What are Core Competencies?
Expectations for what the workforce should know (content) and be able to do (skills) in a respectful & competent manner (attitudes) in their roles working with and/or on behalf of children & their families. The Core Competencies are organized under 12 Content Areas.

Why have Core Competencies?
To create a common thread of Professional Development expectations across the variety of system partners (Higher Education, Child Care, Head Start, 4 & 5 year-old Kindergarten, Special Education, Child Welfare, Home Visiting, Health & Mental Health, Afterschool, Advocacy & others) for the ultimate benefit of children & families in Wisconsin.

2014 WI Core Competencies for Professionals Working with Young Children and their Families (pdf) REV July 2014

2014 Competencias básicas de Wisconsin Para profesionales que trabajan con niños pequeños y sus familias (pdf)

FREE Print copies of WI Core Competencies (English version only at this time) available at the Child Care Information Center (CCIC) email: [email protected]

Ways to Use the WI Core Competencies
The WI Core Competencies have been designed as a framework that complements other professional development systems. Here are some examples:

• Framework used by the Wisconsin Registry for organizing data on training offered and on individual learning records
• Framework used by the WI Model Early Learning Standards to organize statewide training content
• Guidance for the WI Technical College System early childhood program courses and degrees
• Guidance for WI colleges’ and universities’ early childhood course curriculum development
• Guidance for introductory child care coursework in WI high schools and by other approved trainers/organizations
• Resource for YoungStar Professional Development Counseling to programs and Technical Consultant on-site services
• Resource for Training and Technical Assistance Professionals in a variety of settings
• Resource for professionals connecting Birth to 6 and after-school professional development systems; For those working with school-age children and youth there are companion competencies through the National Afterschool Association “Core Knowledge and Competencies for Afterschool and Youth Development Professionals
• Resource for conversation for collaborative early childhood councils and other interested groups
• Resource for public-private Partnerships to enhance awareness of the importance of the Birth to 6 workforce
• Resource for Individual Professional Development Planning and Reflection, including professional portfolios

National Afterschool Association Core Competencies (website) – Developed by the NAA to enable afterschool and youth development practitioners to demonstrate expertise, develop high-quality programs, and gain a higher level of recognition within their communities.

Updated 2/22/2024