Youth Protection Association For Dance

YPAD Certified Educators have completed the online Safety & Wellness modules, including a passing background check, are First Aid/CPR certified, agree to follow a professional code of conduct, and agree to be mandated reporters.

YPAD Certified studio means all staff have completed the online Safety & Wellness modules, including passing a background check, are CPR Certified, and agree to be mandated reporters *All staff includes, full time or part time, office management, instructors, and additional staff.
YPAD helps Certified Studios and Educators hold themselves accountable to the best practices in our training through a 5-tier system of accountability and conflict resolution.

YPAD Certified Events have had all of their staff complete the online Safety & Wellness modules, including a passing background check, agree to have a First Aid/CPR certified staff member on site for each room, agree to follow a professional code of conduct, agree to develop safety policies and protocols that are specific to events, and agree to be mandated reporters.
YPAD helps Certified Events hold themselves accountable to the best practices in our training through a 5-tier system of accountability and conflict resolution.

YPAD provides various courses, seminars, and certifications on Safety and Wellness in youth dance. One of our seminars is called Better + Safer. It is a custom 4-hour seminar that may cover a variety of YPAD topics and is geared towards organizations. When organizations engage YPAD for this course, it's often part of a larger professional development effort. Attendance may be recommended for their staff, but not required. Attendance at a Better + Safer Seminar does not imply certification, an ongoing organizational relationship, or accountability. YPAD's Better + Safer Seminar is an education seminar only.

YPAD Certification is a much different process–it's an all-in commitment. All staff must complete the training and become background checked. Additionally, a certain number of staff at events must also be CPR/First Aid/AED certified. The event must also implement a Code of Conduct and Safety Handbook, which all faculty must adhere to. Certification additionally requires that event producers hold their faculty to ongoing discussions regarding developmentally appropriate choices and agree to a 5-tier system of accountability and conflict resolution. Certification and background checks for everyone must also be renewed every two years.

The goal of YPAD is to provide evidence-based research and to encourage thoughtful conversation around developmentally appropriate and age-appropriate approaches to dance education. YPAD is not interested in blanket censorship or policing the dance industry. Rather, YPAD's mission, through the use of online courses, seminars, and certifications, is to educate dance studios, dance professionals, and communities worldwide on the core elements in constructing an environment focused on the well-being of kids and a sustainable, safe future for dance. Dance environments, teaching methods, and content differ when teaching young children, adolescents and adults. YPAD believes that when you know better, you do better. Making developmentally appropriate choices for children is not artistic censorship, it is stewardship. Together we can create healthier environments for all dancers.

You will have 90 days from the time you sign up to complete your course or certification. However, if you need additional time an extension can be granted for a minimal administration fee.

YPAD has an exclusive partnership with the Red Cross offering you and your staff First Aid/CPR Certification at their lowest prices. In the course, using the provided contact information, please reach out to the exclusive YPAD Red Cross Representative to start your First Aid/CPR certification.

Because not all certifications are equal, we currently accept The American Red Cross , The American Heart Association or other accredited medical organizations. If you have a question regarding your First Aid/CPR certification, please email certification@ypadnow.com for clarification.

Great! Upload your current certificate to the course. Be mindful that your current certification will need to last through the length of your YPAD Certification or Training.

Background Checks are performed by our trusted partner, Intellicorp, and are included in the cost of the course. Follow the instructions in the course to apply for your background check and then upload it on the appropriate page.