ACCA Community Education & Professional Development

The An Apple A Day© curriculum is listed on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) as a federally recognized intervention. An Apple A Day© is also recognized by the New York State Department of Education as a “Promising Practice” Program. An Apple A DayAn Apple A Day© is ACCA’s literacy-based alcohol and substance abuse prevention program that focuses on building self-esteem and developing healthy habits in children. Our program begins in Kindergarten and is delivered each year for eight weeks, through the fourth grade, so that we are able to reach children on a regular basis long before underage drinking behaviors are established. The Apple A Day© Train-the-Trainer seminars are designed to help agencies/schools learn about concepts for children which include building self-esteem, developing healthy habits, finding a safe place, making positive choices and trusting a safe person. Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to utilize the curriculum to implement An Apple A Day© prevention program at specific worksites; schools and after school programs; community centers; family treatment programs; community based residency programs; family resource centers and anywhere else this course may benefit children. This Train-the-Trainer program includes a complete An Apple A Day© curriculum. Concepts for Children:

Building Self-Esteem
Developing Healthy Habits
Finding a Safe Place
Making Good Choices
Trusting a Safe Person

Kindergarten Through Fourth Grade Literacy Skills Development:

Reading
Writing
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving

Curriculum* Includes:

Instructional Video
Lesson Plans
Book Summaries
Student Journal Pages
Drug Fact Sheets
Sample Letters to Parents
Evaluation Tools
Resource Guide
Book Lists


For more information about An Apple A Day®, please contact Jennifer Vitkus, Director of Community Education, at (518) 465-5829 or jvitkus@theacca.net. CASAC Training and Professional Development
The ACCA Center for Training & Professional Development is recognized by the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) as a professional training provider. We provide the Capital District with a schedule of OASAS-approved professional trainings and seminars in order to keep substance abuse professionals, teachers, counselors and others in the field up to date with the most current information.
350-Hour CASAC (Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor)

The CASAC Program is designed to provide students with the 350 hours of education required to receive a CASAC Trainee Certificate. Participants must complete one full year of scheduled evening classes to receive this certificate. For ACCA's 350-Hour CASAC Program brochure, click this link:

For an overview of NYS OASAS requirements for completing the 350-Hour CASAC program, click this link: http://www.theacca.net/programs-and-services/training-and-professional-development/14-programs-and-services/trainings/181-nys-oasas-standardized-program. To schedule a one-on-one CASAC consultation, please contact Michael Barbarulo, Director of Training at mbarbarulo@theacca.net.


250-Hour CPP (Credentialed Prevention Professional) and 120-Hour CPS (Credentialed Prevention Specialist)

The CPP/CPS program is designed to provide students with the 250 CPP hours and the 120 CPS hours of education required to receive the CPP or CPS certificate. The CPP and CPS are intended for individuals who provide alcohol and substance abuse PREVENTION services in approved work settings. This certification should be considered by individuals whose work experience is based on a comprehensive, multi-dimensional prevention services approach which includes the following five performance domains: Planning and Evaluation; Education and Skill Development; Community Organization; Public and Organizational Policy; Professional Growth and Responsibility. TO VIEW THE CASAC/CPP/CPS CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY, click this link:http://www.theacca.net/images/files/CASAC_Code_of_Conduct_Policy.pdf

Program Instructors:
Courses are taught by a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare and addictions professionals. Days and Times:
Each training session is held on Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00pm until 9:00pm. Internship:
Although an internship is not required to obtain a CASAC, included in ACCA's program is fifty (50) hours of internship to be completed in the second half of coursework. Requirements:
Each student will be required to fill out an application and submit an essay upon entering the program. A mid-term exam and a final exam are administered as part of the program. Each student must receive a 75% or higher on each exam in order to complete the course. Click this link for the application:http://www.theacca.net/images/files/CASAC_Application.pdf

Certificates of Completion:
Each student will receive a certificate stating completion of each individual training session. All completed coursework must be paid in full prior to issuance of a certificate.