Certified Park and Certified Park and Recreation ProfessionalRecreation Professional

 

Original Presentation developed by Mike Selep & Matt Barber. Updated with IPRAs permission by Nikki Ginger, Professional Development Manager

CPRP Study SessionCPRP Study SessionPart I: The ExaminationPart I: The Examination

Michael Selep, CPRP, MPSProfessional Services DirectorIPRA

Lisa Pesavento, PHD, CPRPRetired Professor & Interim Dean, Chicago State University

Matthew Barber, CPRPHuman Resources CoordinatorWSSRA

Nikki Ginger, CPRPProfessional Development ManagerChicago Park District

Original Presentation developed by Mike Selep & Matt Barber. Updated with IPRAs permission by Nikki Ginger, Professional Development Manager

Section 1: OverviewSection 1: Overview

CPRP OverviewCurrent Exam ProcessOverall ExamSection I: General Administration

◦Planning◦Budget & Finance◦Supervision◦Policy Formulation & Interpretation◦Customer Service & Marketing

What is CPRP?What is CPRP?

Certified Park and Recreation Professional A recognized standard in the parks & recreation

field.  Enhances the quality of our services,

professionalizes our staff, & brings credibility to our organization. 

According to NRPA:“CPRP certification is one of the most sought-after certifications in the park & recreation profession…the CPRP certification tells your peers & your employer that you have met the certification’s high standards of education, expertise & experience.” 

Why Become Why Become Certified?Certified?

Be a part of Chicago Park District’s continued growth & improvement!

Demonstrate that you have met educational & experience requirements to be a Parks & Rec Professional.

Show your commitment to self-improvement & keeping up with current issues/topics.

Bring credibility to your park & our profession.

Study SessionsStudy SessionsUnique to CPD: one of the only

known agencies offering CPRP training sessions for its staff

Three study sessionsThree practice examsAccess to CPRP expertsNetworking with other agencies*Fully funded for one exam

*excluding text

QualificationsQualifications Bachelor’s Degree from NRPA

accredited CollegeBachelor’s Degree – without

NRPA accreditation + 1 year experience

Bachelor’s Degree – without P&R major + 3 years experience

High School Diploma/GED/ 2-Year Degree + 5 years experience

Certification StepsCertification Steps Purchase text Apply for official transcripts Complete application Submit application & official

transcripts to Nikki Ginger, Professional Development Manager

NRPA will notify you via email of your eligibility.

Sit for exam within 60 days of the last CPRP study session—May 31st!

THE EXAMTHE EXAM

ExamExamMultiple Choice!Computerized3 hours long (average CPD time: 2.5 hours)150 Questions 25 randomly inserted questions are used for

research purposes only—not scoredScores immediately received

◦ Passing Score: 70% (83 correct answers)

Question TypesQuestion TypesRecall Items: recall or recognize information

related to job tasks◦Sample: The following items are found in a

management plan…Application Items: comprehend, relate, or

apply knowledge to job tasks

Analysis Items: connect information for a solution, to evaluate, or to analyze the usefulness of a solution

ExamExamThree parts

◦ Administration—41 questions Planning Budget & Finance Supervision Policy Formulation & Interpretation Customer Service & Marketing

◦ Programming—49 questions Assessment Planning Implementation Evaluation

◦ Operations—35 questions Planning & Management Maintenance Management Facility Operations

TR questions integrated throughout

The Test LocationThe Test LocationSecured area

◦ No phones◦ No electronic devices◦ No paper◦ No pencils◦ Not even gum

Locations around ChicagoH&R BlockPearsonWright CollegeDeVryAnd More…

Secrets to SuccessSecrets to SuccessUse your logic! Read each

question carefully & choose most reasonable answer

Think nationally, not CPD. Questions are based on national parks.

Study, study, study!Ask your peers! Not a math

wiz? Don’t know the difference between capital & operating expenses? Seek out the knowledge we have in-house!

Create note cards about challenging aspects.

Don’t spend time second guessing your answers.

