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Early Learning Standards

Announcement IconWisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS)

Review Process Update 

(September 2025)

 

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) and its state partner agencies are reviewing the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS). The purpose of this public review process is to consider how to incorporate user feedback, new research in the field, and promising innovations from other states into an updated version of our state’s early learning and development guidelines (ELDGs), currently known as WMELS.

In the coming months, early childhood professionals and the public will have opportunities to offer their input on ELDGs and their usage in Wisconsin. Visit the WI DCF ELDGs Revision Project to learn more about the project. If you have other questions, please contact dcfweldg@wisconsin.gov.

Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards

 

Standards Cover

The Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards have been developed by the Wisconsin state departments of Public Instruction, Children and Families, and Health Services. They reflect shared values and commitments of the citizens of Wisconsin to prepare young children for success in school.  They are based upon research conducted into all aspects of children's early learning and development, from birth to the start of first grade. They encompass guiding principles, developmental expectations, and performance and program standards for delivery of high-quality education and care to young children.

To ensure a holistic approach to creating positive early childhood environments, they include a broad description of children's growth and include the following domains of development:
 
Health and Physical, Social and Emotional, Language and Communication (including early literacy), Approaches to Learning, and Cognition (including mathematical and scientific thinking) and General Knowledge. 
 
The Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards book is available electronically in English and Spanish and may be ordered online at DPI Publication Sales.
 

Wisconsin Academic Standards

 
Wisconsin Academic Standards specify what students should know and be able to do in the classroom. They serve as goals for teaching and learning.

Setting high standards enables students, parents, educators, and citizens to know what students should have learned at a given point in time.

In Wisconsin, all state standards serve as a model. Locally elected school boards adopt academic standards in each subject area to best serve their local community.
 

Alignment Information

 
To promote effective implementation of the standards, the WI Model Early Learning Standards have been aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (HSELOF). Alignment information can be located at: Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating Partners-Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards: Resources

 

Kindergarten (4K and 5K) Grade Level Subjects

 

The Wisconsin School district standards, state statutes, 121.02(1), define subject areas that should be addressed at each grade level. The statutes do not specify the amount of time needed to address these areas. Best practices for early learners is to utilize an integrated and developmentally appropriate practices that incorporates the concepts from the required subject areas.

Kindergarten (4K and 5K) Grade Level Subjects

Reading
Language Arts
Social Studies
Mathematics
 
Science
Health
Physical Education
Art and Music
 

Additional Guidance

To implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum, subject areas may be incorporated in the following ways:

  • Physical education, art, and music can be completely integrated into the curriculum under the direction of a teacher licensed in that subject area or it can be taught directly by a teacher licensed in that subject area.
  • Environmental education and computer literacy should be integrated into other subject areas.
  • Allowing children to sleep or nap is not required. However, especially in full day programs, rest or quiet time should be provided. This may include relaxation, quiet reading, or other appropriate activities.

 

For questions about this information, contact Jennifer Bibler  (608) 267-9172

For questions about this information, contact Jennifer Giles (608) 267-9172