Human Development and Relationships
Jace Purdy
Human Development and Relationships Educator
jace.purdy@wisc.edu
Human Development and Relationships Educator Jace Purdy Supports older adults, families, and communities by providing research-based education on Lifespan and Family Engagement. Enhances decision-making and resilience through programming in areas such as family caregiving, social connectedness, healthy aging, and future planning.
Needs Assessment
Jace started in this role July 27,2026. Immediately reach out to community organizations to hold discussions that focus on the needs and how to best serve our aging population, families, caregivers, and the community as a whole. Nine scheduled and seven held in first ninety days in the role.
Completed Projects
Preschool Playshop: School Readiness Workshop – provide parents with tools to support their child’s preschool journey while connecting with other families
Current Projects
- Continuing Needs Assessments with Community organizations
- Early Care and Education Workshop Training
- In-person and virtual continuing education workshops designed specifically for Wisconsin early childhood professionals such as childcare providers and administrators.
- Powerful Tools for Caregivers Training
- Classes are designed to equip family caregivers with practical skills to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, and better manage the demands of caregiving. Participants will learn strategies to communicate effectively, make tough decisions, and balance their own well-being with the care of their loved one.
- Planning AHEAD Training
- An end-of-life planning curriculum for all ages developed by UW–Madison Division of Extension faculty and staff. This research-based program will help participants understand how to prepare for the end of life for themselves or a loved one, and why it’s important to have a plan in place.
- Digital Literacy Workshop Training
- Workshops to help older adults and community members build confidence in navigating the digital world. Participants learned how to identify credible information, practice safe internet habits, and use technology for everyday tasks.
Upcoming Projects
- Based on the community needs assessments, following the completion of trainings in Early Care and Education, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Planning Ahead, and Digital Literacy Workshop, the next steps are to determine sites and community collaborators to work with and provide the programs to community members.