Approved CoursesThe Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance is pleased to provide school age programs with specific professional development opportunities that prepare staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively work with school age children and youth. These courses are approved by the Department of Children and Families and housed on the Registry. RegisterCourse DescriptionsIntroduction to the School Age Care ProfessionIntroduction to the School-Age Care Profession is available on demand through University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. This on-demand class means that you can register at any time and begin your work immediately. This foundational course introduces the core principles of working with school-age children in group or family childcare settings. Participants explore the value of Out-of-School Time (OST) programs, key philosophies, and the goals of high-quality care. The course also covers relevant regulations and provider responsibilities. Format: Self-paced, non-credit training Guiding Children’s Behavior in School Age ProgramsThis course focuses on understanding personal behavior guidance styles and how they influence our interactions with children. It emphasizes relationship-building and introduces practical strategies for managing challenging behaviors and supporting youth in the development of self-regulation skills. Format: Hybrid, non-credit training with virtual instructor-led, interactive sessions (7.5 hours) and self-paced independent work (7.5 hours) School Age Curricular FrameworkIn this course participants learn to design and implement intentionally designed programming tailored to Out-of-School Time (OST) programs. The course covers developmental principles, lesson planning, outcome setting, and the role of the environment in learning. Format: Hybrid, non-credit training with virtual instructor-led, interactive sessions (7.5 hours) and self-paced independent work (7.5 hours) Staff Supervision and Business Practices in School Age ProgramsThis course is designed to equip Out-of-School Time (OST) program supervisors with essential skills for effective leadership and management. Participants will learn strategies for supervising staff, fostering a positive work environment, and implementing best business practices to enhance program quality. The course will cover key topics such as performance evaluation, conflict resolution, and financial management, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to handle the complexities of running school-age programs. Format: Hybrid, non-credit training with virtual instructor-led, interactive sessions (6 hours) and self-paced independent work (6 hours) Youth Mental Health First AidYouth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is a skills-based training that teaches parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers and any other citizen how to identify, understand and respond to an adolescent (ages 12-18) who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Format: Hybrid, non-credit training with virtual instructor-led, interactive sessions (4.5 hours) and self-paced independent work (2 hours) Trauma‐Informed Care Approach to Out-of-School Time ProgramsThis course introduces trauma-informed practices and explores how trauma affects child behavior and development. Participants learn strategies to create safe, supportive environments that promote resilience in Out-of-School Time (OST) programs. Format: Self-paced, non-credit training with Live Virtual Check-In Positive Youth Development for the Youth Work ProfessionalThis course explores the foundations of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) as it relates to the Positive Youth Development Framework and its benefits for both youth and adults. Participants will learn how to integrate SEL practices into Out-of-School Time (OST) programs and provides practical strategies for fostering emotional intelligence and inclusion. Format: Self-paced, non-credit training with Live Virtual Check-InLength: 12 hours Registry: Tier 3 approved training YoungStar: Supports High-Quality Practice #6 Social Emotional and Inclusion of Children with Special Needs Training criteria Course Structure: This flexible, on-demand course is designed to fit your schedule while ensuring meaningful engagement and accountability. Participants can register at any time throughout the school year. Those who register by the 25th of each month will gain access to the course starting on the 1st of the following month.
How It Works: Complete the self-paced, on-demand coursework at your convenience. Once all modules are finished, schedule a live virtual check-in with the course instructor. This check-in is required to receive credit for course completion.
Designing and Assessing Child OutcomesThis course guides school-age program staff in developing and evaluating meaningful child and group outcomes. Participants will learn how to create SMARTIE-aligned goals, design activities that support those goals, and assess progress through effective documentation. The course emphasizes intentional planning and outcome-based programming to enhance child development in Out-of-School Time (OST) programs. Format: Self-paced, non-credit trainingLength: 12 hours Registry: Tier 3 approved training YoungStar: Aligns with High-Quality Practice #5 Tracking Child Outcomes Course Structure: This flexible, on-demand course is designed to fit your schedule while ensuring meaningful engagement and accountability. Participants can register at any time throughout the school year. Those who register by the 25th of each month will gain access to the course starting on the 1st of the following month.
How It Works: Complete the self-paced, on-demand coursework at your convenience. Once all modules are finished, schedule a live virtual check-in with the course instructor. This check-in is required to receive credit for course completion.
Visit our course page to register. Click here for a print version of our course calendar. |