Wisconsin Division for Early Childhood (WDEC)

09/20/2026

Welcome to WI-AIMH Wednesdays!

It's an eight-week series of posts that highlight parts of our two program Impact Reports: Pyramid Model and Healthy Minds Healthy Children (HMHC)! Learn more about infant mental health (IMH) and what WI-AIMH is doing to help promote its awareness, and how our programs are helping to support and build capacity within the professionals who work with and/or on behalf of chidren and their families.

Today's first post start with the WI Pyramid Model for Social Emotional Competence:

Did you know early social and emotional development is synonymous with infant and early childhood mental health? Supporting these skills early helps children build relationships, regulate emotions, and thrive in school and life.

"Families are the foundation for a child's thriving, by being the first and continued presence in a child’s life attending to their feelings, needs, and experiences. The Pyramid Model framework provides opportunities for families to feel supported and better equipped to provide a steady, caring foundation for their children to rely on." 👉 Learn more in the 2025 Impact Report by visiting us at wiaimh.org/state-leadership-team-updates.

09/20/2026

DEC’s next Dare to Lead Book Study session is September 18th at 6:00 PM Eastern Time. Participants will consider how courage and vulnerability influence leadership, collaboration, and trust.

Registration remains open for DEC Members throughout the series.
Learn more and register: https://www.dec-sped.org/single-post/dec-leadership-series-dare-to-lead-book-study

09/20/2026

An Update on the Revision of the EI/ECSE Standards
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026, 4:00 PM Eastern Time - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/W5V-HCNlQxautmtc1_2YXw

Join the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) and the Council for Exceptional Children for a webinar about the revision of the DEC Initial Practice-Based Professional Preparation Standards for Early Interventionists/Early Childhood Special Educators.

Presenters will explain why the standards are being reviewed, describe the revision timeline, and share how research, expertise, family perspectives, and the early childhood landscape are informing the work.

Participants will learn about opportunities to provide feedback and help ensure the revised standards remain relevant, equitable, practical, and responsive to the needs of children, families, professionals, and preparation programs. Whether you are a faculty member, practitioner, administrator, family member, student, or partner, your perspective matters.

Attend to learn how DEC is approaching this work and how you can contribute to shaping the future of EI/ECSE preparation and practice. Facilitators/Chairs of Revision Workgroup: Dr. Jennifer Kilgo, Dr. Cynthia Vail

09/16/2026

☕️ Join us virtually for coffee and connections with members of WICEC on October 5 at 12 PM!

Grab your favorite cup of coffee and join us for a chance to connect, meet new people, and enjoy great conversation from wherever you are. 💻☕️

Register at the link in bio!

09/16/2026

09/07/2026

🌟 Let’s Celebrate Program-Wide Expectations! 🌟

Program-wide expectations are so much more than words on a wall! When expectations are positive, simple, visual, and used consistently by both children AND staff, they help create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for everyone. 💚

We’d LOVE to see how programs in our community are putting this into practice! 👀

📸 What are your program-wide expectations?
Do you use Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Helpful—or have you created expectations that are uniquely meaningful to your program?

👉 Share your program-wide expectations in the comments! Feel free to post a photo, graphic, or simply tell us what they are.

Let’s learn from one another, celebrate the great work happening in our programs, and inspire each other along the way! 🌱💚

Together, we can build positive, respectful communities where everyone belongs! 🤝

09/02/2026

Social media gives educators a powerful platform, but not every post receives the same legal protections. Review these seven tips to help protect yourself online, then read the full breakdown of educators' First Amendment rights and responsibilities on social media. ⬇️ Link in comments.

09/02/2026

Through September 30th, receive 20% off all membership categories and tiers using code: CECBTS26

A new school year brings new students, new challenges, and new opportunities to make an impact. Start strong with a professional community built specifically for special educators. CEC provides the resources, learning, connections, and advocacy you need to grow in your practice-and make a difference for your students.
exceptionalchildren.org/membership

Let's see what we can accomplish together! One CEC. One message. One stronger community.

09/02/2026

Reminder:
Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool (TPOT)
This 2-day training prepares participants to conduct preschool classroom observations and assess fidelity of Pyramid Model practices using the TPOT. Participants must attend both days and complete the checkout process to earn a 3-year reliability certificate.
Date: Tuesday 9/29/26 & Wednesday 9/30/26 (both days required)
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Prerequisites: Pyramid Preschool eModules or Birth-5 eModules
Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1998777773125?aff=oddtdtcreator
Registration Closes: 9/15/26
Training is intended for those who work with and care for young children in NH only.