About WI Early Childhood Collaborating Partners

WECCP History

Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating Partners (WECCP) was started in 1994 and focuses on collaboration among diverse early childhood partners and exists now as a 'braided' funding effort among three state agencies:

  • Department of Public Instruction (DPI),
  • Department of Children and Families (DCF) and
  • Department of Health Services (DHS)

Through the years, braided funding has supported interrelated efforts, services, and supports to strengthen early care and education throughout Wisconsin. It has addressed a continuum of needs through the provision of regional technical assistance, professional development, supporting statewide grant initiatives (Race to the Top, Preschool Development Grant, etc.), developing statewide guidance documents (Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards, Core Competencies, etc.), the management of the WECCP website, and other activities.

The WECCP Structure

WEBSITE

The WECCP website serves as the collaborative source of information on issues of cross-sector interest, state initiatives, and research-based and quality practices. Regional support has been in place since 2004 connecting, building, and sustaining cross-sector systems around the state.

STATE

  • Supports the use of the WMELS, WI Core Competencies for Professionals Working with Young Children and their Families (2014) & TTAP
  • Linked to the work of the Cross-Sector Early Childhood Professional Development Initiative (PDI)
  • Build upon the current work of the Governor’s Early Childhood Advisory Council to inform priorities and connections
  • Highlights essential content areas for collaboration as defined by the main menu tabs on this website.

REGIONAL

The WECCP Outreach Specialist team works in a coordinated fashion across three state agencies (DCF, DHS & DPI) and partnering organizations, supporting the field of early care and education. Each Early Childhood Outreach Specialist has a specific content area of focus. The team upholds the WECCP mission by building and enhancing professional development efforts, statewide improvement strategies, and connections and communication within communities and across systems. Combined, these actions increase Wisconsin’s capacity to meet the unique needs of children, families, and communities.

Updated 1/12/2023

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