Wisconsin's 4K Connections Newsletters

Wisconsin’s 4K Connections Newsletter is a quarterly newsletter from the Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating Partners (WECCP). It provides relevant information and resources to support educators and stakeholders involved in 4K and 4K Community Approach. The newsletter focuses on key areas such as developmentally appropriate practice (DAP), inclusion, mental health, and family engagement, aiming to promote high-quality and equitable learning experiences for all young children in Wisconsin.

Click images to access each newsletter

May 2026

WMELS Connection: Strategies for building “Two-Way Streets” with families to move beyond standard involvement.
Community as a Classroom: How projects like community gardens and local business partnerships help children see themselves as capable citizens.
Transition Support: Resources from our recent 5K transition webinar, including the “Bridge of Belonging” for inclusive transitions.
State Updates: Information on the WMELS/WELDG revision process and the Get Kids Ready initiative.
Reflection Tools: Quick questions for teams to use when looking back at their family engagement goals for the year.
Takeaways and Resources: Get highlights from WECCP Forum, April 4K Leadership Forum, and the PEC conference in Green Bay.

February 2026

DAP Spotlight: Creating a caring, equitable community through intentional relationships and joyful learning.
WMELS Connection: How our state’s Guiding Principles provide the foundation for a true culture of belonging.
The Architecture of Belonging: Moving beyond physical inclusion to meaningful participation for every child.
State Partner Updates: The latest on the WMELS Revision, Get Kids Ready, and the Local Foods Database.
Professional Development: Highlights for the March PEC Conference and upcoming spring learning opportunities.

November 2025

WMELS & NAEYC: Understand how the WMELS Guiding Principles align with the 9 NAEYC Principles of Child Development.
Guidelines for DAP in Action: Concrete, immediately implementable ideas to elevate your daily teaching practices.
Inclusive Environments: Insights on Play with Purpose to better integrate Evidence-Based IEP strategies within a NAEYC framework.
State & Nutrition Updates: Stay ahead of key developments with the latest on the WMELS Revision project, Get Kids Ready, Early Literacy, and the new Standards for Added Sugars in Child Nutrition Programs.
Don’t Miss Out: Save the date for PEC and explore Free Professional Learning Opportunities from the ELTAI Team

August 2025

DPI Updates: 4K Outreach hours & Early Literacy Screening
WMELS Revision Updates
WMELS Connection: Integrating NAEYC Core Considerations with WMELS for a Strong Start
DAP & the Core Considerations
Ongoing Assessment for Responsive and Inclusive Classrooms
WECCP Website updates
Upcoming Professional Development & Connections