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Current  Courses

Browse all of The Gro Academy’s upcoming training opportunities! From Foundational Courses to specialty workshops, you’ll find engaging, expert-led options designed to fit your schedule.

👉 Click on any course to view details and register directly through The Registry.
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Let’s get you certified, confident, and classroom-ready!
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To learn more about our Custom Workshops, see below or click here:

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CCFT: Fundamentals of Infant and Toddler Care (Revised 2024): BLENDED
12/29/25
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Instructor

Sheryl Picha

Course Dates

Important Dates: Required virtual classes run December 29th, January 19-22, 6–9 PM. Modules 1 and 2 must be completed before the first class (but we recommend you work ahead). The rest of the modules must be completed prior to January 19. Assessments due by January 29. ⚠️ Missing modules by January 19 may result in removal. Confirmation email will contain more information. No refunds.

Course Description
This course provides foundational knowledge and skills training for individuals as they begin, or consider, a career in caring for children in the infant and toddler age groups. Content includes exploring infant and toddler care within a relationship-based approach with an emphasis on providing learning experiences within caregiving routines and play based experiences. A particular emphasis will be on partnering with families in support of infant and toddler development and on reflecting family practices within infant and toddler settings and practices.

This course fulfills introductory non-credit course requirements as specified in the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Chapters 250 and 251 for Family and Group Child Care in Wisconsin's Administrative Code.
Areas of Interest
Register

DCF - Fundamentals of Infant and Toddler Care

DCF - SIDS Training

DCF - Child Abuse and Neglect

DCF - Qualifying Course

DCF - Abusive Head Trauma

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CCFT: Introduction to the Childcare Profession (Revised 2024)-Blended
01/15/26
Textured Chocolate Squares
Instructor

Sheryl Picha

Course Dates

Important Dates: Required virtual classes run January 15, January 26-29, 6–9 PM. Modules 1 and 2 must be completed before the first class (but we recommend you work ahead). The rest of the modules must be completed prior to January 26th. Assessments due by February 5th. ⚠️ Missing modules by January 26th may result in removal. Confirmation email will contain more information. No refunds.

Course Description
Revised in 2024, this Child Care Foundational Training provides foundational knowledge and skills training for individuals as they begin, or consider, a career in caring for children. Content includes exploring a variety of early care and education settings, including group and family child care. Learners explore rules and regulations governing group and family child care and the responsibilities of early care and education professionals. Practices and strategies will be explored to reflect the diverse needs of children and families in Wisconsin.

This course fulfills introductory noncredit course requirements as specified in the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Chapters 202, 250, and 251 for Family and Group Child Care in Wisconsin's Administrative Code.
Areas of Interest
Register

DCF - Introduction to the Childcare Profession

DCF - SIDS Training

DCF - Child Abuse and Neglect

DCF - Qualifying Course

DCF - Abusive Head Trauma

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CCFT: Introduction to the Childcare Profession (Revised 2024)-Blended
02/16/26
Textured Chocolate Squares
Instructor

Sheryl Picha

Course Dates

Important Dates: Required virtual classes run February 16th, February 23-26, 6–9 PM. Modules 1 and 2 must be completed before the first class (but we recommend you work ahead). The rest of the modules must be completed prior to February 23rd. Assessments due by March 5th. ⚠️ Missing modules by February 23rd may result in removal. Confirmation email will contain more information. If you miss a zoom class, you will not meet the face to face component and will be removed without refund.

Course Description
Revised in 2024, this Child Care Foundational Training provides foundational knowledge and skills training for individuals as they begin, or consider, a career in caring for children. Content includes exploring a variety of early care and education settings, including group and family child care. Learners explore rules and regulations governing group and family child care and the responsibilities of early care and education professionals. Practices and strategies will be explored to reflect the diverse needs of children and families in Wisconsin.

This course fulfills introductory noncredit course requirements as specified in the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Chapters 202, 250, and 251 for Family and Group Child Care in Wisconsin's Administrative Code.
Areas of Interest
Register

DCF - Introduction to the Childcare Profession

DCF - SIDS Training

DCF - Child Abuse and Neglect

DCF - Qualifying Course

DCF - Abusive Head Trauma

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CCFT: Introduction to the Childcare Profession (Revised 2024)-Blended
04/20/26
Textured Chocolate Squares
Instructor

Sheryl Picha

Course Dates

Important Dates: Required virtual classes run April 20th, April 27-30, 6–9 PM. Modules 1 and 2 must be completed before the first class (but we recommend you work ahead). The rest of the modules must be completed prior to April 27th. Assessments due by May 7th. ⚠️ Missing modules by April 27th may result in removal. Confirmation email will contain more information. If you miss a zoom class, you will not meet the face to face component and will be removed without refund.

Course Description
Revised in 2024, this Child Care Foundational Training provides foundational knowledge and skills training for individuals as they begin, or consider, a career in caring for children. Content includes exploring a variety of early care and education settings, including group and family child care. Learners explore rules and regulations governing group and family child care and the responsibilities of early care and education professionals. Practices and strategies will be explored to reflect the diverse needs of children and families in Wisconsin.

