Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance
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Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance

The Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance (WOSTA) is the state-affiliate of the national 50 State Afterschool Networks and brings together agencies, organizations and individuals from across Wisconsin who want to see that all Wisconsin children have access to high quality OST programs in their non-school hours to develop to their full potential and become productive, contributing members of their communities. Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance is a partnership with Marshfield Clinic Region of Sanford Health.​​

All courses are offered in a virtual format. 

​Details


The Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance is pleased to offer a full array of professional development opportunities specific to the needs of staff working in the after school and out-of-school time field to enrich the lives and health of our children and communities.

We are proud to offer these courses in partnership with Marshfield Clinic Health Region of Sanford Health, UW-Milwaukee and UW-Stevens Point with generous support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, Wisconsin Department of Administration, and Shine Early Learning.

​Alternative Pathway to School Age Child Care Licensing

The Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance is very pleased to provide school age programs with specific professional development opportunities that prepare staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively work with school age children. These courses are approved by the Department of Children and Families to meet educational requirement for school age program leads and group leaders.

With licensing approval, the Alternative Pathway to meet entry level requirements for the position of program lead combines the Introduction to the School-age Care Profession with Guiding Children’s Behavior in Afterschool Programs and School Age Curricular Framework. Additionally the Introduction to the School-age Care Profession is recognized to qualify staff for the position of group leader.​

Introduction to the School-Age Care Profession

Introduction to the School-Age Care Profession is available on demand through University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. This on-demand class means that you can register at any time and begin your work immediately. 

This foundational course introduces the core principles of working with school-age children in group or family childcare settings. Participants explore the value of Out-of-School Time (OST) programs, key philosophies, and the goals of high-quality care. The course also covers relevant regulations and provider responsibilities.

Format: Self-paced, non-credit training

Length: 40 hours

Registry: Tier 3 approved training; Fulfills initial Wisconsin DCF Chapter 251 requirement for group leader (assistant); part of the school-age program leader (lead) Alternative Pathway

Registration fee: $75

Registration will open on July 1, 2025. 

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Registration for the Introduction to the School-Age Care Profession course will take place through UW-Milwaukee. Please click on the registration link and you will be taken to the registration form. Any questions please contact WOSTA at wosta@marshfield​clinic.org​​

Guiding Children's Behavior in OST Programs

This course focuses on understanding personal behavior guidance styles and how they influence our interactions with children. It emphasizes relationship-building and introduces practical strategies for managing challenging behaviors and supporting youth in the development of self-regulation skills.

Format: Hybrid, non-credit training with virtual instructor-led, interactive sessions (7.5 hours) and self-paced independent work (7.5 hours)

Length: 15 hours

Registry: Tier 3 approved training; Part of the school-age program leader (lead) Alternative Pathway

YoungStar: Supports High Quality Practice #6 Social Emotional and Inclusion of Children with Special Needs Training criteria

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Fall 2025 Session: 

Live sessions Mondays and Thursdays, September 18, 22, 25, 29, & October 2, 2025.​

Registration closes September 10, 2025. ​

Course opens for online work September 12, 2025.

Time of Live Course Sessions:

10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CST

OR

6:30-8:00 p.m. CST

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Winter 2025 Session:​

Live sessions Mondays and Thursdays, November 6, 10, 13, 17, & 20, 2025. 

Registration closes October 29, 2025.

​Course opens for online work October 31, 2025. 

Time of Course:
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CST
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Spring 2026 Session:

​​Live sessions Mondays and Thursdays, March 5, 9, 12, 16, & 19, 2026.

Registration closes February 25, 2026. 

​Course opens for online work February 27, 2026. 

Time of Live Course Sessions:

10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CST

OR

6:30 - 8 p.m. CST​
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Summer 2026 Intensive Session:

​​​Live sessions​ daily, June 8 - 12, 2026.

​​Registration closes June 1, 2026.​

​Course opens for online work June 3, 2026. 

Time of Live Course Sessions:
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CST

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Registration fee: $50 
Register Here Button​​​

School Age Curricular Framework
In this course participants learn to design and implement intentionally designed programming tailored to Out-of-School Time (OST) programs. The course covers developmental principles, lesson planning, outcome setting, and the role of the environment in learning.

Format: Hybrid, non-credit training with virtual instructor-led, interactive sessions (7.5 hours) and self-paced independent work (7.5 hours)

Length: 15 hours

Registry: Tier 3 approved training; Part of the school-age program leader (lead) Alternative Pathway

YoungStar: Aligns with YoungStar Learning Environments and Curriculum Element

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Summer 2025 Intensive Session:

Live sessions daily, August 18-22, 2025.

Registration closes August 11, 2025. 

Course opens for online work August 13, 2025.
 
Time of Course:
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CST

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Fall 2025 Session:

Live Sessions Mondays and Thursdays, October 9, 13, 16, 20, & 23, 2025.

Registration closes October 1, 2025.

Course opens for online work October 3, 2025.

Time of Live Course Sessions:
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CST

OR

6:30-8:00 p.m. CST

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Winter 2026 Session:

Live Sessions Mondays and Thursdays, February 5, 9, 12, 16, & 19, 2026.

Registration closes January 28, 2026. 

Course opens for online work January 30, 2026. 

Time of Live Course Sessions:
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CST

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Spring 2026 Session:

Live Sessions Mondays and Thursdays, April 9, 13, 16, 20, & 23, 2026. 

Registration closes April 1, 2026.

Course opens for online work April 3, 2026.

Time of Live Course Sessions:
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CST
 
OR

6:30 - 8 p.m.​
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Registration fee: $50 

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Staff Supervision and Business Practices in School-Age Programs
​This course is designed to equip Out-of-School Time (OST) program supervisors with essential skills for effective leadership and management. Participants will learn strategies for supervising staff, fostering a positive work environment, and implementing best business practices to enhance program quality. The course will cover key topics such as performance evaluation, conflict resolution, and financial management, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to handle the complexities of running school-age programs.

