After completing Beginning (11 hours) and Intermediate (9 hours) level coursework and at least 400 hours of practicum experience, staff are eligible to take a certification exam and to gain certification. In June 2010, Big Buddy Program is graduating its first class of 30 certified Youth Development Professionals. In Fall 2010, we plan to offer these staff the 30-hour Advancing Youth Development training created by the National Training Institute for Community Youth Work.
The Big Buddy Staff members who have received certification as Youth Development Professionals are:
| Nakeveya |
Anthony |
| Markeyda |
Anthony |
| Angela |
Baltazar |
| Jade |
Blank |
| Vernon |
Bolden |
| Tanesha |
Craig |
| Rashawn |
Davis |
| Malaiika |
Gibson |
| Brooke |
Good |
| Alyson |
Head |
| Thomas |
Hinyard |
| Ladonna |
Jackson |
| Kathie |
Johnson |
| Chantay |
Kelly |
| Tameika |
Leday |
| Marcus |
Leday |
| Gaylynne |
Mack |
| Patrick |
Morris |
| Carly |
Picou |
| Donney |
Rose |
| Leah |
Siefka |
| Chancelier |
Skidmore |
| John |
Stewart |
| Charnell |
Taday |
| Rasheda |
Terry |
| Lynelle |
Thomas |
| Charmecia |
Travis |
| Kimberly |
Tucker |
| Cara |
Tyson |
In order to receive certification, these staff members participated in trainings and classes developed by the Youth Development Resource Center of the Big Buddy Program. Classes include Positive Youth Development 101, Stages of Youth Development, Proactive Learning Environment 101, CPR/First Aid Training, Honoring Individual and Special Needs, and Pillars of High Quality Programs.
The Youth Development Resource Center of the Big Buddy Program offers training and certification for professionals working in the youth development field. YDRC courses align with the Kansas and Missouri Core Competencies for Youth Development Professionals (www.OPENInitiative.org).