KIT (Knowledge, Ideas, and Tools) for Respite Providers
Our KIT for Respite Providers offers online courses, information sheets, discussion boards, and files to provide you information on being a respite provider. KIT information will continue to be updated.
Current Courses
How to Market Yourself as a Respite Provider (webinar) – This course is for people who are interested in being a respite provider. If you are ready to start providing respite care, but are not sure where to begin, this course is for you! This course is also available through the online training portal: How to Market Yourself as a Respite Provider (online training course).
Becoming an Independent Respite Provider (webinar) – This course walks through what you need to know if you would like to be an independent respite provider (not employed by an agency). You will learn about four funding sources and how to become an independent respite provider for each (IRIS, Family Care, CLTS, Private Pay). We will go in-depth on the steps to become an approved provider for CLTS as a sole proprietor. The last section of this course will discuss some best practices to consider when starting your own business as a sole proprietor. This course is also available through the online training portal: Becoming an Independent Respite Provider (online course).
Tools & Worksheets
- Thinking about my Skills
- Questions to Ask a Caregiver During an Interview
- Budget Worksheet – Becoming an Independent Provider Worksheet
Links & Resources
- Steps to becoming a CLTS Sole Proprietor
- ARCH National Respite Network & Resource Center: Products & Publications
- Wisconsin Assisted Living Association (WALA)
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS): Finding An Aging & Disability Resources Center
- Wisconsin Department of Justice – Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS)
- State of Wisconsin – Department of Workforce Development: Wage Comparison
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS): Home and Community-Based Services Waivers
- Wisconsin Department of Health Service (DHS): Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) Waiver Program

RCAW knows how important it is to continue to learn and build your skills in caring for people with disabilities. We also know how expensive conferences, workshops, and continuing education opportunities can be. RCAW is excited to offer funds for people who are active on our registry to access a variety of continuing education experiences. Individuals can request more than one continuing education opportunity, but there are limited funds, so RCAW will try to meet as many of these requests as possible.
RCAW can offer these educational opportunities for current providers on the RCAW Wisconsin Respite Registry because of funding through the Federal Lifespan Respite Program Grant ACL #90LRLI0032-01-00.
To receive Continuing Education Funds, you must be listed on our Wisconsin Respite Registry for at least 60 days and have completed the Respite Care Certificate Program. These opportunities will be offered through August 2023.