MONROE — Two dozen Green County childcare professionals recently completed special training in Professionalism to enhance their skills as early childhood educators. 

As part of the Professionalism workshop, participants examined the skills required to be a successful early childhood educator as well as who they are as professionals. They studied developmentally appropriate practices in early education and identified what it looks like for each individual. Training was provided by 4-C through a partnership with Green County Development Corporation (GCDC).

“The Professionalism class with Lisa Jones (of 4-C) was amazing. She really knows how to keep us engaged,” said participant Theresa Klemm. 

She and other participants had the opportunity to embrace the world of an early childhood educator, rather than a “babysitter” who watches kids. Working in early childhood education goes far beyond providing a space where a child can “hang out,” have a snack, and nap while parents are at work. There are intentional practices that happen behind the scenes of which most parents and caregivers are unaware.

The majority of the human brain’s hard wiring occurs between birth and age 5. This period sets the stage for the child’s entire life — how they will live, learn, think, and respond as adults. Early education professionals need to have a wide skill set to effectively provide care and education to children at this crucial stage. This training helps early educators understand the enormous impact their roles have on the lives of children who will one day be adults. 

Completing the Professionalism training were: Bailey Smith, Cassidy Ware, Tara Walz, Chelsey Guthrie, Becky Zuber and Gina Anderson of Small World, Inc., New Glarus; Amy Burkhalter, Sandy Ritschard and Betty Lou Parkinson of Rainbow Childcare, Monroe; Laura Callaway of Glorious Giggles, Brodhead; Kathy Olmstead of Walk With Me, Argyle; Theresa Klemm of Monroe Parks & Rec; Andrea Priebe of Little Rascals, Monroe; Corrine Hendrickson of Corrine’s Little Explorers, New Glarus; Jillynn Niemeier of Blue Door Day Care, Monroe; Brenda Studer of Brenda’s Family Daycare, Monroe; Margaret Lutz of Margaret’s Clubhouse, New Glarus; Peyton Morgan, Megan Chance, MacKenzie Zander and Sara Viney of The Growing Tree, New Glarus; Valerie Johnson of Tiny Treasures Family Daycare, Albany; Julie LeGros of Julie’s Child Care, New Glarus; and Sally Yaun of Little Gippers Daycare, Monticello.

For more information about upcoming trainings and GCDC’s Childcare Business Accelerator, call GCDC at 608-328-9452 or visit www.greencountyedc.com.