Children Are Our Specialty

WECA Advocates in Action

Our programs raise awareness of the prevalence and consequences of child sexual abuse by educating adults about the steps they can take to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to the reality of child sexual abuse.

Provider Appreciation Day is a special day to recognize child care providers, teachers and other educators of young children everywhere. Started in 1996 by a group of volunteers in New Jersey, Provider Appreciation Day is appropriately celebrated each year on the Friday before Mother's Day. The founding organizers saw the need to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for children of working parents. Momentum and support for this event has grown each year and recognition presently includes individuals and government organizations throughout the United States.

The Wisconsin Works (W-2) program is available to parents of minor children whose family income is below 115% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Each W-2 eligible participant meets with a Financial and Employment Planner (FEP), who helps the individual develop a self-sufficiency plan and determine his or her place on the W-2 employment ladder. The ladder consists of four levels of employment and training options, in order of preference.

The Resource and Referral Department maintains a database of all regulated child care programs within our five county service delivery area (Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green, Jefferson, Rock, Sauk, and Walworth counties and the Ho-Chunk Nation). Referral Specialists assist parents with their search for early care and education for their children. Information from our database provides parents with a current list of regulated child care professionals that allows parents to locate care to meet their specific needs.

Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) is a statewide, nonprofit organization serving as a professional association whose members care for and educate Wisconsin's children, aged birth to eight. We are an affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Child care forms and publications are available for downloading and printing from this site. If a form is not available electronically you will be provided instructions for requesting a paper copy.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is dedicated to improving the well-being of all young children, with particular focus on the quality of educational and developmental services for all children from birth through age 8. NAEYC is committed to becoming an increasingly high performing and inclusive organization. Founded in 1926, NAEYC is the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children with nearly 80,000 members, a national network of over 300 local, state, and regional Affiliates, and a growing global alliance of like-minded organizations. Membership is open to all individuals who share a desire to serve and act on behalf of the needs and rights of all young children.

Food Program

Training Network

The purpose of South Central AEYC, WI #375 is to support and build networking for all early childhood professionals, parents, and/or guardians and to develop programs that promote and enhance the well being of young children.

A Registry Certificate acknowledges and highlights the training, experience and professionalism that is vital to quality child care.It honors each recipient’s unique training and background by reflecting the following: Level based on your education and degree All child care and education positions for which you are qualified in the state of Wisconsin Number of years in the child care and education field CPR, First Aid, and Shaken Baby Training