Format: Hybrid, non-credit training with virtual instructor-led, interactive sessions (6 hours) and self-paced independent work (6 hours)

Length: 12 hours

Registry: Tier 3 approved training; Meets Wisconsin DCF 251 requirements for school-age administrators to complete 10 hours of supervision or personnel management training within one year of starting the role, if not previously completed. This training can count toward annual continuing education.

Winter 2026 Session:

Live Sessions Tuesdays, January 6, 13, 20, & 27, 2026. 

Registration closes December 29, 2025.

Course opens for online work December 31, 2025.

Time of Live Course Sessions:
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CST 

Registration fee: $50 ​

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Youth Mental Health First Aid
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is a skills-based training that teaches parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers and any other citizen how to identify, understand and respond to an adolescent (ages 12-18) who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. 

Format: Hybrid, non-credit training with virtual instructor-led, interactive sessions (4.5 hours) and self-paced independent work (2 hours)

Length: 6.5 hours

Registry: Tier 3 approved training

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Summer 2025 Session:

Live Sessions Monday, Wednesday and Friday, July 21, 23, & 25, 2025. 

Registration closes July 4, 2025.

Independent coursework MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR to the first live session in order to participate in the course.

Time of Live Course Sessions:
10:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. CST 

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Spring 2026 Sessions:

Live Sessions Monday, Wednesday and Friday, February 11, 18, & 25, 2026. 

Registration closes January 28​, 2026.

Independent coursework MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR to the first live session in order to participate in the course.

Time of Live Course Sessions:
10:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. CST 

Registration fee: $25

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Live Sessions on​​ May 5, 12, & 19, 2026

Registration closes April 24, 2026

Independent coursework MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR to the first live session in order to participate in the course.

Time of Live Course Sessions:
10:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. CST 

Registration fee: $25


This course is valued at $170. Thanks to generous support from Wisconsin Department of Children and Families,YoungStar Connect, WOSTA & Marshfield Clinic, and CESA 4, learners may attend for the $25.

Trauma-Informed Care Approach to OST Programs
This course introduces trauma-informed practices and explores how trauma affects child behavior and development. Participants learn strategies to create safe, supportive environments that promote resilience in Out-of-School Time (OST) programs.

Format: Self-paced, non-credit training with Live Virtual Check-In

Length: 15 hours

Registry: Tier 3 approved training

YoungStar: Supports YoungStar High-Quality Practice #6 Social Emotional and Inclusion of Children with Special Needs Training criteria

2025-2026 Course Session Opens September 1:

Registration Deadline: 25th of Each Month

Course Access Begins: 1st of the Following Month

Final Course Completion Deadline: May 31, 2026

Course Structure:

This flexible, on-demand course is designed to fit your schedule while ensuring meaningful engagement and accountability. Participants can register at any time throughout the school year. Those who register by the 25th of each month will gain access to the course starting on the 1st of the following month.

How It Works:

Complete the self-paced, on-demand coursework at your convenience.

Once all modules are finished, schedule a live virtual check-in with the course instructor.

This check-in is required to receive credit for course completion.

Registration fee: $25

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Positive Youth Development for Youth Work Professionals
This course explores the foundations of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) as it relates to the Positive Youth Development Framework and its benefits for both youth and adults. Participants will learn how to integrate SEL practices into Out-of-School Time (OST) programs and provides practical strategies for fostering emotional intelligence and inclusion.

Format: Self-paced, non-credit training with Live Virtual Check-In

​Length: 12 hours

Registry: Tier 3 approved training

YoungStar: Supports High-Quality Practice #6 Social Emotional and Inclusion of Children with Special Needs Training criteria

2025-26 Course Session Opens September 1:

Registration Deadline: 25th of Each Month

Course Access Begins: 1st of the Following Month

Final Completion Deadline: May 31, 2026

Course Structure:

This flexible, on-demand course is designed to fit your schedule while ensuring meaningful engagement and accountability. Participants can register at any time throughout the school year. Those who register by the 25th of each month will gain access to the course starting on the 1st of the following month.

How It Works:

Complete the self-paced, on-demand coursework at your convenience.

Once all modules are finished, schedule a live virtual check-in with the course instructor.

This check-in is required to receive credit for course completion.

Registration Fee $25 


Designing and Assessing Child Outcomes

This course guides school-age program staff in developing and evaluating meaningful child and group outcomes. Participants will learn how to create SMARTIE-aligned goals, design activities that support those goals, and assess progress through effective documentation. The course emphasizes intentional planning and outcome-based programming to enhance child development in Out-of-School Time (OST) programs.

Format: Self-paced, non-credit training

Length: 12 hours
​
Registry: Tier 3 approved training

YoungStar: Aligns with High-Quality Practice #5 Tracking Child Outcomes

2025-26 Course Session Opens September 1:

Registration Deadline: 25th of Each Month

Course Access Begins: 1st of the Following Month

Final Completion Deadline: May 31, 2026

Course Structure:

This flexible, on-demand course is designed to fit your schedule while ensuring meaningful engagement and accountability. Participants can register at any time throughout the school year. Those who register by the 25th of each month will gain access to the course starting on the 1st of the following month.

How It Works:

Complete the self-paced, on-demand coursework at your convenience.

Once all modules are finished, schedule a live virtual check-in with the course instructor.

This check-in is required to receive credit for course completion.

Registration fee: $25​

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​Questions about the WOSTA​ Trainings?

Email wosta@marshfieldclinic.org​​​​​ or call 715-221-8409​.