The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) is proud to welcome Beaches Resorts – the Caribbean’s leading luxury-included ®resorts for everyone – to the family of internationally-recognized Certified Autism Centers (CAC) following staff-wide autism sensitivity and awareness training within each of their three Kids Camp facilities in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos. Additionally, each of Beaches Resorts’ Kids Camp team members have received an Autism Certificate (AC) having successfully completed a demanding training program that better equips them to welcome families with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

In the past, the Certified Autism Center designation was typically reserved for schools and healthcare facilities, which serve individuals with autism and other special needs. Now, as the first hospitality company in the world to complete the rigorous training and certification, Beaches Resorts is better equipped to offer families vacationing on their properties even more inclusive programs for children with autism and other special needs.

As Certified Autism Centers and Certified Autism Specialists, ongoing training for team members is required to ensure they have the requisite knowledge, skills, temperament and expertise to cater to all children including those with disabilities. By undergoing the IBCCES autism training and certification program, it demonstrates that at least 80 percent of the resort company’s Kids Camp staff have successfully completed in-depth training in the areas of sensory awareness, communication, motor skills, program development, social skills, environment and emotional awareness and bullying.

“We are very excited to be working with the Beaches Resorts team to create the first Certified Autism Centers in the Caribbean,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “ This distinction ensures that individuals with autism and their families have the peace of mind that Beaches Resorts and their staff have successfully completed the training and certification required to deliver a safe and appropriate vacation experience.”

“As the innovators in the travel industry, we take the lead when it comes to offering all families the best vacation experience bar none,” said Joel Ryan, Group Manager, Entertainment & Youth Activities for Beaches Resorts. “We chose IBCCES because of their expertise and ability to provide the knowledge and competency needed by our Kids Camp staff to properly care for families with children on the spectrum; in turn, vacationing families have the comfort and confidence of knowing their children are in good care.”

IBCCES Certified Autism Centers require staff to complete a minimum of 14 hours in autism training, pass a comprehensive autism competency exam and meet IBCCES Board approval. Ongoing autism training must be maintained every two years.

“Beaches Resorts is setting the industry standard by partnering with IBCCES in making their world-renowned properties friendly for people with autism and their families,” said Dr. Stephen Shore, internationally-known autism speaker, author, and self-advocate. “I encourage other resorts and travel companies to follow their lead.”

For more information on becoming a Certified Autism Center or the IBCCES Autism Certification Program, please call 877-717-6543 or visit www.ibcces.org.

About IBCCES

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) was established in 2001 to meet the training and credentialing needs of professionals who work with individuals with special needs. IBCCES has since expanded into over 40 different countries with training centers in the United States and Singapore and members all across the globe. Our Certified Autism Specialist, Board Certified Cognitive Specialist and Certified Autism Center credentials were established with the highest standards in the industry. As a result, our programs have become the benchmark for those who work with cognitive disorders around the globe. In addition, IBCCES created and hosts the annual International Symposium on Cognitive Research & Disorders.  This global event brings together top neurologists, education leaders and healthcare experts with a focus on research, innovation and collaboration. For information about training and certification, visit ibcces.org

About Beaches Resorts

With three spectacular locations in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, Beaches Resorts is the ultimate getaway for every member of the family.  With outrageous waterparks, XBOX® Play Lounge, the Scratch DJ Academy, exclusive Kids Camps, teen nightclubs, Certified Nannies, Butler service, Red Lane® Spas, Aqua Centers with expert PADI® certification and training; and free Wi-Fi, Beaches Resorts provides more quality inclusions than any other resort company on the planet. As a proud sponsor of Sesame Street, Beaches Resorts also offers the Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street®, where kids can spend their vacation with their favorite friends from the Sesame Street gang with daily activities and weekly stage shows. Beaches Resorts are also the perfect place for family gatherings from reunions and special birthdays to FamilyMoons®, Beaches’ signature destination wedding and vow renewal program.  Beaches Resorts is part of family-owned Sandals Resorts International (SRI), which includes Luxury-Included® Sandals Resorts and is the Caribbean’s leading all-inclusive resort company.  For more information about the Beaches Resorts difference, visit www.beaches.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Kristin Chambers

Phone: 904.501.0003

Email: kristin@ibcces.org 

Source: IBCCES