
supervision. Supervision must include direct observation of practice as well as
supervisory meetings.
The CTRS supervisor must complete a formal evaluation provided by NCTRC.

75
Appendix N
APPENDIX OF CONFERENCES
ATRA Annual Conference

o Held annually in September or October. This conference took
place in Chicago, Illinois September 10-13. Next years annual
conference will be held in Orlando, Florida in 2017.
(https://www.atra-online.com/education/continuingeducation/future-conferences)
NRPA Annual Conference
o This year NRPAs Annual Conference is taking place in St. Louis,
Missouri from October 5 through the 7th of 2016. NRPA also
has an option to attend the conference virtually. More
information can be found at
(http://parks.nrpa.org/conference2016) .
FRPA Annual Conference
o The Florida Recreation and Parks Associations annual
conference was held this year from August 29th to September 1
in Orlando Florida. Anyone interested in attending the
conference can go to the associations website:
(http://www.frpa.org/conference/confgeneral)
Miami-Dade County Great Park Summit 2016
A summit was held in April of 2016 at Miami-Dade College to develop a 50
year plan for the future of Miami-Dade Countys parks and recreation. Many
individuals attended the summit including recreation professionals.
(http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?
oeidk=a07ec136xut1315e463&llr=7bgoxzdab)
76
Appendix O
Comprehensive Program Component Chart for Tamiami Park
Social
Interaction
Skills
Cognitive
Interaction
Skills
Emotional
Control
Physical
Fitness
Health
Improveme
nt
77
References:
About Miami-Dade Parks. (2016). Retrieved September 18, 2016, from
http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/about-parks.asp
By default, that state is Colorado. rn rn rn rn. (n.d.). White alone, percent, July 1, 2015, (V2015)
(a). Retrieved October 02, 2016, from http://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/RHI125215/12086
Google. (n.d.). Retrieved October 02, 2016, from https://www.google.com/#safe=strict
Miami-Dade County, Florida (FL) Religion Statistics Profile. (n.d.). Retrieved October 02, 2016,
from http://www.city-data.com/county/religion/Miami-Dade-County-FL.html
Mission & Values. (2014, February 20). Retrieved September 22, 2016, from
http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/mission-values.asp
Place, B. (n.d.). Languages in Miami-Dade County, Florida (County). Retrieved October 02,
2016, from http://statisticalatlas.com/county/Florida/Miami-Dade-County/Languages
78

The Miami-Dade County parks and open space system Master Plan. (2007, December).
Retrieved September 23, 2016, from
http://www.miamidade.gov/parksmasterplan/library/OSMP_FINAL_REPORT_entiredocument.p
df
Disability Services Programs. (2015, December 10). Retrieved September 24, 2016, from
http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/library/disability-service-programs.pdf
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