Parents, caregivers, and early childhood professionals have a wealth of resources available to them through MSU Extension’s free online classes. These programs are designed to support the development of children at all ages and provide valuable insights and strategies for effective parenting and caregiving.
To explore these offerings, connect with your local Extension office or find a Child and Family Development team member near you. Stay updated by following their Facebook page, MI Stronger Family – MSU Extension.
Extension Extra’s Parenting Hour
These free online workshops are designed to guide parents through the joys and challenges of parenting. Participants can choose to attend any or all sessions, held on Tuesday evenings from 8:00 to 9:30 PM ET. Upcoming classes include:
- 1/6/26: RELAX: Alternative to Anger for Parents and Caregivers
- 1/13/26: How Soon is Too Soon: Teaching your Children Money Habits
- 1/20/26: Positive Discipline
- 1/27/26: Together We Can: Co-Parenting
Classes run from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Registration is available here.
The Parent Talk System
This 6-week series aims to enhance communication between parents and children of all ages, focusing on verbal strategies for raising responsible and caring children. Topics cover unwanted behavior, setting limits, and promoting independence. MIRegistry Credit is available.
Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting
This five-week series helps parents gain greater cooperation from their children by establishing routines, managing discipline, and fostering emotional control. MIRegistry Credit is offered.
Building Strong Adolescents
This series is tailored for parents and caregivers of children aged 9-16, focusing on setting limits while promoting independence. Certificates of attendance are provided.
Early Childhood Professional Development Classes
Early childhood professionals can benefit from free online classes that offer MIRegistry Credit. Featured courses include “Setting the Stage: Promoting Social-Emotional Health in Young Children” and “Learning to Talk.” For more details, contact Courtney Aldrich at aldric82@msu.edu.
In-Person Workshop: Including All of Us
This intensive training focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion in early childhood settings. The program is available in one six-hour session or two three-hour sessions. Contact Courtney Aldrich at aldric82@msu.edu to schedule a workshop.
Online Self-Paced Classes
These flexible courses include “Positive Discipline,” which educates adults on supporting the development of self-control in children. The course offers separate tracks for parents/caregivers and professionals, with MIRegistry Credit available.
“Infant Safety” is another offering, created in partnership with the Livingston County Child Abuse Prevention Council, covering infant safe sleep, extended crying, and safe transportation. Certificates are provided upon completion.
MI Parenting Resource
This free online program supports caregivers in strengthening relationships and enhancing positive behaviors in children.
Additional Resources
MSU Extension collaborates with other states to provide more resources, such as “Fit and Healthy Kids,” accessible at https://fitandhealthykids.unl.edu/. Another offering, “Inquiring Minds Want to Know: Science for Young Children,” focuses on the role of early science experiences in child development.
This multi-state initiative involves professionals from several universities and offers MIRegistry Credit. The next session is on January 12, 2026, at 7:00-8:00 PM CT (8-9 PM ET). Register here by noon on the preceding Sunday.
Read More Here
