The Office of Early Learning (OEL) is DPI’s support for a statewide early childhood system to increase collaboration and coordination of the early learning community at local, regional and statewide community levels. The early childhood community includes parents, teachers, administrators, support staff, Cooperative Educational Service Agencies, public libraries, governmental and non-governmental agencies, consumer and professional associations, relevant philanthropic organizations, and legislators. The OEL is housed in the Teaching and Learning Team in the Division for Academic Excellence but works collaboratively across DPI divisions and other state departments to bring continuity and cohesiveness to the programs associated with early learning. The OEL provides leadership, partnership, policy development, incentives, and technical assistance to the early childhood community for children birth to age eight throughout Wisconsin.
About the Office of Early Learning
Early Care and Education Settings
OEL Initiatives/Priorities
Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
- The Early Dual Language Learner Initiative (EDLLI) provides professional development, technical assistance and resources to community partners regarding culturally and linguistically responsive practices for young children, birth-6.
In Wisconsin several groups are working to build a unified sense of professional development between teachers of young children, whether they work in child care, Head Start, or in the schools. Around Wisconsin, there are many excellent opportunities for training related to working with young children and their families. https://dpi.wi.gov/early-childhood/prof-dev/training
State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor Co-chairs this council.
- Poverty and Homelessness - McKinney Vento Homeless Programs
The Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program's major responsibility is to implement the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act
Many of DPI’s Early Learning efforts are coordinated through the WEECP, a network of state, regional, and community groups and individuals working together to improve the lives of young children and families.
Regional Outreach Specialists support collaboration among early childhood partners to optimize the provision of early childhood services.
- The Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards
The Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards specify developmental expectations for children from birth through the entrance to 1st grade. The standards reflect the domains of a child's learning & development. The domains include: Health & Physical Development; Social & Emotional Development: Language Development & Communication; Approaches to Learning: Cognition & General Knowledge. They are available in English and Spanish
The Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards
Modelo de Normas de Aprendizaje Temprano De Estado de Wisconsin
Other Early Childhood System Collaborators
- Cooperative Educational Service Agencies
Many CESAs have expanded their expertise and commitment to cooperative services to include early childhood education.
- Licensing of Child Care Programs
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The child care licensing program is a component of the services provided by Department of Children and Families
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