IN THE SPOTLIGHT
COVID-19 Update May 14, 2020
Office Hours- Until further notice we will be reducing our office hours. Please send questions to info@ppcitraining.com and we will get back to you.
Rescheduled Classes-
We have been receiving telephone calls and emails asking if classes that are currently on our calendar will, in fact be held. If the class is still showing on our calendar then it is still scheduled, however, we have no way of knowing what the status of travel restrictions and stay at home orders will be in the future. If we cancel or reschedule a class we will make the necessary changes to the training calendar and notify anyone who is already registered.
-The March classes in Abington, PA have been rescheduled for June 24-26. A second set of classes have been added in Abington for September 2-4.
-The March classes in Bowling Green KY had been rescheduled for June 1-3 but have been cancelled again.
-The April classes in Denver, CO have been rescheduled for June 17-19
-The May classes in Windsor Locks, CT have been rescheduled for September 23-25
-The May classes in Harrisburg, PA have been rescheduled for July 13-17.
-The June classes in Clarion, PA have been rescheduled for August 3-7.
Training Modifications- We have received questions about certification standards and how basic classes should be conducted under the current circumstances. While we have no immediate plans to formally change the certification standards in any of our written materials, we will also not penalize any agency or instructor who makes modifications to the training during this difficult time. With that in mind, effective immediately we are waiving the proficiency exam requirement for basic course certification and recertification. Instructors and agencies are permitted to make their own decisions about the safety of hands-on training during this time. Instructors who choose to forego the hands-on portion of the training are encouraged to demonstrate the skills and/or show the training videos found in the Members area of the PPC, Inc. website. When completing the online class submission the instructor should identify that the students received a passing score on the proficiency exam and at the same time make a notation in their internal records that hands-on training and testing was not performed due to the current social distancing standards. Our webmaster is working to add a "not tested" option in the proficiency exam section of Class Manager.
We would also like to point out that distance learning through Facetime, Skype and similar methods is acceptable. As long as the instructor is able to deliver the material to the students and administer the applicable exams then the PPC, Inc. training standards have been met.
Once the virus has been brought under control we would expect the standards for training to return to normal. Each agency and instructor must do what they think is in the best interest of their staff while balancing the need for training against the need to keep their staff healthy. Please consult your own medical experts for recommendations.
Instructor Certifications- For instructors who's certifications will be expiring between March 1 and August 1, 2020 we have a process to extend your certifications. Attending a class is still the preferred method to recertify, but we understand that may not be possible for some of you due to this situation. Please contact our office to discuss an alternate method to extend your certification if you cannot get to a class in the near future.
This is a unique time and unfortunately none of us have all the answers nor can we predict the future. I am confident that everything will normalize with time, patience and some sound decision making. Prepare but don't panic. Take this seriously but don't lose your sense of humor as you navigate the challenges of life. For now, let's remain optimistic and weather the storm together. Patience and resilience will see us through to the end.
Our customers are important to us and we will do what we can to assist you during this challenging time.
Thank you!
Scott Woodford-President
Class Manager-
All certified instructors with a current authorization and support status should now enter their training records online. Log into your MEMBER profile and select the CLASS MANAGER link to enter your class. Once you have entered your class, click SAVE to save the roster. Once you are done entering your roster, select the REQUEST CERTIFICATE APPROVAL link to submit your class for approval. Once approved, you may log back into your profile and print wallet cards and certificates for your students.
Complimentary blank paper wallet cards and certificates ordered and mailed to instructors have been discontinued. We ask that all Instructors now use the CLASS MANAGER function to generate cards and certificates. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Any questions about the process can be emailed to me at scott@ppcitraining.com.
Scott A. Woodford
President
