Workforce Support and Resources
Founded in 1971, WECA is the state affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and continues to focus on innovation to meet the needs of early childhood educators and early care and education in Wisconsin by administering programs and services, advancing engagement efforts, and providing professional development opportunities.
WHAT WE OFFER
Educational and Professional Development
Scholarships through the TEACH Early Childhood® Wisconsin Program help make higher education more affordable – and sometimes nearly FREE! WECA also offers dozens of professional development credit hours each year through the annual WECA Conference, free WEESSN training sessions, and other training opportunities, many of which offer Wisconsin Registry credit. Career Development Counseling services help individuals interested in a career path in early childhood education navigate educational and professional questions, along with providing connections to the broad range of WECA support. Membership in WECA/NAEYC provides an important connection to the largest professional organization dedicated to the early childhood field in the United States and allows access to many professional development and networking opportunities in Wisconsin and beyond.
Business Resources and Pre-Licensing Services
WECA’s shared services network is a national leader in helping child care programs develop strong business practices and increase efficiency so child care owners and administrators can focus more on what matters most – nurturing young children. Programs enrolled in Wisconsin Early Education Shared Services Network (WEESSN) have access to thousands of free business resources, including customizable templates and policies, tax guides, cost savings opportunities, coaching, and much more. Pre-licensing services are offered in the state’s northern and southeastern licensing regions, helping individuals interested in starting a licensed family child care or group child care center in Wisconsin prepare for the licensing process.
Food Systems Resources
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) offers reimbursement for serving healthy meals and snacks. In Wisconsin, CACFP sponsors serve family child care businesses and centers. The WECA Food Program is eligible to assist family child care programs in all 72 counties and all Tribal nations. WECA also offers a wide range of food system support for programs enrolled in WEESSN, including gardening support, edible garden projects, and connecting providers with local food opportunities.
Policy, Research, and Engagement
WECA is home to the Center for Policy, Research and Engagement, which helps shape effective early childhood-focused policy and drive engagement efforts that support early care and education – and children, families, and communities across Wisconsin. The Center analyzes, synthesizes, and disseminates research findings that support evidence-based policymaking and practice in the ECE field. It also translates research and data into action by providing engagement opportunities through events, forums, community conversations, action alerts, and more.
Compensation Support
Paying livable wages is a challenge in the child care business model. The REWARD Wisconsin Stipend Program offers direct payments to providers based on their educational level and other eligibility requirements. Eligible early educators receive money to increase what they earn, helping programs retain their staff and stay in business. The program focuses on rewarding recipients for their commitment to the field and continued education, helping them improve their personal financial stability as a result.
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