The Buddy Program, developed by the METU, is a unique shadowing program matching 3rd and 4th year university student interns with school-age children experiencing special needs such as a learning or developmental disability. Matches are made based on the needs of the child and the skill set of the university intern. In the school setting, the intern provides direction and focus for the assigned “Buddy,” shadowing them throughout their time together. While on campus with their Buddy, the intern is under the supervision of the METU team with direction from the school.

Experience of the School-Age Buddy

  1. To participate in the Buddy Program, children needing extra assistance in doing daily tasks or experiencing special needs can be referred by their teacher. Simply submit the Student Referral Form, which requires the consent and signature of the parent.

  2. Referred children are observed in the school setting by qualified professionals of the METU team to determine each child’s needs. Observations typically take place within 1 to 2 weeks of receipt of the Student Referral Form. Depending upon the availability of an appropriate university intern, a child is typically matched with an intern within 2 weeks of the observation. However, since we take care in making the best match possible, some students may experience a longer wait before being matched with an intern. Buddy matches are made based on the needs of the child and the skill set of the university intern. A Buddy will work with the same intern every day.

  3. The matched intern shadows the assigned Buddy for up to a 4-hour period every day, Monday through Friday, based upon the school calendar. A morning intern is with the Buddy in the morning and in class at university in the afternoon; an afternoon intern is in class at university in the morning and with the Buddy in the afternoon. If a Buddy requires an intern in BOTH the mornings AND in the afternoons, parents need to engage 2 different interns.

Screening and Experience of the Intern

  1. In cooperation with local universities, METU invites suitable candidates among 3rd and 4th year psychology-language-education- communication majors to apply.

  2. To participate, the candidate must provide a letter of recommendation from their academic advisor or dean, must commit to participate for at least 6 months, and maintain a 3.0 grade point average throughout their time in the Buddy Program.

  3. The candidate submits the Internship Application.

  4. After a personal interview with the METU team, successful candidates are invited to attend a 2-hour orientation and training session where they learn about the special needs they will encounter in the Buddy Program and tools they can use to support their assigned Buddy.

  5. When the intern is matched to a Buddy, they are asked to obtain a police clearance report, for which they will be reimbursed after the intern has completed their first month in the Buddy Program.

  6. Interns gain invaluable practical experience by being a part of the Buddy Program. They receive at least 1 hour of training/supervision of per week specific to the experience with their Buddy. The training/ supervision is provided by qualified professionals of the METU team. Interns may also receive training from the host school if the Buddy is participating in an alternative curriculum.

  7. At the completion of 9 months, they will also receive a certificate of completion and
    letter of recommendation from the director of the Buddy Program.