Since 1998 ASCHA in collaboration with Red Deer Polytechnic (formerly College) has been offering accessible, flexible and specific learning opportunities in the form of Site Manager and Activity Coordinator Certificate Programs for individuals in the rapidly growing seniors’ housing sector.

In 2024 ASCHA, in collaboration with RDP launched a new online Certificate Program for Community Housing Managers in Alberta.  Community Housing, for the purpose of this program, is defined as affordable/non-market/life-lease/mixed-income housing owned and/or operated by any type of housing organization with at least a portion of the spaces in the portfolio targeted to low-modest income individuals and/or families.


Community Housing Manager Certificate Program

This certificate program is designed for individuals with an interest in developing skills, insights, and the confidence needed to take on the challenge of a leadership role in the housing sector. The program teaches frontline management skills for operations and personnel, as well as effective handling of communication and conflict resolution within the parameters of social and community housing.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completing this program, you will be able to:

  • Model leadership that supports tenants, employees, and organizational success.
  • Examine and discuss distinctive challenges in community housing, including government subsidy programs, rent geared to income, tenants with mental health and addictions and/or developmental disabilities.
  • Identify risks and create and maintain organizational stability.
  • Plan and engage in constructive management conversations with tenants, employees, and boards.
  • Demonstrate a broad knowledge of community housing history, legislation, regulations, policies, operations, and best practices.
Program Guide
Program Registration


Activity Coordinator Certificate Program

The Activity Coordinator Certificate Program is designed for individuals interested in coordinating recreation and leisure activities that help seniors lead satisfying and stimulating lives. This online Certificate Program is ideal for new and aspiring activity coordinators, as well as for any individual who would like to advance in the seniors housing sector.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completing this program, you will be able to:

  • Create and maintain programming in seniors housing communities that allow for evolving and sustainable choices.Interface as a team member in a seniors housing community.
  • Build observation skills to identify and adapt activities to be person-centred.
  • Model leadership that supports staff through information and knowledge sharing.
  • Engage colleagues, residents, and broader community members to partner in creating a home-like environment.

Program Guide
Program Registration
 



Site Manager Certificate Program

This online Certificate Program is ideal for new and aspiring site managers as well as for any individual who would like to advance in the seniors housing industry.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completing this program, you will be able to:

  • Model leadership that supports client, staff, and organizational success.
  • Create and maintain organizational stability.
  • Employ a philosophy of person-centred focus.
  • Construct practices and procedures to support staff, client and community within policy and legislation.
  • Plan and engage in constructive management conversations with staff.
  • Equip staff with the training and tools necessary to competently perform their jobs.

Program Guide
Program Registration



All ASCHA Members receive 25% off their tuition fee. Contact us to get your coupon prior to registering.








Laura Crawford Scholarship


The Laura Crawford Scholarship award of $1000 is granted to one student each year enrolled in the ASCHA/RDP Certificate Programs. This Scholarship is intended to offset a large portion of the costs related to taking the Activity Coordinator or Site Manager Programs. 

The Laura Crawford Scholarship was established in 2008 to honour the late Laura Crawford who, for over twenty years, shared her progressive knowledge, wisdom and grit. She inspired everyone to take a fresh look at what they do for individuals while maintaining a home-like environment.

Laura Crawford Scholarship Program Outline and Eligibility Criteria

Click here to apply for the 2025 Laura Crawford Scholarship Award.