Free, flexible training that prepares you to deliver safe, high-quality respite care in Wisconsin.
The National Respite Care Provider Training Wisconsin Edition (NRCPT‑WI) is a free, online, self-paced training designed to prepare respite providers to support children, adults, and older adults across the lifespan. It strengthens the quality, safety, and consistency of respite care statewide while connecting trained providers with families who need trusted support.
Whether you are new to respite, already working in direct care, or exploring a caregiving career, NRCPT‑WI helps you build real-world skills and confidence.
Not a WI resident? No worries, you can still take the course. Links to sign up for the training are located at the bottom of this page in the FAQ section.
Who Should Take NRCPT‑WI
- New or experienced respite providers who want foundational skills
- Direct care workers looking to expand their abilities
- Family caregivers who want trained support they can trust
- Students exploring health or human services careers
- Agencies and community programs building a stronger respite workforce
What the Training Covers
The NRCPT‑WI includes eleven self-paced online courses that build the core competencies needed for safe, person-centered respite care. Learners gain foundational knowledge in:
101: What is Respite?
102: Disability Basics for Respite Providers
103: Client Care for Respite Providers
104: Medication Awareness for Respite Providers
105: Safety Procedures for Respite Providers
106: Caring for Challenging Moments for Respite Providers
107: Wellness, Household, and Respite Activities
108: Professional Ethics and Interpersonal Skills for Respite Providers
109: Meeting with the Caregiver and Care Recipient
109.5: Respite Care in Wisconsin
110: Next Steps in Becoming a Respite Provider
Why NRCPT‑WI Matters
Respite only works when providers are prepared. NRCPT‑WI helps ensure that providers have the skills, confidence, and awareness needed to deliver safe, respectful, person centered care. Families gain peace of mind. Communities gain access to more trained providers. Providers gain a pathway into meaningful work.
What Makes NRCPT‑WI Different
- Free and accessible for all learners
- Self paced online learning that fits your schedule
- National, evidence informed curriculum built on the Respite Care Professional Core Competencies
- Designed for entry level and current providers
- Prepares providers to support people of all ages and abilities
- Strengthens connections between families and providers
- Certificate of Completion awarded after all courses are finished
- Supports Wisconsin’s statewide respite workforce development efforts
After You Complete the Training
After completion, you are invited to create a profile on the Wisconsin Respite Care Registry, a statewide tool that helps families connect with trained respite providers. This increases visibility, supports workforce development, and helps communities access reliable respite care.
Everyone listed on the Registry has completed NRCPT‑WI or is an agency employing trained providers.
Get Started
NRCPT‑WI is free and open to anyone in Wisconsin. Begin your training today and take the first step toward supporting families who need trusted respite care.
If you are a WI resident, please click the link below in your language of choice to sign up for the NRCPT.
FAQs
Q: I have additional questions on how to begin and complete the NRCPT.
A: Many learners have found the Step-by-Step Process to Begin the Respite Care Provider Training Course helpful when getting started. We strongly recommend that everyone enrolling in NRCPT review and use this resource.
Q: I’m with an organization or agency and would like to host this training. What should I do?
A: Learn more about the National Respite Care Provider Training Toolkit here.
Q: I live outside Wisconsin. Can I take the NRCPT?
A: Absolutely! Below, please choose the option that best fits you, based on where you live and your preferred language, to sign up for the NRCPT.
Children’s Home Network (Florida)
Kansas (in partnership with RewardingWork)
Massachusetts (in partnership with RewardingWork)
New Mexico (in partnership with New Mexico Caregivers Coalition)
South Carolina (in partnership with South Carolina Respite Coalition)
Tennessee (in partnership with Tennessee Caregiver Coalition)
All Other States
The Respite Provider Recruitment, Training, and Retention Project, responsible for developing the Respite Care Provider Training, is a partnership between the ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center and the Respite Care Association of Wisconsin in collaboration with the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP).
One objective of the project is to develop, test, and scale a respite workforce recruitment, training, and retention program to better meet the respite needs of families caring for individuals of any age and condition, particularly considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the workforce.
As a part of this project, a national expert work group created recommendations for Respite Care Professional Core Competencies. These are meant to serve as a baseline for entry-level respite care professionals. Additional training may be required depending on the unique needs of the care recipient and their family. Each course meets at least one of the core competencies.
