Bright Beginnings launched in 2023 with funding from the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and has continued to grow through additional state support and federal funding. In 2026, the project received approximately $1.7 million through the U.S. Department of Education’s Open Textbook Pilot grant to support work from 2026–2030. Developed by WTCS faculty in partnership with the University of Wisconsin, K–12 educators, and industry partners, Bright Beginnings provides open textbooks and instructional resources aligned with Wisconsin’s statewide early childhood education curriculum and relevant Department of Public Instruction requirements.
Open Textbooks
Textbooks undergo national peer review by faculty, deans, industry members, and early childhood education students to ensure the content is accurate and relevant, written in clear language, and based on current practices and regulations.
Engage young learners through play-based curriculum that integrates language, the arts, and STEM.
Build skills for engaging families and communities in early childhood education settings.
Discover the principles, practices, and strategies for teaching young children from birth to 8 years.
Apply early childhood education knowledge and skills through progressive, hands-on experiences in early childhood settings.
Explore health, safety, and nutrition practices that support the well-being of young children in early childhood settings.
Explore positive guidance strategies that support children’s social-emotional development, relationships, and behavior.
Explore inclusive practices and strategies for supporting young children with differing abilities and their families.
Explore the growth and development of children ages three through eight across key developmental domains.
Explore the growth and development of infants and toddlers from conception through age three.