The Professional Development Network (PDN) is a program of the Wisconsin Child Welfare Professional Development System – Milwaukee. It operates off-campus as part of the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare.
Purpose
Providing innovative professional development and enhancing the capacity of those who support Wisconsin’s children and families.
Mission
We are dedicated to bringing a passion for learning to professionals, through a collaborative, comprehensive research-based system of professional development for the well-being of children and families.
With offices in Milwaukee, the Professional Development Network offers continuing education to professionals in the field, with training held both at its Milwaukee location and other sites across Wisconsin. For over 20 years, the program has focused on supporting home visiting, parent educators, and other early childhood family support professionals through professional development.
The Professional Development Network provides essential training for professionals in various family support roles.
Comprehensive Training Offerings
The Professional Development Network offers both foundational and continuing education for individuals working in:
- Evidence-based home visiting programs
- Family Resource Centers
Many of their programs are also highly relevant for professionals in:
- Birth to Three (Part C) programs
- Early Head Start
- Maternal and child health initiatives
- Public health programs
- Prenatal Care Coordination service providers
- And many other related fields.
Annually, the network delivers foundational training alongside a diverse range of topics for ongoing education and advanced skill development. These offerings cater to both front-line professionals who work directly with families and their supervisors and managers. All training content is developed based on feedback and identified needs from the field, ensuring its relevance and practicality.