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Program: Early Childhood Licensing Basic Ages 3 to 5 - Certificate

Start your path toward working with young children. This nine-credit certificate is a great first step if you’re interested in working with young children and want to meet Wisconsin’s basic requirements for childcare workers. The program helps you understand the state rules for both group childcare centers and family childcare programs, and it prepares you with the knowledge you’ll need to work safely and responsibly in early learning settings. Throughout the program, you’ll take courses that introduce you to what young children ages 3–5 need to learn and thrive. You’ll learn how to create safe and supportive environments, guide children’s behavior, and plan activities that are developmentally appropriate. These skills give you a strong foundation for entry-level work in preschools, childcare centers, and other early learning programs. All of the courses you complete in this certificate transfer directly into the Early Childhood Preschool Certificate, the Early Childhood Technical Diploma, and the Early Childhood Education associate degree. This means you can start with a small credential and easily continue your education as you discover what areas of early childhood education interest you most. You’ll also complete important required training for early childhood professionals, including Sleep Baby Safe, Abusive Head Trauma, and Mandated Reporter. These trainings help you understand how to keep children safe and meet professional expectations in the field.