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Frequently Asked Questions

Weekend Courses

  1. books What are the hours for weekend classes?
  2. Why do we have to be in class for "so long"?
  3. Will we have breaks?
  4. I've heard that you "feed us"?
  5. What are the class fees & what do they include?
  6. Will you accept a purchase order from my agency?
  7. When will I get my Certificate of Completion?
  8. How do I know which classes I need to take?
  9. Do you add classes to the schedule during the year?
  10. How do I register for classes?
  11. When should I register for classes?
  12. Could a class be cancelled?
  13. What will we be doing all weekend?
  14. Who is the instructor?
  15. I've heard that your instructional methods are not always "traditional" is this true???
  16. Will you come to our organization to teach a class?
  17. What if I have more questions?

 

1. What are the hours for weekend classes?
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2. Why do we have to be in class for "so long"?
ODMRDD requires that all courses are 30 hours. Your pre-assignment, class time and post-assignment all figure into this 30 hour time block. By being in class for "so long", it decreases the amount of "out of class time" (homework) that you have to complete. Most people prefer getting the class "over with in one weekend" rather than having to devote large amounts of their personal time completing homework assignments.
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3. Will we have breaks?
Yes, we will take ample short breaks (10-15 minutes) throughout the weekend. We will also take a 1 hour lunch break on both Saturday & Sunday. We do not take a dinner/supper break on Friday night, but feel free to bring your meal with you to eat during class.
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4. I've heard that you "feed us"?
It is true: We provide snacks for you throughout the weekend. As much as we strive to offer a variety of snacks, we cannot meet everyone's dietary needs (special diets, food allergies, etc…). So, if you do follow a special diet or have other needs, we recommend that you bring snacks to meet your specific needs. We also ask that you provide your own beverages.

Most sites where we hold class have vending machines, refrigerators, and microwaves available. Many people find that it is more "cost effective" to bring their own cooler of water, soda, tea, etc… to class.
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5. What are the class fees & what do they include?
College Credit (Through Cincinnati State College) The fee for college credit is $360 which includes all materials, instruction, transcripts and the instructor taking care of all of your registration paperwork with Cincinnati State. (There are NO hidden book, instructor, transcript or other fees….You pay $360 and that is all!!!!) (College credit may be paid via check, money order, Visa or Mastercard to Cincinnati State. Debit cards and cash are not accepted!!!!)

Seminar Credit (30 Hours) The fee for seminar credit is $135 which includes all materials, instruction and your certificate of completion. (There are NO hidden book, instructor or other fees….You pay $135 and that is all!!!) (Seminar credit may be paid via check or money order to QEST)

Continuing Education Credits (CEC) or Continuing Professional Development Units (CPD) (30 Hours) The fee for CEC or CPD credit is $135 which includes all materials, instruction and your certificate of completion. (There are NO hidden book, instructor or other fees….You pay $135 and that is all!!!) (CEC/CPD credit may be paid via check or money order to QEST)

Please note that the 2007 fees have increased slightly from 2006.
 
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6. Will you accept a purchase order from my agency?
Yes, purchase orders (P.O.) are accepted from county boards and provider agencies. During the registration process, inform us that you want to pay via purchase order, then bring a copy of the P.O. to class with you. Please make sure the following information is on the P.O.:
  1. Your name
  2. Amount approved for invoice ($360 college or $135 seminar/CEC/CPD)
  3. Invoice contact person and their phone number
  4. Address to send invoice
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7. When will I get my Certificate of Completion?
If you take the course for either Seminar Credit or CEC/CPD Credit, you will receive your Certificate of Completion (with ODMRDD approval number on it) as you leave class on Sunday. This is also when you will receive your receipt of payment.

If you take the course for College Credit, you will receive a Certificate of Completion as you leave class on Sunday. However, if you need a transcript to renew your ODMRDD Certification or for other reasons, it will take approximately 5 to 6 weeks for your transcript to arrive. It will automatically be sent to your home address directly from Cincinnati State. We will discuss this further in class. You will also receive your receipt of payment as you leave class on Sunday.
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8. How do I know which classes I need to take?
ODMRDD determines which classes you will need to take based upon your job and their review of your past transcripts/course completion certificates. After your initial application for Certification/Registration with ODMRDD, they will send you a worksheet that details out what classes you will need, what type of credit (college or seminar) and the timeline in which you must complete the courses. Be sure to take the classes within the specified time period or you will lose your job!!!!!
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9. Do you add classes to the schedule during the year?
It is very rare that classes are added to the published schedule. Due to more people preferring the correspondence courses, QEST has decreased the number of weekend classes that are offered. I recommend that you sign up for classes as soon as you see them posted on this website or the flyers that we send to your organizations. Remember to register by the registration deadline posted with each class, if there are not at least 15 people registered by that deadline, the class will NOT be held!!!!!
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10. How do I register for classes?
You may either "click" on the "REGISTER" button on this website or call (513) 662-0170 to register over the phone.
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11. When should I register for classes?
As soon as possible!!!!

