Wisconsin Division for Early Childhood (WDEC)

09/07/2026

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.

08/31/2026

Public schools must serve children with disabilities and provide the special education and related services required by IDEA. Protect the resources they need to do it. Tell Congress to support the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act!

Join us for this final week of the August recess in contacting Congress to let them know we need to

Find more info on how to take action at https://sbee.link/ncj9k8mbwq

08/26/2026

August 26, 2026: New resources from Early Childhood Technical Assistance (ECTA) Center and news related to early intervention and early childhood special education.

08/26/2026

📢 Public schools have a responsibility to educate children with disabilities. Public funds should support the schools responsible for providing IDEA services and supports. Tell Congress: Keep public funds in public schools!

Join us for this final week of the August recess in contacting Congress to let them know we need to

Find more info on how to take action at https://sbee.link/ncj9k8mbwq

08/24/2026

🌟 Celebrating Pyramid Model Champions! 🌟

Program-Wide Benchmark of Quality #27 reminds us that recognizing staff effort matters: “Incentives and strategies for acknowledging staff effort in the implementation of Pyramid Model practices are used.”

We love this example from The Children’s Center in Wolfeboro, NH! 💚

Since 2025, staff members have had the opportunity to nominate a peer who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to Pyramid Model practices in their daily work. The Leadership Team reviews the nominations and selects a monthly Pyramid Model Champion—someone whose actions reflect compassion, respect, inclusion, and relationship-based care.

In 2026, they took it one step further by expanding the nomination process to include family input! 👏

Each Champion receives a certificate, a rotating plaque that doubles as a night light, recognition at staff meetings, and their name added to a lobby display. But perhaps most importantly, the recognition reinforces a shared commitment to creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child can develop the social-emotional skills they need to thrive. 🌱

👏 What a wonderful way to notice, celebrate, and reinforce the Pyramid Model practices happening every day!

How do you celebrate your Pyramid Model Champions? Share your ideas below! 💬👇

Model Leadership Teams