Do you have a story idea but aren't sure how to begin? Do your friends say you write well, but you're not sure how to get started on that first book? Do you have a manuscript, or parts of a manuscript, and need to know how to polish it for publication?

In this course, you'll explore all the topics a writer needs to create a successful manuscript, including story structure, plot, character, dialogue, setting, suspense, conflict, action, viewpoint, tense, and even how to get published. Each lesson includes an assignment that will help you develop or polish your manuscript. You will explore the essential techniques that are often overlooked in a clear, step-by-step fashion. After completing this course, you will never look at fiction writing the same way again!

Games are increasingly recognized as a tool that can serve many business purposes beyond entertainment. This Certificate provides you with a general introduction to what goes into the design and development of both video and analog games, with a particular focus on the use of games outside of consumer entertainment.  In the first course, you will discover resources for developing game design, identify the mechanics and verbs used in different games. You will come away with knowing the different activities that are part of game design, being able to flesh out a game idea in order to increase the chances of having a successful game design experience, and have a basic understanding of how to work with game developers. In the second course, you will learn the basics of the video game design process, learn about the main video game genres, and use a game development application to begin your journey of making games.    By successfully completing this Certificate in Basic Game Design, you will have taken the first steps into understanding game design, and being able to create your own games. Introduction must be taken before Intermediate.

CEUs/ILUs: 3.2

Length (in hours): 32

Price in USD $395

Offered 4 times/year, call for dates.

How do you keep track of the day-to-day financial transactions of a business?  Whether you are looking to advance in your career, or you’re an entrepreneur, (or maybe you are a part of a family business), this course will help you if you are looking to understand the numbers.  The Basics of Bookkeeping course will help you understand, and know how to record, every penny that comes into your business and every penny that goes out of your business.  This course shows you how to create a chart of accounts that meets your needs.   All of the money you spend, and all of the money you earn, have a place to go.  How do your record them?  What are debits and credits?  What do the numbers mean?  How do I label accounts?  Even if you outsource your bookkeeping needs, you should still have a basic understanding of what happens with the money earned and the money spent.  No one should be blind to his or her finances!  In this course, you will learn where the numbers go, and why!  You will learn the bookkeeping terminology as well as what it means to keep track of the numbers.  At the end of the cycle, what do the numbers mean?  The Basics of Bookkeeping will show you how to keep track of the numbers and why!

CEUs/ILUs: 1.6

Length (in hours): 16

This is a one-month course that begins each quarter: winter, spring, summer, fall.

Designed for beginners, we will have you speaking and reading Spanish in no time. You will practice the basic building blocks of the language and common idiomatic expressions. You will know enough vocabulary and grammar for simple conversations, and you will learn how to ask and answer questions.  Whether you speak some Spanish and need a refresher or no Spanish, you will complete the course with the skills to communicate in Spanish.

CEUs/ILUs: 3.2

Length (in hours): 32

Two-Month Course, quarterly starts

Our communities are looking for individuals who want to make a difference in a child’s life.

Children’s behavioral health services are vital to Maine’s children with intellectual disabilities, autism, and mental health disorders and their families. And the need in our area is great! As an integral part of the child’s treatment team, a Certified Behavioral Health Professional (BHP) has the opportunity to make an immediate impact while helping a child grow and develop to their full potential.

We are excited to connect our communities with Woodfords Family Services for this wonderful ONLINE training program. The online training will equip you to successfully help children who are currently on a waitlist for services. The training will prepare you for employment through local social services agencies. The program can be started at any time and finished at your own pace.

• You will complete 12 online modules then two 4-hour live sessions. 
• Once the modules are completed, you will receive free online bloodborne pathogen training and virtual First Aid & CPR training if you do not already possess those certifications. 
• The entire training requirements will take about 45 hours.
• Assistance with job placement is provided to anyone who completes the program.
• Assistance with technology may be available.

 Prerequisites:

• A high school diploma or equivalency. Proof of education is required.
• Must be 18 years of age or older upon completion of the course.
• An administration fee of $25 is required at registration.
• A reading comprehension assessment is required prior to completing the application, administered through your local Maine Adult Education program. This requirement may be waived by showing successful completion of a college-level English course.

How do you manage the finances of a business? Whether you are an entrepreneur, running a family business, or just looking to advance your career and add to your skillset, this Bookkeeping Certificate will provide you with the knowledge needed to measure, and manage, the financial health of your business. This program focuses on cash basis accounting.No one will care more about the financial health of your business than you! It’s imperative that you understand how the process works and are able to complete the accounting cycle accurately and in a timely fashion. Even if you plan to outsource your bookkeeping needs, you should still understand how the process works.

No one should be clueless when it comes to the finances of their business.

The Bookkeeping Certificate courses must be taken in the below order (the classes build off each other): 

• - Understanding Debits and Credits
• - General Ledger and Month End Procedures
• - Closing Procedures and Financial Statements

CEUs/ILUs: 4.8

Length (in hours): 48

Offered 4 times/year, call for dates.

Life is easier when you breathe easier. It’s estimated that 85% of us unknowingly use some type of poor breathing pattern that’s connected to feeling sick and tired. This class has helped many people feel healthier and stronger simply by learning to switch their every-day breathing to a more beneficial pattern. You will receive a link and a code for this class after you have registered and paid.

The #1 reason why so many people are sick and tired

This class teaches you how to fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, stop snoring and wake up feeling rested.

You’d be shocked at how many health disorders are related to, if not caused by, faulty breathing during sleep. While many people feel there’s nothing they can do about snoring or waking frequently at night, they’d be just as surprised to know there’s more you can do about it than you think.

You and I know that you can’t possibly have your highest brain power, do your best performance, and function at your highest level when you are chronically fatigued and drained from a lack of deep restful sleep.

You will receive a link and a code for this class after you have registered and paid.