Early Learning

COVID-19 Information 

Wisconsin’s early learning community consists of a variety of individuals, agencies and cross sector systems. For resources and information related to COVID-19 that are are specific to the early care and education community, go to Early Learning Information on COVID-19

Early Learning: Support 

The DPI early learning support is housed in the Teaching and Learning Team in the Division for Academic Excellence. It works collaboratively across DPI divisions, other state departments, local and regional communities to bring cohesiveness to programs associated with early learning. 

The DPI Early Childhood Consultant provides leadership, partnership, policy development, and technical assistance to the early childhood community for children birth to age eight throughout Wisconsin.

The Principles of the DPI's focus on Early Learning align with the Governor’s Early Childhood Advisory Council

• Community/In-Home Child CareEarly Childhood Special Education
• Early Head Start and/or Head Start
• Wisconsin's 4-Year-Old Kindergarten Programs
• Wisconsin's 5-Year-Old Kindergarten Programs

EL Initiatives/Priorities

• Early Childhood Integrated Data System (ECIDS) 
• Early Learning Professional Development: 

  • 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

• Family and Community Engagement
• McKinney Vento Homeless Programs-Poverty and Homelessness:
  • The Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program's major responsibility is to implement the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act
• Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating Partners:
  • Many of DPI’s Early Learning efforts are coordinated through the WECCP, a network of state, regional, and community groups and individuals working together to improve the lives of young children and families.
    • Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating Partners: Regional Outreach Specialists: 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