Wisconsin Strengthens Training and Technical Assistance System for Early Childhood Professionals

As part of its Early Childhood Cross-Sector Professional Development Initiative, Wisconsin has taken recent steps to support individuals providing training and technical assistance (T-TA) to professionals who directly serve young children and families. Key to this effort is the new Wisconsin Training and Technical Assistance Professional (T-TAP) Competencies For Early Childhood and Related Professionals Working with Adults, which define the relevant knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed by T-TA providers. The competencies are grouped into seven areas:

1. building relationships;
2. communication;
3. professionalism and ethics;
4. adult learning principles;
5. planning learning opportunities for adults;
6. delivering learning opportunities for adults; and
7. continuous quality improvement.

Three foundational courses have recently been developed based on the T-TAP Competencies. Some employers in the state require T-TA staff to complete them to demonstrate their understanding of best practices in supporting the workforce. The competencies are also used by higher education to support students pursuing T-TA careers.