Post TestPost Test

NRPA will send you a certificate.

Earn 2.0 CEUs (20 hrs) over 2 yrs to maintain certification.

Maintain ALL documentation & recertify with NRPA.

Recertify within 90 days of expiration or start preparing to take the test again.

CPRP Test Preparation:CPRP Test Preparation:Part II: AdministrationPart II: Administration

Michael Selep, CPRP, MPSProfessional Services DirectorIPRA

Lisa Pesavento, PHD, CPRPRetired Professor & Interim Dean, Chicago State University

Matthew Barber, CPRPHuman Resources CoordinatorWSSRA

Nikki Ginger, CPRPProfessional Development ManagerChicago Park District

Original Presentation developed by Mike Selep & Matt Barber. Updated with IPRAs permission by Nikki Ginger, Professional Development Manager

PLANNINGPLANNINGAgencywide process that guides:

◦Decision making◦Achieves values, vision & mission◦ Improves efficiency & effectiveness◦Proactive in Change

Key to planning success? Staff involvement from every level!

Strategic PlanningStrategic PlanningStrategic/Comprehensive Plan

◦Overall plan for an agency◦ Includes Operations, program, marketing, facility,

& natural resourcesMaster PlansMarketing PlansProgram PlansSWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses,

Opportunities, Threats) Analysis“Scorecard” –Accountability for Meeting

Goals & Objectives

PartnershipsPartnershipsWritten agreement that outlines:

◦Legal responsibilities/liabilities◦Staff & program supervision details◦Quality control◦Partnership dissolution & review

processesBenefits include efficiency &

avoiding duplication of servicesRequire collaboration

& communication

ResearchResearchEvaluation vs. Research

◦Evaluation Program/Event based/specific Used to guide decision making &

for organization

◦Research Theory based & general Identifies problems or

Research Sampling Research Sampling GroupsGroups

Population: Everyone in a group (community, state, campus)◦Large scale◦Expensive◦Not efficient

Sample: A portion of the population (i.e., teens, ages 15-17, in Humboldt Park)◦Smaller◦More specific◦Less expensive

Research Sampling GroupsResearch Sampling Groups

Sampling MethodsSampling Methods

◦Sampling Random: Everyone has an equal chance of being

selected. All names are put into a hat & names are pulled at random

Systematic: Every “nth” person (i.e., every 5th person who walks in the door)

Purposive: Represents a select group (i.e., day camp participants)

Convenience: Easy for the researcher to poll (i.e., available staff or a questionnaire left on the front desk).

Survey MethodsSurvey Methods

MailGroup Administrative: surveying at

one activity (i.e., Theater goers after a production)

Focus Group: gathering people specifically to answer your questions

Telephone: called individuallyInternet: done via internet link or

webpage

BUDGET & FINANCEBUDGET & FINANCEFinancial Management

Coordination of financial resources Ultimate responsibility of CEO/Board,

but each staff member is responsibleFinance Management Goals

Provide detail on how funds are acquired, safeguarded & allocated

Lower expenditures Increase Return on Resources

Budget: Prepared plan that anticipate revenues/expected expenses

ExpensesExpenses

Capital: Buildings/Equipment & Long Term expenses

Operational: Day to Day Expenses

Annual Budget ProcessAnnual Budget Process

Fees & ChargesFees & ChargesPrograms must either make a surplus, break even or be

subsidizedForecasting is essential in price settingTypes of Costs

Fixed Costs: Do not change with the number of participants Direct Fixed Costs: Cost of program occurring (i.e., renting a

room for an activity) Indirect/Overhead Costs: Shared fees among

programs. (i.e., administrative expenses, utilities, maintenance)

Variable Costs: Costs for operating the program & based on the number of participants (i.e., t-shirts, supplies, etc.)

