Birth to 3--Professional Development

Professional Development Information

There are very specific areas of knowledge that each Birth to 3 professional must possess in order to work successfully with children and families. Many times these skills are not taught within a degreed program and must be learned on the job through mentorship or through continuing education, training and technical assistance.

This professional development section will help you look at your role in Birth to 3 and how it fits within the overall continuing education requirements for your area of expertise. We have attempted to provide a guide that can enhance both your day-to-day interactions with families in Birth to 3 as well as your entire career.

How Wisconsin Personnel Development Project (WPDP) trainings and RESource technical assistance qualify for continuing education for Birth to 3 professionals:
According to Wisconsin Birth to 3 law, all Birth to 3 service providers must participate in 5 hours of training each year related to early intervention. For service providers without previous experience with Wisconsin's Birth to 3 program, the 5-hour training requirement in the first year of service provision shall include a basic orientation to the program. This requirement can be met through in-service programs, conferences, workshops, earning of continuing education credits or higher education credits.

How can WPDP and RESource Birth to 3 trainings and technical assistance help me uphold my specific professional license requirements?
While each Birth to 3 professional must adhere to different licensing and continuing education requirements, most providers can meet at least a portion of their continuing education needs through WPDP and RESource opportunities. Please search below under your position title for information on Wisconsin law and specific licensing requirements as well as links to related professional organizations. Note that we have provided a sample Birth to 3 professional development guide for you to follow.

Service Coordinator or Social Worker

Early Childhood Special Educator

Speech-Language Pathologist

Occupational Therapist & Therapy Assistant

Physical Therapist & Therapy Assistant

Early Education and Care Professional

Registered Dietitians