You can register up to 1 year in advance for classes that are advertised. You MUST register by the deadline date posted for each class...this is to ensure that we have 15 people per class. If we do not have 15 people by that date, the class will NOT be held...No matter how many call after that date. Registrations after the deadline date will only be accepted if 15 people are already registered by the deadline. If 15 people are registered then, on or before the deadline date, pre-packets will be sent to all registrants. This packet will include a map to the class; further information about the class; and pre-readings/worksheets to get you ready for the course topic. Lodging information will also be included if you request it when you register.
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12. Could a class be cancelled?
Yes, if we do not get 15 people registered by the deadline date for each class (listed on the schedule on the home page and weekend page of this website) then the class will be cancelled. I require 15 people due the amount of expenses that I incur to hold each class.

I also reserve the right to cancel a class after the deadline date if people who have registered cancel their attendance and the number of people on the class roster drops below 15. So, bottom line, do NOT register unless you are 100% sure that you will be attending the class. If you cancel prior to class or do not show at class, your name will be "flagged" by QEST. If you register for future classes with us, you will have to pre-pay the entire class fee (with no refunds for any reason).

In 2007, I had a lot of people register for classes and cancel at the last minute or just not show up to class without calling to cancel. Folks, this is just downright rude and unprofessional: It only takes a minute to send an e-mail or place a phone call to say that you cannot attend!!!! I deeply considered stopping the weekend classes all together, but have decided that I will continue to teach the weekend classes in 2008 due to demand from dedicated professionals across Ohio. The continuance (beyond 2008) of my teaching the weekend classes hinges upon people attending the classes. If you want to see weekend classes continue, then register early and do not cancel your attendance!!! Pass this message along to your co-workers!!!!
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13. What will we be doing all weekend?
First, I guarantee that you will have fun and that weekend will go fast!!!! You will not just sit and be lectured at all weekend. I design all classes with the belief that we learn best by "doing and experiencing", so all classes are very "hands on". We will learn via activities, games, competitions, self-reflection exercises and networking with people from all over Ohio. Classes are very informal so feel free to dress in jeans, sweats or whatever is comfortable. On Sunday, you will leave with a wealth of knowledge, great resource materials and a few little surprises received during the weekend!!!!
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14. Who is the instructor?
I (Lesha Self) am the instructor for all classes. I do not contract out the teaching of any classes which guarantees consistent quality for you as the student. I strive very hard to ensure you not only "learn" during your class, but that you also enjoy yourself and have a pleasurable and memorable experience.

The book that we utilize in each class was personally written by me, so it is customized for the class and for the needs of MR/DD Professionals in Ohio. Please see the "About QEST" page of this website for further information about my background and qualifications as an instructor.
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15. I've heard that your instructional methods are not always "traditional" is this true???
You'll have to come to class to find out for yourself!!! Let's just say that these classes are not what you experienced during your "school days". Don't worry, you won't be asked to do anything "too weird"!!! I do not ask you to do anything that I myself have not already done (I try out all class activities and exercises on myself and my husband before they are ever used in a "real class."!!!!)
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16. Will you come to our organization to teach a class?
Only under very specific conditions will I add a class to the existing schedule. The main thing for you to know is that you must have 20 people pre-registered and pre-paid for me to come to your organization. It will be up to you to locate and sign up 20 people. I will provide you with flyers and contacts at other organizations in your area. If 20 people do not pre-register and pre-pay then we would NOT hold the class. For more information about this call Lesha directly at 513-662-0170: It is best to talk about this rather than e-mail since there are many details to arrange.
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17. What if I have more questions?
I would be happy to personally answer any questions that you may have!!! You may either use the Contact form or call me at (513) 662-0170.

 

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QEST - Quality Enhancement Services & Training

Lesha Self, M.Ed.

Suite 320, 5465 North Bend Road, Cincinnati, OH 45247
P: 513.662.0170 F: 513.662.0939

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