Introduction
One of the banes for Trainers is the amount of paperwork necessary to report an ICW. This effort requires different paperwork as you might expect since we are minting new instructors for the ACA. Trainers need to maintain notes in some manner during the ICE (Instructor Certification Exam). In some disciplines, video is used to properly assess paddling form. These notes are used to provide effective feedback to the instructor candidates via 1:1 counseling and the necessary IC Evaluation form.
It is all too easy to get overwhelmed by this paperwork. I highly recommend preparing as much of the paperwork prior to the class by pre-filling in names, ACA #, etc. on an certification course report form. I also prefill in the static fields on the two types of evaluations. A note pad or digital recording device may be helpful during class. Most trainers update their forms on a nightly basis while their observations are fresh in their mind and to save time on the last day of class.
Running an ICW or Update Course
- Register your certification class (a copy of your CPR & First Aid certifications is required):
- Order Instructor Manuals for ICW classes (not needed for Update classes)
- Instructor Manual - CDROM Version
- Instructor Manual - Print Version
- Instructor Manual - PDF Version NOTE: this is a relatively new offering
- Optional - Publicize on the ACA Event Calendar
- Contact your ACA State Director - They may also have a more local calendar of events
- Collect ACA liability waivers (NOTE: Instructors must be adults)
- Run your class
- Unlikely but if an accident takes place, you will need to complete an accident report form
- Certification Class report form (due within 30 days):
- NOTES: Make it very clear what level was achieved and any level/s continued, the candidate's ACA numbers are required
- Certification Course Report
- Certification Course Report via online form (Strongly recommended as it saves the back office time)
- Instructor Candidate Evaluations (Required)
- NOTES: This is where you provide written feedback that mirrors your verbal debrief. Continues must spell out specifuic deficiencies and provide an action plan for remediation. The lead certified Trainer must sign this document.
- IT Evaluations (Required)
- NOTES: Gather BEFORE the candidates leave, it's nearly impossible to gather later. I suggest having your assistant instructor hand these out and ensure they are collected. The Standards Committee psays very close attention to these evaluations.
NOTE: ACA Insured courses require the original signed liability waivers (just like skills & assessment courses).
Trainers may also provide an update by co-teaching a skills class with a certified instructor. The skills class report form has an update selection with level. You must list the update candidate in the course roster.
