Adapted Physical Education Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in Adapted Physical Education (18 credits) is designed to meet the Adapted Physical Education National Standards (APENS) for competency in teaching Adapted Physical Education in the public schools. Within the state of Pennsylvania, a person holding a valid and active Pennsylvania teaching certificate in the area of Health and Physical Education (K-12) is qualified to teach all health and physical education courses, including Adapted Physical Education. This graduate certificate will not qualify you to be a certified Health & Physical Education teacher, nor is it a masters program. In addition, districts may have their own addition requirements to be a highly qualified Adapted Physical Educator. Also, if you are outside of the state of Pennsylvania there may be additional requirements as well.
The graduate certificate in Adapted Physical Education enables students to pursue and attain a certificate without necessarily pursuing a graduate degree. This certificate complements a teaching certificate by providing additional knowledge regarding the instruction and inclusion of students with disabilities within health and physical education programs. The intent of this certificate is to better prepare teachers to enhance their overall knowledge of students with disabilities in general and/or adapted physical education or physical activity settings. The graduate certificate can also support practitioners within the following related fields such as exercise science, fitness/personal training, special education, physical therapy, and occupational therapy to gain continuing education credits and knowledge.
Six, 3 credit courses make up the program as listed below:
- KIN 579 Inclusive Practices in Physical Education
- KIN 582 Assessment & Development of Individualized Programs
- KIN 583 Medical & Pathological Issues
- KIN 584 Disability Sport & Adapted Aquatics
- KIN 586 Professional Issues in Adapted Physical Education
- KIN 587 Physical Activity for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
The coursework is based on the 12 Adapted Physical Education National Standards for Competency in Teaching Adapted Physical Education (to learn more access https://www.ncpeid.org/apens) and the application of these standards to practice in the field of health/physical education and areas of adapted sport, aquatics, and fitness. The coursework prepares students with the minimum background, skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to sit for the APENS national exam.
The certificate program is 100% online instruction and will consist of formation of online presentations, webinars, web-based lectures, collaborative and curricular integration activities, and alternative activities designed to enhance professional development in the field of adapted physical education/activity.
Graduate Certificate in Adapted Physical Education advising sheet
For more information, please contact Carolyn Collevecchio.