The Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS) trainings will provide participants with an opportunity to understand the WMELS so that they will be able to build a foundation for high-quality care & education for all children from birth to the beginning of 1st grade. Participants learn how to apply the WMELS Performance Standards to determine what children should know & be able to do, plan learning experiences, provide supportive environments & collect data to ensure that all children are learning & making progress.

Goals of the WMELS Training:

1. To provide opportunities for participants to learn how to use the WMELS to guide the determination of developmentally appropriate curriculum, daily activities & assessment.
2. To assist early care & education providers and families in developing an understanding of the WMELS developmental domains, developmental expectations, performance standards, developmental continuum & program standards.
3. To utilize the "Teaching Cycle" of assessment, planning & implementation as a framework for applying the WMELS in early care & education.
4. To provide opportunities for participants to learn how to use the WMELS to design care & learning environments & to support adult/child relationships that enhance optimal learning experiences for young children.
5. To provide professionals & families with an understanding of the connections between WMELS and:

• • Wisconsin readiness Indicators
  • Existing performance standards
  • Existing program standards

WMELS Training Opportunities

Regional Training Opportunities can be found on the Wisconsin Registry Training Calendar

• A step-by-step guide to finding a WMELS Training

Additional Credit-based Opportunities

• WI Technical Colleges

Find a WMELS Trainer

WMELS Trainers are available to do training throughout Wisconsin. WMELS Approved Trainers include: child care providers, teachers (classroom & higher education), program support personnel, technical assistance personnel & administrators that represent the full range of services offered to young children from birth to 1st grade. The training is offered in a variety of formats. Some are available for University & Technical College Credit.

The WMELS Approved Trainers experienced a rigorous approval process. The process includes an application, attending a WMELS Training & completing one or more WMELS Training with a mentor. WMELS Approved Trainers commit to co-facilitating training in partnership with other WMELS Approved Trainers.  ~ WI Model Early Learning Standards Approved Trainer Process

For more information on finding a WMELS approved trainer or becoming a WMELS Approved Trainer, contact: Tiffany Swain, [email protected]

Updated 05/05/2022