Nearly every research study done on the quality of early care and education has found that the education and training of early childhood providers is one of the most important aspects of a high-quality program—perhaps the key to quality. That is why one of the main goals of YoungStar is to help ensure that educated and trained staff are working with Wisconsin’s youngest children.

WECA’s Professional Development service is here to help! PD counselors work one on one with child care providers to determine each individual’s best path of trainings and/or college courses. Since inception in 2010, WECA PD counselors have provided PD counseling to 953 child care professionals at 639 child care programs. Additionally, 385 of these professionals (40%) either began a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship after receiving PD counseling or were already involved in the T.E.A.C.H. program.

Learn more about PD counseling here!