Start a career in caregiving or child care.

Our Mission

To build two pathways for Milwaukee residents, starting in 53206 — a pathway to quality training and a pathway to employment — so the people of our neighborhoods become the trusted caregivers and teachers our families depend on.

Our founder, Timothy Ricketts, grew up in 53206. He built this academy to bring quality training close to home and make sure a real job waits at the end of it — through hands-on training at Milwaukee ChildCare Center of The Arts and employment agency partners who hire our CBRF graduates.

A Graduate’s Story · Lisa Hope

Lisa came looking for a job. She found a calling.

Lisa Hope walked into her first CULA class hoping for a paycheck and a fresh start. Today she leads at Milwaukee ChildCare Center of The Arts, mentors new CULA students, and is earning her associate degree. Soon she will stand at the front of the same classroom where she once sat as a student.

1. Step 1

   Student

   Earned her child care credentials through CULA.

2. Step 2

   Leader

   Grew into a leadership role at Milwaukee ChildCare Center of The Arts.

3. Step 3

   Mentor

   Now mentors new CULA students, the way someone once believed in her.

4. Step 4

   Scholar

   Earning her associate degree in early childhood education through T.E.A.C.H.

5. Step 5

   Trainer

   Reaching Registry Level 13 to teach alongside CULA’s trainers.

Training that leads to a job. A job that leads to a career. A career that opens the door for the next person. Start your story →

Our Programs

Training that meets Wisconsin standards

CBRF Caregiver Certification

The Wisconsin DHS-approved core trainings required to work as a caregiver in a Community-Based Residential Facility.

• Medication Administration — reading labels and orders, recording doses, watching for side effects, safe storage.
• Standard Precautions — hand hygiene, protective equipment, bloodborne pathogens, cleaning and disinfecting.
• Fire Safety — fire prevention, alarms and extinguishers, evacuating every resident safely.
• First Aid & Choking — responding to bleeding, burns, falls, seizures and choking until help arrives.
• Client Rights & Orientation — resident dignity and privacy, reporting abuse and neglect, job expectations.

Day class

Mondays, 8:00 AM · 1 week

Evening class

Mondays, 5:00 PM · 2 weeks

New classes start every Monday.

Pathway to a job: our employment agency partners hire CULA’s CBRF graduates.

Enroll in CBRF training →

Early Childhood / Child Care Teacher

Wisconsin’s DCF-approved Child Care Foundational Training (CCFT) courses — the education required to work in licensed and certified child care.

• Introduction to the Child Care Profession (45 hrs) — the starting point: licensing rules, child development, health and safety, safe sleep, guidance and working with families.
• Skills and Strategies for the Child Care Teacher (45 hrs) — become a lead teacher: curriculum planning, learning through play, observation and behavior guidance.
• Fundamentals of Infant and Toddler Care (45 hrs) — caring for children birth to 3 through daily routines, play and partnership with families.
• Principles of Child Care Certification (45 hrs) — run a certified home child care: mixed-age care, health and safety, business practices and state rules.

Day class

Mondays, 8:00 AM · Zoom or in person

Evening class

Mondays, 5:00 PM · Zoom or in person

New classes start every Monday. Each course includes 10 hours face to face (on Zoom or in person), plus self-study, mentorship and on-the-job training.

Hands-on training: practice in real classrooms on site at Milwaukee ChildCare Center of The Arts, 6900 N. 43rd St.

Enroll in child care training →

Included with every course

You leave with the tools, skills and support to get hired — not just a certificate.

1. 1. Talk to your case manager
   Ask about a training voucher for CBRF or child care.
2. 2. Get approved
   Classes begin once your voucher is approved.
3. 3. Train and get certified
   Finish your course and start applying for jobs.

Workforce & Community Partners

We train job seekers your organization serves

Workforce agencies and community organizations refer participants to us for fast, credentialed training. We offer dedicated cohorts, weekly attendance reports and completion records for every referral.