This course fulfills introductory noncredit course requirements as specified in the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Chapters 202, 250, and 251 for Family and Group Child Care in Wisconsin's Administrative Code.
Areas of Interest
Register

DCF - Introduction to the Childcare Profession

DCF - SIDS Training

DCF - Child Abuse and Neglect

DCF - Qualifying Course

DCF - Abusive Head Trauma

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CCFT: Skills and Strategies for the Child Care Teacher (Revised 2024)-Blended
01/05/26
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Instructor

Arielle Brandt

Course Dates

📅 Important Dates to Remember: Required Class Sessions: January 5th through January 9th, and January 12th through January 14th (12pm to 2pm daily) 📚 Modules 1 and 2 must be completed before the first class on January 5th, however you are always welcome to work ahead. 🛑 Final Deadline: All coursework must be submitted by Wednesday, January 21st. No Refunds.

Course Description
Revised in 2024, this Child Care Foundational Training will prepare individuals to be successful in the role of a lead child care teacher in a child care setting. This will be accomplished by thoroughly examining the subjects of curriculum planning and activity selection in a developmentally appropriate early childhood environment. Additional topics to be covered include exploring strategies to involve parents and the role of observation in a developmentally appropriate program. Child guidance and professionalism are also further developed.

This course fulfills one of the introductory noncredit course requirements as specified in the Department of Children and Families (DCF) 251 Licensing Rules for Group Child Centers.
Areas of Interest
Register

DCF - Skills and Strategies for the Child Care Teacher

DCF - Qualifying Course

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CCFT: Skills and Strategies for the Child Care Teacher (Revised 2024)-Blended
01/26/2026
Textured Chocolate Squares
Instructor

Arielle Brandt

Course Dates

📅 Important Dates to Remember: Required Class Sessions: January 26th (6:00pm-7:30pm), Feb 2, 5, 9, 12, 16 (6:00pm-9:00pm) 📚 Modules 1 and 2 must be completed before the first full class on February 2nd, however you are always welcome to work ahead. 🛑 Final Deadline: All coursework must be submitted by Monday, February 23rd. No Refunds.

Course Description
Revised in 2024, this Child Care Foundational Training will prepare individuals to be successful in the role of a lead child care teacher in a child care setting. This will be accomplished by thoroughly examining the subjects of curriculum planning and activity selection in a developmentally appropriate early childhood environment. Additional topics to be covered include exploring strategies to involve parents and the role of observation in a developmentally appropriate program. Child guidance and professionalism are also further developed.
Areas of Interest
Register

DCF - Skills and Strategies for the Child Care Teacher

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CCFT: Introduction to the Childcare Profession (Revised 2024)-Blended
03/16/26
Textured Chocolate Squares
Instructor

Sheryl Picha

Course Dates

Important Dates: Required virtual classes run March16th, March 23-26, 6–9 PM. Modules 1 and 2 must be completed before the first class (but we recommend you work ahead). The rest of the modules must be completed prior to March 23rd. Assessments due by April 2nd. ⚠️ Missing modules by March 23rd may result in removal. Confirmation email will contain more information. If you miss a zoom class, you will not meet the face to face component and will be removed without refund.

Course Description
Revised in 2024, this Child Care Foundational Training provides foundational knowledge and skills training for individuals as they begin, or consider, a career in caring for children. Content includes exploring a variety of early care and education settings, including group and family child care. Learners explore rules and regulations governing group and family child care and the responsibilities of early care and education professionals. Practices and strategies will be explored to reflect the diverse needs of children and families in Wisconsin.

This course fulfills introductory noncredit course requirements as specified in the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Chapters 202, 250, and 251 for Family and Group Child Care in Wisconsin's Administrative Code.
Areas of Interest
Register

DCF - Introduction to the Childcare Profession

DCF - SIDS Training

DCF - Child Abuse and Neglect

DCF - Qualifying Course

DCF - Abusive Head Trauma

After registering for a class, read through this presentation to learn how to register and access individual modules.

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At The Gro Academy, we’re proud to bring hands-on, handcrafted workshops right to your center — giving your team a chance to grow and bloom together, right where you do your best work. Beyond our Foundational Courses, these in-person sessions are interactive, energizing, and thoughtfully designed to nurture your program’s unique strengths and goals.

Handcrafted Bloom Sessions

Each session plants seeds for success with a focus on:
🌱 Fostering intentional teaching practices that help every child thrive
💞 Co-regulation strategies that support healthy emotional growth
🎨 Make-and-take tools and activities you can use in your classrooms right away

You’ll leave with practical resources, fresh ideas, and renewed inspiration to cultivate nurturing, responsive learning environments — helping every educator blossom with confidence long after the training day. And because we believe growth should always fit your needs, many of our Handcrafted Bloom Sessions are also available virtually, giving your team the flexibility to learn and flourish in the way that works best for you.

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Blooms & Breezes Workshop

Understanding Co-Regulation in Early Childhood Education

Blooms & Breezes is a hands-on workshop that helps early childhood educators shift from expecting children to “self-regulate” to understanding the true power of co-regulation. Learn how to support children’s big emotions through responsive, caring relationships and practical classroom strategies.

Educators leave this workshop with:
✅ A clear understanding of co-regulation and why it matters
✅ Practical techniques to build supportive classroom environments
✅ Make-and-take resources to encourage co-regulation right away

When children feel seen and supported, they don’t just manage emotions—they bloom and thrive.

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Foundational Trainings Approved by the Department of Children and Families

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