Getting Started

The materials provided in this section outline a structured framework developed to guide institutions of higher education in assessing local needs, planning effectively, and implementing the program with fidelity. These resources are intended to support universities in adapting and launching the program in alignment with their academic priorities, community partnerships, and strategic goals.

Needs Assessment

  • Families: Are there programs in the area offering respite? Are these programs affordable or accessible to families? Are these programs understaffed?

  • Students: Who do you expect to participate in this program? Could this course satisfy experiential or coursework requirements? Could this course offer experience relevant to students’ applications for graduate school?

  • Faculty: Are you able to count this as one of your assigned courses? Is there a university champion or advocate for the program? Do you have a faculty lead to support the student respite program.

  • University: Has your campus named experiential learning as a priority? Does this align with the strategic goals of your campus?

Click here for more information on conducting a needs assessment. (can download Ashleys document with more details)

Planning

  • Seek support and resources to pilot or sustain your course. These may be available through campus offices dedicated to service-learning, career services, and supporting faculty as well as your library, faculty union, or your department or college.

  • Identify local organizations or groups who connect with families needing respite

  • Determine level of review

  • Determine level of funding: Consider the instructional costs, supplies, transportation, student stipends, CPR/first aid training, and insurance (if needed).

    Click here for more information on Planning (can download Ashleys document with more details).

Next Step

What is the next step? Contact Ashley? How to get access to the toolkit.

Implementing the Program/Toolkit

*This content is licensed under Creative Commons as CC BY-NC-SA by Ashley Woodman and Kelly Brown. This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator. If you remix, adapt, or build upon the material, you must license the modified material under identical terms.