WiLearn is a training program for new child protective services professionals.
It is a cohort-based program that encourages collaborative learning, experience sharing, and networking with your peers. WiLearn uses a combination of web-based and online learning activities, independent studies, applications, and guided group discussions called community huddles.
WiLearn focuses on fundamental knowledge, values, and skills you need to support all children, youth, and families. The topics work well with onboarding, supervision, and coaching that your agency provides.
You are required to complete the WiLearn Program if you are
- hired as a primary CPS Access, CPS Initial Assessment, CPS Ongoing Professional or a mix of these roles as of 1/1/2023, AND
- employed by a county child welfare agency or DMCPS, Wellpoint and Children’s in Milwaukee
You may choose to participate if you are a
- WI Tribal Child Welfare Professional
- WI Public Adoption Professional from a contracted agency
We will enroll you into a cohort upon confirmation from your supervisor. You cannot register yourself for these trainings in PDS Online.
When you are enrolled:
- Read your confirmation email. It has program details and your schedule.
- Put all dates in your calendar and block time for your online work. · Contact wilearn@wcwpds.wisc.edu with questions.
Just getting started in your new CPS role? See the CPS WiLearn Program Professional Development Plan below.
If you are not eligible for WiLearn, you may be interested in similar trainings. Four of the topics can be taken separately. Visit our Hybrid Course page.
Case Worker Pre-Service Web-based Modules
- 14 web-based modules that provide beginning knowledge and awareness of areas essential to child welfare practice
WiLearn Program eWiSACWIS Modules
- 8 web-based modules teach features and functionality of the WI Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System
eWiSACWIS Module Info
- Introductory video and Pre-Test
WiLearn Foundational Elements
- 9 topics sequenced to build child welfare knowledge and skills
- Individual online learning, activities, and post-tests provide a flexible learning approach
- Live community huddles with cohort colleagues
- Workbook for each topic
Agency Responsibilities
- Orientation and onboarding
- Enhanced supervisory oversight and coaching
- Transfer of learning, job shadowing, on-the-job training and learning evaluation
- 50% primary case assignment during WiLearn (6 months)
- Local agency trainings
We want to provide an exceptional training experience for you and your cohort colleagues. In order to create a safe, supportive learning environment and meet learning goals, we need your commitment to active participation. Here’s how:
- Follow instructions provided in your WiLearn emails
- Come to the orientation session for your cohort
- Complete all online packet work and activities prior to each community huddle
- Participate in all of the community huddles
- Use your workbooks as a learning tool
- Commit to practice what you have learned
- Share your learning and questions with your supervisor
Have questions?
Visit the WI Department of Children and Families – WiLearn Program webpage.
Still not finding what you are looking for? See our Contacts tab.
I work in Milwaukee for Children’s Wisconsin, Wellpoint, or DMCPS
Contact us at wcwpds-mke@uwm.edu or 414-964-7400
I work in CPS for one of the 71 Wisconsin counties (outside of Milwaukee), WI Public Adoption, or Tribal Child Welfare
Contact us at wilearn@wcwpds.wisc.edu or 608-890-3965
I work for Youth Justice in one of the 72 Wisconsin counties (including Milwaukee)
Contact us at yjtraining@wcwpds.wisc.edu or 608-890-3965
For WiLearn Program information for youth justice professionals, go to the WiLearn YJ webpage.
WiLearn Program Supports
Here are the WiLearn Program resources and materials for learners, supervisors, and coaches/lead staff.
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WiLearn Program Professional Development Plan
You can use this template for planning and tracking professional development. It includes enrollment instructions, WiLearn requirements, and other required and optional training.
Foundational Elements Scheduling Overview
Below are two sample overviews you can use to see how the WiLearn components are scheduled with other training. You and your supervisor will receive a detailed schedule with dates and times with your enrollment confirmation email.
Pre-Service Activity Workbook
You will reinforce the concepts you learned in Pre-Service with these practical, on-the job applications and resources.
Supervisors and coaches can review a summary of the learning objectives and key learning points to support conversations with your professional.
Introduction to the Foundational Elements Video
You can learn more about the Foundational Elements phase of WiLearn with this 5-minute video.
If you are enrolled in WiLearn and you watch this video now, you will still need to watch it on PDS Online to count toward your program requirements.
WiLearn Foundational Elements Descriptions, Learning Objectives, and Behavioral Indicators
WiLearn Foundational Elements Sections At-A-Glance
Here is a breakdown of the work for each Foundational Element with estimated times.
WiLearn Foundational Elements Workbooks
Workbooks are the materials you need for each Foundational Element. You will use these during your online learning and community huddles.
Your workbooks:
- Include content and activities
- Provide space for notes, responses, and questions
- Help supervisors follow your learning
Workbooks are posted in two versions – printable with space to write and electronic-fillable.
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Workbook Introduction
Culturally Responsible Practice
Trauma Informed Practice
Understanding the Child Protective Services Case Process
Engaging Families
Case Practice with American Indian Tribes
Areas of Assessment in Child Protective Services
Critical Thinking in Child Protective Services
- Critical Thinking in Child Protective Services Workbook (electronic/fillable)
- Critical Thinking in Child Protective Services Workbook (print/handwrite)
- Critical Thinking in Child Protective Services Workbook – Appendix A
- Critical Thinking in Child Protective Services Workbook – Appendix B
- Critical Thinking in Child Protective Services Workbook – Appendix C
Family-Centered Decision Making
Supervisors and Coaches/Lead Staff
You can use these resources to follow your learner through WiLearn and support the transfer of learning to the job.
Here are some quick tips for supporting your learner:
- Use the Pre-Service Activity Workbook
- Expect active participation in huddles
- Discuss their workbooks together
- Track their progress
- Ask about their commitments to practice after each element
- Link learning to agency practice
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WiLearn Program Supports and Resources List for Supervisors
Community Huddle Absence - Instructions for Supervisors
Learners are expected to attend every community huddle, and we hope you’ll be proactive in preventing a miss. In the rare event of a huddle absence, the supervisor or their agency designee will conduct the huddle. The aim is to provide a similar facilitated discussion. This keeps the learner moving forward in WiLearn.
This resource provides general information about your role, steps, and tips. We will provide you with a specific guide, instructions, and timelines for the missed huddle via email.
WiLearn Foundational Elements for Supervisors & Coaches Curriculum
Are you interested in reviewing the WiLearn Foundational Elements online packets to better support a learner in your agency? Email wilearn@wcwpds.wisc.edu
Tracking Tools for Learner Progress of Foundational Elements
You can track your learner’s progress in PDS Online. This helps you see if the learner is completing their online work on time. Knowing where they are at may assist you with onboarding support and workload decisions.
See a demonstration video link
Learning Promotion Tool
Observing your new professional in the course of their work is critical for their continued professional development and quality services to families. We recommend observing your new professional at least once during their initial 6 months on the job, but more is encouraged whenever possible.
The Learning Promotion Tool helps you target areas for observation based on key skills defined in the Wisconsin Child Welfare Model for Practice. You can use this helpful tool to write down your observations and talk with your new professional about:
- What skills they are using now
- What they should work on next
- How you, as a supervisor or coach, can help them improve
Professional development is a process. Ongoing discussions support a culture of learning and recognize growth and commitment to best practices.