Fee CalculationFee CalculationProgram Cost = F + (v(N))

Funding/Revenue Funding/Revenue Sources Sources

◦Compulsory – Taxes Real property (Assessed Evaluation -EAV) Personal property, Sales, Excise (Sin), Income

◦Gratuitous – Grants, Bequests, Sponsorship State & federal government or private foundations Limited time frame

◦Earned Income – Fees & Charges◦Contractual Receipts◦ Investment Income

Cash HandlingCash HandlingCash Collection/Deposit

Major source of revenue for P&R Easiest & simplest method to expedite cash inflow:

Develop revenue collection/deposit policies Institute procedures for revenue sources & locations

Safe Guarding of Cash: Systematic Accounting System Post fees Assign two employees or a cash register & rotate employees Reconcile cash receipts & give receipts to patrons Make daily deposits Provide keys to authorized personnel only Schedule unannounced audits frequently Keep petty cash secured, with receipts & reconciled

PurchasingPurchasingPetty Cash-small purchases (not CPD

standard)Procurement Card—small purchases

similar to a credit card (not a CPD standard)Purchase Order/Agency agreement to pay

◦ Blanket: small continuous purchase, billed once a month (hardware, paper, etc.)

◦ Limited/Departmental: one-time purchase directly from a vendor with a dollar limit

◦ Regular: one-time delivery, usually requiring CEO authorization

Bids—large purchases with multiple submitters

Purchasing Purchasing Requirements Requirements

Financial/Operating DataFinancial/Operating Data

Financial ReportsFinancial ReportsRegular Reporting:

◦ Revenues & Nonrevenue Receipts◦ Expenditures ◦ Encumbrances: PO, contracts, salary commitments, etc.◦ Contractual Services◦ Capital Outlays: Expenditures for land or existing structures,

improvement, construction, remodeling, etc.◦ Debt Services: expenditures for retirement of debt & interest

payment for facilities & rec areasCost Controls Are Key

◦Pre-audit of disbursements◦State & private auditing firms

SupervisionSupervisionProvide input in job descriptions, including:

◦Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Other Characteristics (KSAOC)

◦Job title & supervision statement◦Domains & competencies needed◦Education, experience &

special requirementsRecruit, hire & dismiss personnelConduct performance appraisals

◦ Probation & Compensation◦ Staff Training & Improvement

Supervisor TasksSupervisor TasksDevelop staff work

schedulesAppropriately assign work

tasks based on the 7 dimensions that motivate & impact staff retention

SupervisorSupervisorTasksTasks

Disciplinary ActionDisciplinary ActionAgency should clearly define disciplinary

action in personnel manual◦Verbal reprimand & written reprimand◦Demotion, Suspension & Discharge/Termination

POLICY POLICY FORMULATION & FORMULATION & INTERPRETATIONINTERPRETATION

What are policies?-Reflections of agency principles-Aids-Guides

Policy Development ProcessPolicy Development Process

Gathering DataGathering DataAdvisory GroupsTask ForcesPublic Hearings & MeetingsReferendumsFocus GroupsSurveys

Theory vs. RealityTheory vs. RealityPolicy Setting ProceduresPolicy Setting Procedures

Board Sets the policy

Staff Develop the policy Seek board

approvalImplement

CUSTOMER SERVICE & CUSTOMER SERVICE & MARKETINGMARKETING

Marketing: creates a positive public perception

Four P’s Product Price Place Promotions

Vision & Mission Vision & Mission StatementsStatements

Vision-What will the organization look like in the future

Mission-Who-What-How

Customer Service StepsCustomer Service Steps

Marketing PlanMarketing PlanWhat’s your market?

◦People who represent the demand◦Current vs. Latent Buyers

Marketing Mix◦Product◦Price◦Place◦Promotion

Market Segmentation- Market Segmentation- Part IPart I

Market Segmentation-Market Segmentation-VariablesVariables

Target MarketingTarget MarketingThree approaches

1. Undifferentiated/Mass Market2. Differentiated- Target one or more

segments3. Concentrated- Focus everything on one

or two segments

Important TermsImportant TermsMarket Positioning- Community’s

perception of the agency & services

Marketing Plan- Document assessing current state of marketing & its direction