Cedarcrest

Cedarcrest Center has a long history of providing a supportive environment where our staff and members of the community are encouraged to enter or progress in the healthcare, therapy or special education fields.  Many staff have begun their careers with Cedarcrest Center and then achieved higher levels of licensure and certifications. For example, a number of our nursing and education staff began their careers as Homeaides or Licensed Nurse Assistants and then have furthered their education to receive advanced degrees in nursing, therapy or education.

We are deeply commited to furthering educational opportunities for those who wish to provide care and specialized education and therapy services to children with complex medical and developmental needs. Staff are eligible for tuition reimbursement to assist with their training and flexible schedules support their participation in continuing education programs.

The following is an excerpt from our 2005-2008 Strategic Plan:

Cedarcrest will provide opportunities for advanced learning for individuals who care for, educate and support children  with complex medical or developmental needs by partnering with other organizations; bringing in speakers; hosting workshops and conferences and offering trainings either onsite or as outreach services.

Cedarcrest will explore creative ways of using our resources to meet the needs of children and families and initiate training programs with the greatest potential for positive impact. In February, staff, Board and community members came together to kick off planning around this initiative.  With options identified, planning is underway to offer a new Feeding Assistant Course and to extend training opportunities to area school district personnel.  Cedarcrest has initiated a partnership with an organization specializing in professional education and is in hopes of hosting specialty trainings in this area. 

Cedarcrest has also hosted specialized workshops and courses including a MOVE Conference and Sensory Integration program that have attracted Physical and Occupational Therapists from across the region.

We are also proud of our partnerships with regional nursing programs including the St. Joseph’s School of Practical Nursing, Vermont Techical College/Thompson School of Nursing and the New Hampshire Technical College Nursing Program. Nursing students have a rare opportunity to participate in clinical activities, observe the use of high tech respiratory equipment and participate in physical therapy and special education programming.

We are continuously scanning the needs of those in the community to help develop new educational programs and workshops to meet their needs and those to whom they provide care.