Criteria for Admission to the “Fast Track” Process:

1. The candidate meets all of the academic requirements for the Play Therapy Certificate Program.

2. The candidate must meet all of the requirements of each level of the Play Therapy Certificate program.

3. The candidate has a minimum of three years post-graduate employment within a therapeutic setting, working directly with children and/or families.

4. In addition to the two letters of reference required for admission to the program, the candidate provides a third letter of recommendation from a current supervisor who has direct knowledge of their skills and abilities working with clients. Further, this supervisor must support the candidate’s ability to meet the challenges of the “Fast Track” process.

5. The candidate identifies barriers to their not being able to attend the program over the designed three-year period.  
   

Candidates who are accepted to the “Fast Track” process will be evaluated at the end of each level by a representative of the C.A.C.P.T. Play Therapy Certificate program in consultation with the Education Committee regarding their eligibility to continue to the next level of the program.  Fast track students will be identified to the program instructors.


When concerns are identified by the program instructors and/or Program Co-ordinator and are unable to be resolved, it may be recommended by the committee that the student return to the program the next calendar year.  A representative of the Play Therapy Certificate program will meet individually with the student to attempt to resolve concerns in a timely fashion. 

When students are declined to continue the “Fast Track” program, they will receive the Education Committee’s reasons for decision in writing. The recommendations of the Committee will be final. Tuition fees for levels paid for but not attended will be refunded minus a $100.00 administration fee.


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CRITERIA FOR PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT

The Admissions Committee of the Canadian Association of Child and Play Therapy will consider Prior Learning Assessment under certain circumstances.  Prior Learning Assessment evaluates a student’s previous education when a student requests an exemption from CACPT Certificate Program course(s).  The Admissions Committee strongly upholds the courses of the program as a minimal foundation for practicing play therapy with children. However, it is recognized that some applicants may have received equivalent, if not superior training prior to becoming involved with CACPT. Student’s applications for Prior Learning Assessment will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Criteria for Prior Learning Assessment:  

1. The candidate identifies the course(s) they would like to be exempt from.

2. The candidate provides the title, Instructor and location of the course they would like to be considered in Prior Learning Assessment.

3. The candidate must provide the date they took the course as well as the course outline, objectives and length (i.e. # of hours or credit evaluation – full or half) of the course.

4. The candidate provides proof of completion of the course(s) through transcript(s), continuing education tracking form(s) or certificate(s) of attendance.

5. The candidate must identify which course(s) they feel that they should be exempt from.

6. The candidate must provide the $50 administration fee for the Prior Learning Assessment.

7. The candidate submits their request for Prior Learning Assessment together with their program application.  The deadline for submissions is March 31 of each year.  
   

A representative of the C.A.C.P.T. Play Therapy Certificate program, in consultation with the Education Committee, will assess the eligibility of the applicant to be exempt from part(s) of the Program.  When exemptions are granted, the candidate will be informed in writing of the decision along with a revised tuition fee.

When students are declined to be exempt from an identified course, they will receive the Education Committee’s reasons for decision in writing. The recommendations of the Committee will be final. The administration fee of $50.00 is non-refundable

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SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES

Scholarships & Bursaries are available for this year.  Information and criteria can be found by clicking the link below:

Betty Bedard Bidwell Scholarship
Sandy Foster Bursary
C.A.C.P.T. Foundation Bursary

Download the Scholarships and Bursaries Application Form
(To download and Save this file  -  Right Click your mouse and Choose Save Target As...)

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ANSWERS TO COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question: Can I take the entire six week program in the spring, or do I have to complete it over three years?
Answer: We generally recommend that you take one two week level at a time. However, in certain circumstances, approval will be granted for you to "fast track" (take two levels or complete the entire six week course at once.) If you are interested in "fast-tracking" you can request an application form, which is due no later than March 30. Special arrangements can also be made to complete the program on a part-time basis.

Question: Can I attend individual courses rather than enrolling in the entire Certificate Program?
Answer: You can register for individual courses at a cost of $130/day. You must be a member of the CACPT in order to enroll in any of the courses.

Question: If I have received prior play therapy training or if I have already completed some of the courses in the curriculum, do I have to take them again?
Answer: You can request to be exempt from specific courses by applying for a course exemption.  There is a $50 non-refundable processing fee for this application.

Question: Is financial assistance available?
Answer: A limited number of Scholarships and Bursaries are awarded each year. Further information on all scholarships and bursaries can be found by clicking here.

Question: If I complete the Play Therapy Certificate Program, does this mean that I am certified?
Answer: Completing the Play Therapy Certificate Program provides you with the educational requirements necessary to become certified. There are additional requirements that must be fulfilled in order to become certified. Complete Certification details can be found here. For further information about certification, contact Alan McLuckie.

Question: If I do not reside in the London area, where can I obtain accommodation while I attend the Certificate Program?
Answer: Accommodation is available on site at the King's University College residence. Cost is $35-$40/day. There are also hotels and Bed & Breakfasts in the area. More information will be provided upon acceptance to the program.

Question: What's the difference between Certification and the Certificate Program?
Answer: Certification refers to the process of becoming a Certified Play Therapist.  There are a number of requirements needed in order to become “Certified”, including play therapy training, clinical supervision and direct contact hours working with children in a play therapy setting.  The Certificate Program provides the 168 hours of CACPT approved play therapy training needed as part of the Certificate process.  If you have received little training in play therapy, then completing the Certificate Program in an excellent was to obtain the training you need as part of the Certification process.  If you have already received 168 hours of CACPT approved play therapy training, then you do not need to complete the Certificate Program in order to pursue Certification.  If you have had some approved play therapy training, then you may be eligible for course exemptions in the Certificate Program.

For Further Information about the Play Therapy Certificate Program, accommodation, or to receive the application form please contact: Karrie MacMasters

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