Since 2008, the Children’s Specialist (CS) assessment-based certificate program has been an integral part of snowsports instructor education across all eight PSIA-AASI regions. The PSIA-AASI Children’s Specialist Task Force (NCTF) continues its work on the program, making sure that the PSIA-AASI Children’s Specialist Standards remain relevant in today’s ever-changing snowsports environment.
Certificates are offered at two levels: Children’s Specialist 1 (CS1) and Children’s Specialist 2 (CS2). Certification in any discipline (Adaptive, Alpine, Cross Country, Snowboard or Telemark) is required in order to receive a certificate.
More information on each level is available by selecting one from below.
Children’s Specialist 1 — CS1
The Children’s Specialist 1 assessment-based certificate (CS1) event is for instructors embarking on the journey toward mastery of the art of children’s snowsports instruction. Instructors are encouraged to take the CS1 course once they’ve achieved PSIA-AASI Level I certification in any discipline.
Children’s Specialist 2 — CS2
The Children’s Specialist 2 assessment-based certificate (CS2) event will assess the instructor’s knowledge and skills developed since receiving their CS1 certificate. The event focuses assessment of the specifics of child development for young learners as they progress from the Beginner/Novice through the Advanced Zones.
Evaluations of those taking the CS2 course reflect the participants’ thorough knowledge of teaching children as well as communication with their parents and guardians.
