The Network: California County Successfully Blends CADER’s Training Programs With Onsite Discussion
In an effort to empower divisions across Santa Cruz County Human Services, program development manager Andrew Stewart combined the Center for Aging & Disability Education and Research (CADER) at BUSSW‘s expert online courses with in-person group discussions led by local facilitators. The resulting training has had a lasting positive impact on the Santa Cruz County community. As a center at the Boston University School of Social Work, CADER is committed to building a stronger aging and disability field by providing health and social service professionals with innovative online education and resources. CADER hopes the successful efforts of Santa Cruz’s Adult and Long Term Care (ALTC) Division will inspire counties across the United States to adapt a hybrid approach to their employee training.
Stewart appreciates the consistent high quality of CADER programs. ‘There are so many different options out there for staff training—it’s hard to know which ones are worth the money. With CADER, the quality of the education provided is outstanding. Training is evidence-based, with an academic spine that is also informed by practitioners. Because it’s offered online in modules, it’s easy for staff to complete the training on their own schedule when it’s most convenient for them.’
CADER has been a leader in online training programs and aging certificate programs since 2002. Utilizing the latest in online learning technology and leveraging the resources of the School of Social Work at BU — one of the nation’s leading research universities — more than 20,000 workers and 450 agencies and organizations around the country have participated in CADER programs.
‘I would highly recommend blending the online training with facilitated discussion. We have found that to be an essential value-add. The content comes alive,” Stewart concludes. “I am extremely grateful for CADER’s leadership over the past decade and I look forward to continuing the partnership.’
