Provides entry level knowledge and skills for individuals as they begin to or intend to care for children in group or family child care settings. Learners explore rules and regulations governing group and family child care and the responsibilities of child care providers. This course fulfills introductory non-credit course requirements as specified in the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Chapters 250 and 251 for family and group child care in Wisconsin's Administrative Code.

The Skills and Strategies Class will prepare individuals to be successful in the role of a Lead/Head Child Care Teacher in an early childhood setting. This will be accomplished by thoroughly examining the subjects of curriculum planning and activity selection in a developmentally appropriate early childhood environment. Additional topics to be covered include exploring strategies to involve parents and the role of observation in a developmentally appropriate program. Child guidance and professionalism are also further developed. This class is one of the required classes for all Lead/Head Teachers in Group Child Care programs.

This class will prepare participants to be successful working with infants and toddlers in a child care setting. This will be done by thoroughly exploring the topics of: Professionalism; Growth and Development from birth to 2 yrs; Licensing Regulations; Environments and Routines; Planning Age Appropriate Curriculum; Health & Safety; Child Guidance; and Professional Communication. This course meets DCF requirements for working with children birth to 2 years of age.

This course is required for all certified and licensed family child care providers. It provides essential information about establishing a family child care business practices for certified and licensed family child care providers.