Demand for Child Care is Skyrocketing: Nicolet Offers Online Certificate to Train In-Home Providers 

With demand for child care higher than ever in the Northwoods, anyone interested in learning what it takes to start an in-home child care center is invited to enroll in the Family Child Care Certificate program at Nicolet College. 

The 12-credit certificate, offered all online, will prepare students to be registered with the State of Wisconsin as certified child care providers. 

“Earning this credential will demonstrate to parents that graduates have the training they need to provide high quality care and early education opportunities for their children,” said Laura Wind-Norton, dean of University Transfer and Liberal Arts, which includes the college’s Early Childhood Education program. 

Classes for the certificate start Sept. 2 with two classes: Introduction to Family Child Care and Family Child Care Responsive Planning. 

Those will be followed with two more classes that start in January: Family Child Care Capstone and Family Child Care Financial Management and Planning. Each class is three credits. 

In earning the certificate students will learn about child development, quality standards, community resources, health and wellness, and family partnerships. They’ll also learn how to promote desired outcomes through play-based learning, observation and assessment. 

Upon completion, students are prepared for the Family Child Care Credential from The Registry, Wisconsin's Recognition System for the Childhood Care and Education Profession.   

“It’s really a seal of approval that their children will get the care and educational experience they need to create that solid foundation so they can grow and thrive in the future,” Wind-Norton said. 

Nicolet also offers a two-year associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. This credential fully transfers to many four-year campuses for students interested in earning a bachelor’s degree, which is required to teach in a Wisconsin K-12 school system. 

“So what ever your goals are, Nicolet is a great place to start and train for a career in early childhood education,” she said. 

Apply online today. Contact us at (715) 365-4493 or email inquire@nicoletcollege.edu.