Credit for Prior Learning
Although many Wisconsin child care providers haven’t completed college degrees, most have several years of relevant experience and many hours of non-credit-based training. This experiential learning often addresses components found in college courses. What this means is that while many providers have not completed college credits, they may have learned and mastered many of the skills and concepts as those who have.
The promising news is that sometimes this learning-through-experience can be “counted” towards college credit. A system of credit for prior learning (CPL) is an opportunity to recognize the current skill and knowledge level of Wisconsin’s early childhood teachers, improve child care quality in the state, and meet expectations in the YoungStar program. Colleges that offer credit for prior learning award credit(s) to individuals who can demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge previously acquired through non-traditional schooling, non-credit-based training, work, or other life experiences.
If you believe you may be eligible to earn credits through CPL, contact the Early Childhood Education department at your technical college. They offer a variety of ways to evaluate your experience and knowledge which may include transcript evaluation, testing out of individual courses, portfolio assessment, evaluation of previous credit completion and/or evaluation of workplace training, and experiential learning.
T.E.A.C.H. scholarships can be used to help pay for credits earned through CPL. Contact a T.E.A.C.H. counselor to learn what CPL options are available for you!