Credit for Prior Learning

Meet Anne, Kaelin, and Michelle; three early childhood educators who experienced credit for prior learning firsthand.

Your Experience Matters

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 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.

WECA and key partners are working to make credit for prior learning clear and uniform throughout Wisconsin by:

• Working with the Wisconsin Technical College System to create a credit for prior learning course that is now being offered at several colleges. Learn more about this course here.
• Awarding  T.E.A.C.H. scholarships  to help pay for credits earned through credit for prior learning
• Providing free, professional development counseling to providers interested in learning more about credit for prior learning opportunities.
• Getting the word out about credit for prior learning opportunities across the state. Contact a T.E.A.C.H. or Professional Development Counselor to find out what CPL options are available near you!