Support and Resource Guides

What is the Caregiving Spectrum?

The caregiving spectrum describes the diversity of caregiving identities a student may have or circumstances faced: from unexpectedly expecting to planned biological parenting, from navigating adoption to abortion recovery, or caregiving for parents, siblings and friends, and not forgetting the participating partners in all these scenarios. 

To advocate for the success of a caregiving student, one must take on the mindset of a case manager. The graphic below lists some of the various concerns that a student on the caregiving spectrum must consider to maintain the wellbeing of body, mind and spirit, equitable access to material needs, and the organizational policies and procedures that inhibit or support success.

Caregiving Coalition Tips for Support

The coalition recognizes that students on the caregiving spectrum face obstacles that require complex decision making. We ask that if someone discloses about these challenges, that you: 

•  Focus on expressing care for them as a person
  • “How is this impacting you?" 
•  Ask for ways to support them to make decisions that are best for them. 
  • “It sounds like you have some complex decisions to make.”
  • “How can I support you to make the decisions that are best for you?”
• As a reminder, students on the caregiving spectrum may feel stigma and shame so it is important for each of us to to reflect on our beliefs and biases prior to any of these conversations to decrease the likelihood of unknowingly contributing to stigma/shame.  

We encourage you to use this as a starting point to work through the linked resources from the Student Care and Advocacy (SCA) Team. SCA is and is comprised of case management representatives across campus who are trained in holistic approaches to wellbeing and case management to provide early intervention and support to students. They meet to identify, assess and respond to concerns and maintain communication across campus. They also want to empower faculty and staff who are in trusting relationships with students to utilize their approach through these equipping tools. Please use the link below to review their step care model.

Due to the diverse nature of caregiving and diverse roles on campus, access to various campus and community resources will vary according to eligibility and identity. As you navigate resources, be sure to read the descriptions to ensure you understand eligibility requirements. We highly recommend that you work with a SEA team case manager or campus partner who can help connect you to the resources you need. The table below represents key campus partners at a glance, with in-depth descriptions of their services following.

*Please note, this is a non exhaustive list of campus partners who provide relevant advocacy and support services.

Campus Partners At a Glance 

Finding quality child care can be an overwhelming task. The resources below can help you know what options are available, what questions to ask, the cost of child care, and what to look for in a child care program. 

4C For Children (937) 220-9660

4C for Children educates and supports parents to make sure all children reach their full potential. Their website is a one stop-shop where you can search for child care, read about the benefits and considerations for different types of child care, and find resources about child development. 

Preschool Promise (937) 723-2729

Preschool Promise is designed to ensure that all children can attend an affordable, Star Rated Preschool for at least one year. All families who live in Montgomery County and have a child who will be 4 years old by September 30, 2017, are eligible to apply. All families are eligible for tuition assistance. The amount they can receive depends on total household income, family size, the Star-Rating of their Preschool.

Backup Childcare

No matter how carefully you plan ahead, you can’t predict everything. For information about backup childcare and a list of locations that offer this type of care, please visit the Backup Childcare page.

PEDIATRICIANS

Pediatricians are medical physicians that manage the health of children. Most insurance providers have a physician search tool on their website; a few are listed below. You can search for physicians by specific criteria like specialty, location, languages spoken, and more. Through these search tools, you have access to practice and contact information of physicians.

CareFinders   /   1-866-608-3463

Kettering Physician Network   /   (937) 558-3267

Caresource   /   1-800-479-9502

CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS

Children’s hospitals provide medical and surgical treatments for a wide variety of serious and life-threatening conditions for children. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.

Dayton Children’s Hospital   /   1 Children's Plaza, Dayton, Ohio 45404   /   (937) 641-3000

Dayton Children’s Hospital - South Campus   /   3333 West Tech Road, Miamisburg, OH, 45342   /   (937) 641-3000

PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

Public health departments offer a variety of services that support the health of men, women and children. They focus on preventing of the spread of disease, promoting healthy lifestyles, and protecting the environmental health of the community.

Public Health- Dayton & Montgomery County   /   117 S Main Street, Dayton, OH 45422   /   (937) 225-5700

Butler County General Health District   /   301 South Third Street, Hamilton, OH 45011   /   (513) 863-1770

Greene County Public Health   /   360 Wilson Drive, Xenia, OH 45385   /   (937) 374-5600

Warren County Health District   /   416 S. East Street, Lebanon, Ohio 45036   /   (513) 695-1228

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

Catholic Social Services provides services to individuals and families including pregnancy and parenting educational programs, food pantry, and counseling services, regardless of faith of their clients.

922 West Riverview Avenue, Dayton, OH 45402   /   (937) 223-7217

1046 Brown Street, Dayton, OH 45409   /   (937) 296-1007

HANNAH'S TREASURE CHEST

Hannah’s Treasure Chest is a nonprofit organization which provides new and gently used clothing, furniture, toys, books and other essential items for children in need. Any UD student, faculty, or staff can take advantage of this service through the Women's Center. Please visit the Center in Alumni Hall or call 229-5390 to learn more.

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF JOB & FAMILY SERVICES

The Departments of Job and Family Services are comprehensive agencies that provide benefits and services to individuals and families in the areas of children services, child support, public assistance (including cash and food assistance), social services, and workforce development.

Butler County   315 High St, Hamilton, OH 45011   /   (513) 887-4000

Greene County   541 Ledbetter Rd. Xenia, Ohio  45385   /   (937) 562-6000 

Montgomery County   1111 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd. Dayton, Ohio 45422   /   (937) 225-4148

Warren County   416 S East St #1, Lebanon, OH 45036   /   (513) 261-1420

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

St. Vincent de Paul serves the homeless and those on the brink of becoming homeless by providing emergency shelter, transitional and permanent supportive housing, food, clothing and household items, and guidance to lead a self-sustaining life.

St. Vincent de Paul - Dayton   124 West Apple St. Dayton, OH 45402-2617   /   (937) 222-7349

UNITED WAY

United Way provides resources for the community around education, promoting financial stability and independence, helping children reach their full potential, and community health and wellness. Their Helplink 2-1-1 connects you with a live person 24 hours a day who will help you navigate their local nonprofit network. These skilled workers listen to your needs, research all available service options, connect you with help, and follow-up as needed. They are specially trained to help with problem solving and crisis intervention.

Butler County United Way   323 N 3rd Street, Hamilton, OH   /  (513) 863-0800

United Way of Greater Dayton   33 W. 1st Street, Suite 500, Dayton, OH 45402   /   (937) 225-3000

United Way of Warren County   3989 S. US Route 42, Lebanon, OH 45036   /   (513) 932-3987

CHILD CAR SAFETY LAWS

Car seats are required by law in Ohio for children under 4 years old and under 40 pounds.

Booster seats are required by law in Ohio for children 4-8 years old and under 4’9’’ tall. Children and teens 8-15 years old are required to wear adult seat belts.

CAR SEAT INSTALLATION & INSPECTION 

Whether you’ve just installed a car seat or need help installing or using one, get help at a car seat inspection station near you. Certified technicians will inspect your car seat free of charge, in most cases, and show you how to correctly install and use it.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

The Miami Valley has options for transportation if you do not own a car. The public transportation in the Dayton area is reliable, safe, and cost-effective, and their information is listed below.

Butler County RTA 513-785-5237

Dayton RTA 937-425-8300

Greene CATS 937-708-8322

Warren County Transit Service 888-297-0990