Program Development

The initial stages of developing your program are as simple as communicating with your administrator and establishing a core team of dedicated, enthusiastic people. Follow the below steps. 

Utilize the Definition and Checklist

The definition and checklist will support your team while developing your program. 

• Definition

• Secondary Peer to Peer Program Development Checklist

Share Information

You and your team may need to obtain administrative permission. Information could be provided through a conversation, handout, or presentation. 

• Administrative Handout

• From Barriers to Belonging Article

• Outcomes for LINKs: Benefits to High School Peers 

• What is Peer to Peer - Bite (coming soon)

The school staff must have knowledge of peer to peer, its purpose, what a LINK is and what a LINK is not, and the benefits of Peer to Peer for all students. This communication also assists staff members with understanding that the LINK Program is a participation program and not a helping program. When the entire school staff share a common understanding of the goals of the program it is easier for everyone to collaborate, support peer to peer, and celebrate the impact for all students and school community. 

• Staff Meeting Explanation Example 

• Participation vs. Helping Model Flyer

• Participation vs. Helping Model Slides (coming soon)

It is also important to provide families with information about Peer to Peer.

• Peer to Peer and Family Engagement

Establish a Team

Establish a team to assist in guiding the development of Peer to Peer. Plan to meet once a week during the development of the program and monthly or quarterly thereafter. The team may include teachers, social workers, speech-language pathologists, guidance counselors, school psychologists, occupational therapists, and teacher consultants. 

• Be sure to include paraprofessionals on your team as they can be excellent facilitators of friendships in the classroom. Paraprofessionals can be key leaders on your team.

• Designate one or two Team Leaders to oversee the implementation of the Peer to Peer program. They will be responsible for key tasks such as student recruitment, scheduling, orientation, Peer Collaboration Conferences, and fundraising activities. While these tasks can be distributed among the team, the Team Leaders ensure that all are completed successfully. 

  • Peer to Peer Team Development