Credentials Overview

Registry Credentials combine cutting-edge learning with the latest in research and techniques. These credit-based programs are focused on job specific skills so students can apply the practical knowledge they’ve learned to their current positions. The Registry Credentials are a stepping stone to advancement for any aspect of the early care and education field. Accredited technical colleges and universities located throughout state of Wisconsin offer credential coursework. Take the next step - advance your career today and register for credential classes!

Credential Elements

Each professional credential has the following common elements:

• Is credit based (12-18 credits per credential) – each course’s content is of the highest quality and is taught by a professional educator through an institution of higher education.
• Is a sequence of specific courses – the courses within each credential build upon one another, requiring students to apply what they’ve learned in previous classes.
• Includes a Capstone Course – this final course culminates everything presented in previous courses to determine mastery of competencies.
• Final portfolio or project – using new knowledge and skills, students design a portfolio or project to present at their commission.
• Completed by a Registry Commission – to maintain the highest standards, students present their portfolio to commissioners.
• Is developed and awarded by The Registry – The Registry draws upon more than 180 years of cumulative experience, nation-wide experts and education professionals to craft these highly sought after education credentials.
• The courses that are approved as meeting the guidelines of the credential and the statewide curriculum must have been taken since 2000.

The Registry Credentials

• Administrator
  The Administrator Credential will help you develop the skills and competencies needed by administrators and directors to be successful. The Administrator Credential is a six course, 18-credit sequence.
• Afterschool & Youth Development
  The Afterschool & Youth Development Credential is a four course, 12-credit sequence that is designed for any individual working in an out-of-school-time program for children ages five through twelve. Caring for and enriching the lives of school age children beyond the school day requires a unique set of skills that combines and crosses many professional disciplines and is grounded in an understanding of the growth and development of children.
• Inclusion
  The Inclusion Credential focuses on the additional training and education professionals need when caring for children with special needs and builds a knowledge base that allows providers to offer high quality care to all children. The Inclusion Credential is a four course, 12-credit sequence.
• Infant Toddler
  The Infant Toddler Credential will best benefit those who work with children under the age of three. Two of the four Infant Toddler Credential courses in the 12-credit sequence are also within the Wisconsin Technical College System Statewide Curriculum for the Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Leadership
  The Leadership Credential explores the importance of excellence and diversity in early care and education programs and the role of vision and reflective practice in reaching these goals. This credential is a four course, 12-credit sequence designed for teachers, assistant teachers, program directors and administrators.
• Preschool
  The Preschool Credential was developed using courses from the Wisconsin Technical College System Statewide Curriculum for the Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. This six course, 18-credit Registry Credential program is for preschool teachers, assistant teachers, program directors and administrators who work with children age three to five.
• Program Development
  The Program Development Credential explores the role of Program Developer including both management and leadership functions. This four course, 12-credit sequence is designed for the individual responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating an early care and education program. The Program Development Credential provides training in learning environments, relationships, collaborative environments, program implementation and supervision and training.

Each one of The Registry Credential programs will help you advance your career and earn professional recognition. The Credentials are the key to future success – take the step now!

To register for one of the scheduled Commissions listed below, students must complete and submit a Student Request for Commission form to The Registry office. Forms are located on this page under “Credential Resources” and include instructions. Students will then receive a confirmation letter with Commission details and further instructions. Students will not be allowed to participate in a Commission unless they have submitted the Request for Commission form.

View a flowchart of the Commission scheduling process