Guidelines for the Wisconsin Assistant Child Care Teacher
and Child Care Teacher Certification
ACCT History:
The Department of Public Instruction submitted a proposal to the regional offices of
the state Department of Health and Social Services concerning a 40-hour course for
Assistant Child Care Teachers (ACCT) in Wisconsin secondary schools. In August
1988, final approval was given to the Department of Public Instruction to develop,
implement, and monitor secondary level ACCT programs.
Steps for ACCT Certification:
1. Students take a semester child development or parenting course as a
sophomore or junior.
2. After successful completion of the child development course, students can
enroll in the Assistant Child Care Teacher course (ACCT) as a junior or senior.
The ACCT course must be DPI approved and taught by a vocationally certified
teacher in child services (211).
3. After completing the ACCT course, a student may obtain certification, issued
by DPI, which would allow him or her to work in a licensed day care at age
17. Otherwise, a student must be 18 in order to work in a day care as an
ACCT.
ACCT Course Outline:
The ACCT course outline is divided into 11 units (There is a curriculum guide for reference)
1. Intro to Child Care Services (4 days)
2. The Center Environment (4 days)
3. The Children (8-9 days)
4. Interacting with Children (4 days)
5. Classroom Activities (10 days)
6. Classroom Safety (3 days)
7. Health and First Aid (5 days)
8. Meals and Snacks (2-3 days)
9. Center Relationships (4 days)
10. Working with Children (10 days)
11. Professional Development (4 days)
CCT Program Description:
The Child Services coop is a skill certificate program for seniors who are 17 years of
age and who have satisfactorily completed the Assistant Child Care Teacher (ACCT)
course during their junior year.
The competency areas covered include:
personal/interpersonal skills
introduction to child care services
the day care center environment
professional development
food and nutrition
health and safety
special needs of children
The program is endorsed by the Department of Health and Family Services, the
Wisconsin Child Care Administrators Association, Wisconsin Early Childhood
Association, Wisconsin Early Childhood Association, and the FCCLA (Family, Career
& Community Leaders of America). DPI is currently working on the Infant and
Toddler Child Care Worker initiative.
Steps for CCT Certification:
1. Students must complete the ACCT certification as a prerequisite to the CCT
program.
2. Students complete the State Skills Coop in Child Services to obtain
certification.
3. Students who satisfactorily complete the program and graduate from high
school also qualify to receive the second-level Department of Health and
Family services (DHFS) employment designation as a Child Care Teacher.
For more information contact:
Family and Consumer Ed Consultant
(608)267-9088