Early Childhood Workforce Support and Resources
We want to make sure you receive information now about WECA and other resources currently available to you as you navigate the impact of the state Joint Committee on Finance’s decision not to continue and fund Child Care Counts past early 2024. If you haven’t already accessed these resources or participated in these programs, please review them now.
Resources Available
REWARD Wisconsin
Stipend Program
Make sure you or your staff have applied for this program, which provides wage stipends to eligible early childhood educators. Right now is the time to ensure all staff members have applied for a stipend. Current eligibility criteria and applications are available on our website. You could receive a stipend of $250 to $950.
Wisconsin Early Education Shared Services Network (WEESSN)
If you are a director/owner of a child care program, sign up for WEESSN immediately. WEESSN is 100% FREE and provides so many business, financial, back-office, coaching, and other administrative resources, which will be especially important for child care programs now.
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Wisconsin
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Wisconsin offers scholarships to early childhood educators to make credit-based education more affordable, improve teacher compensation, and increase early childhood educator retention. T.E.A.C.H. scholarship fall applications are due July 1.
Host your own ECE Engagement
Host your own ECE Engagment session for your program by connecting with your WECA ECE Engagement Specialist. Fill out the form so we can follow up with you.
Milwaukee Workforce
Stipend Program
Early childhood educators who work in caregiving positions that are located in the City of Milwaukee may be eligible for up to $1,500 stipends. Current eligibility criteria and applications are available on our website.
Educator Assistance Program (EAP)
Staff who work in WEESSN-enrolled programs and their families have free and confidential access to the EAP, which provides free resources to support mental and financial well-being. Programs can sign up for WEESSN for FREE to help all educators, staff, and their families gain immediate access to these resources.
Child and Adult Care Food Program
CACFP is a federally funded voluntary program that helps pay for the cost of serving healthy meals and snacks to participants in qualifying child care facilities. WECA is one of six sponsors of CACFP in Wisconsin and is eligible to serve family child care programs from all 72 counties and all Tribal nations. Center-based programs have access to resources through Department of Public Instruction.
Career Development Counseling
Skilled counselors provide free advice to help you navigate your career journey.
Upcoming Events
WEESSN EAP Series: Moving Forward Together
The WEESSN EAP Series: Moving Forward Together is an offering of four guided sessions and three support groups designed to help you build skills and strategies to handle stress and deal with challenging times. The sessions will be led by professional counselors from SupportLinc, our EAP provider. Get all the details here.
ECE Listening and Resource Sessions (English)
These virtual sessions are tailored for early educators working directly with young children to provide a welcoming space for open discussion and conversation about concerns, challenges, questions, and more. The events also allow for open dialogue so providers can be resources for each other. Information also will be shared on WECA programs, resources, and services. Held the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month at 1 p.m., August through December 2023. Note: These are English-language sessions – separate Spanish-language events are forthcoming.
ECE Listening and Resource Sessions (Spanish)
Join WECA and Raising Wisconsin for virtual sessions tailored for early educators working directly with young children to provide a welcoming space for open discussion and conversation about concerns, challenges, questions, and more. The events also allow for open dialogue so providers can be resources for each other. Information also will be shared on WECA programs, resources, and services.
These Spanish-language sessions will be held on the first Wednesday of each month from September through December.
Participate in YoungStar
Participate in YoungStar to receive resources and FREE training opportunities available. In-person, group, or virtual coaching to get you started.
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