Let us guide you on your
journey to inclusion
Whether you are a large organization brand new to inclusion or a small program looking to enhance your existing inclusive efforts, our information sessions, interactive workshops, strategy spotlights and resources are here to help. We can...
- Introduce you to the basics of inclusion
- Enhance your understanding of inclusion recreation strategies to help all children succeed
- Enrich the inclusive programming and supports in your program
- Educate you on the Standards for Inclusive Recreation Programs and becoming a nationally recognized Accredited inclusion program
NIP offers multiple packages of education, training, and professional development support for a wide range of recreation programs from camps, to afterschool programs, to community centers, to athletics, to childcare centers, and beyond! We will tailor session content and design to meet your program’s needs/interests.
Below are some of our most popular training options and free resources. Whether you are interested in one of these or have no idea where to start (maybe you're somewhere in between?), contact our Director of Inclusive Recreation Dr. Amanda Kloo to schedule a time to talk through your options, answer your questions and design a partnership to meet your needs. You're not alone! Let us guide you on your journey to inclusion!
COMING SOON! We are currently piloting our NEW 16-week Online Inclusive Recreation Specialist Course. To learn more and sign up to receive updates, visit the Course webpage at inclusionproject.org/specialistcourse.
INFORMATION SESSIONS
An Introduction to Inclusive Recreation
In this free info session recording you will be introduced to the foundational concepts of Inclusive Recreation. We will discuss key considerations for programs, practitioners, and participants. And we will highlight impactful steps toward intentional inclusion to assure ALL children participate and ALL children belong.
If you'd like to schedule a live session, contact us!
An Introduction to the Standards for Inclusive Recreation Programs
In this free info session recording you will be introduced to the nuts and bolts of the Standards for Inclusive Recreation Programs. The Standards provide an operational definition of social inclusion and clearly outline best practices of inclusive recreation. Watch and learn how the standards can help guide programs to provide meaningful inclusive experiences to ALL participants.
If you'd like to schedule a live session, contact us!
An Introduction to Accreditation of Inclusive Recreation Programs
In this free info session recording you will be introduced to the nuts and bolts of the process to become a nationally recognized Accredited Inclusive Recreation Program. Together, we explore the benefits of pursuing Accreditation as an educational tool for your program to assess your inclusion progress and overview the timelines, procedures, and requirements for Accreditation to help you assess readiness and plan for next steps.
If you'd like to schedule a custom info session, contact us!
WORKSHOPs
Standards for Inclusive Recreation Programs In Depth - 2-Part Workshop
Assessment, Implementation, & Evaluation of Best Practices
This virtual two-part interactive workshop explores the Standards for Inclusive Recreation Programs in depth. Together we unpack each standard through both instructor-guided and small group activities to discuss implementation criteria and practical considerations. We explore enhancement strategies to promote best inclusionary practices across all levels and settings of an organization.
Accreditation for Inclusive Recreation Programs In Depth - 2-Part Workshop
Preparation, Process, & Partnerships
This virtual two-part interactive workshop equips programs with the information, tools, and understanding to prepare for and pursue accreditation as a National Inclusion Project Inclusive Recreation Program. Together we measure program readiness for Accreditation through both instructor-guided and small group activities.
Inclusion Strategy Spotlight - 2-Part Workshop
In Depth Explorations of Different High Impact Strategies
These virtual two-part interactive workshops explore various inclusion strategies in depth (one per workshop). Together we unpack each strategy through both instructor-guided and small group activities to discuss implementation ideas and practical considerations. We dive into the nuts and bolts of each strategy to fit them with the unique context of your organization and meet the needs of the children you serve.
GET UP & MOVE (GUM) - 2-Part Workshop
Using Play & Movement to Promote Inclusion, Interaction, and Exploration
This virtual two-part interactive workshop for educators, counselors, parents or anyone working with early childhood or elementary-aged children, explores the importance of integrating active play, kinesthetic instruction, & physical movement into inclusive early childhood and elementary level learning experiences. We will demonstrate strategies for adapting lesson plans and classroom activities to actively include children with a wide range of strengths & needs.
FREE RESOURCES
FREE VIDEO - INCLUSION 101
GREAT FOR:
- Organizations just beginning their inclusion journey
- Introducing inclusion in staff training
- Onboarding staff new to an inclusive program
- Executives and Board Members interested in learning about inclusion
COVERS: Inclusion basics. What inclusion is, why it is so powerful, and how to get started becoming an inclusive program
INCLUSION AND COVID-19
As recreation and community programs make changes to their programming based on COVID-19 restrictions, National Inclusion Project is here to provide resources to help make the new virtual and in-person program models inclusive of children with disabilities. Our resources include Coffee Talks, Podcasts, Accessibility Tools, Selfcare and Inclusive Activity Tip Sheets.
SCIENCE OF FRIENDSHIP
GREAT FOR: Recreational programs, camps, after school programs looking for quick, easily digestible tips on how to help foster inclusive friendships and meaningful participant connections
COVERS: Simple, practical steps practitioners & programs can implement to help children of ALL abilities build meaning full friendships
CREATING INCLUSIVE ACTIVITIES
Accessibility matters even if we are connecting through a computer screen or playing 6 feet apart. Click here to download a free resource for creating accessible, inclusive activities that keep ALL kids engaged.
MAKE-AT-HOME SENSORY TOOLS
For those of you with children at home you may be looking for ways to keep children of all ages and abilities focused, engaged, diffused of energy, occupied, and calmed. With that in mind, we've created a helpful Tip Sheet on creating sensory tools and toys at home with bottles, zip lock bags, laundry leftovers, pet toys and weighted...anything!
Click below for 5 DIY tips for making effective (and inexpensive) tools at home...
In-Person Training options
COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING
TRAINING LENGTH: 4 or more hours
GREAT FOR: Organizations brand new to inclusion; seasonal programs with frequently changing staff; organizations looking to get everyone on the same page and speaking a common language about inclusion.
COVERS: belief/mindset, serving families, positive behavior supports, the science of friendship, and engaging kids in activities.
INCLUSION Training à La Carte
TRAINING LENGTH: up to 3 hours
GREAT FOR: Organizations looking for an inclusion refresher course; to update current inclusive practices; programs with limited time or staff
COVERS: Module-specific training including Science of Friendship, Positive Behavior Supports, and Engaging Kids in Activities
Have questions or don't see something that suits your needs?
Fill out the form linked below and let us customize a session just for you and/or your staff! Not sure what you want? No problem, fill out the form and we'll be in contact to help.
Everybody Participates Everybody Belongs
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Whether it's a little or a lot, it all helps and it all matters!