Parents and caregivers seeking resources to support child development can access a variety of free online classes offered by MSU Extension. These sessions, designed for parents and early childhood professionals, cover a broad range of topics and are available throughout April 2026.
For more information or to connect with a Child and Family Development team member, visit the MSU Extension website. Stay updated by following their Facebook page – MI Stronger Family.
Extension Extra’s Parenting Hour
Join the free online parenting workshops provided by MSU Extension, designed to assist parents in understanding the complexities of raising children. These workshops allow participants to choose sessions that suit their needs and are held on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 PM ET.
- April 7: Screen Time for Children
- April 14: The Birds and the Bees: Talking With Kids About Sex
- April 21: Together We Can: Co-Parenting
- April 28: Positive Discipline
To register, visit the registration page.
Parenting Series
Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting: This five-week series is designed for parents of children of all ages. It aims to help parents build effective routines, manage emotions, and establish a positive parenting approach. Certificates of attendance and MIRegistry credit are available.
The Parent Talk System: Aimed at boosting communication skills, this six-week series offers strategies for nurturing responsible children. It covers topics like setting limits, teaching consequences, and encouraging independence. Certificates of attendance and MIRegistry credit are available.
Professional Development for Early Childhood Professionals
MSU Extension provides free workshops for early childhood professionals, offering training hours and MIRegistry credit. Workshops include topics such as “Screen Time for Young Children” and “Mathematics for Infants and Toddlers.” Contact Courtney Aldrich at aldric82@msu.edu for more information.
In-Person Workshop: Including All of Us
This workshop focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion in early childhood settings. It includes group discussions and strategies for creating equitable learning environments. The program, eligible for MIRegistry credit, can be conducted in one six-hour session or two three-hour sessions. To schedule, contact Courtney Aldrich at aldric82@msu.edu.
Extension Extras: Let’s Learn Something New
These workshops feature guest experts discussing various topics. Note that some classes, such as the “Individual Education Plan (IEP)” session, occur in March. For more details, reach out to Anne O’Rourke-Bean at orourk65@msu.edu.
Online Self-Paced Classes
These classes offer flexibility for participants to complete at their convenience. “Positive Discipline” helps adults create environments that foster self-control in children, available in both “parent and caregiver” and “professional” tracks. Certificates and MIRegistry credit are provided.
Infant Safety: In collaboration with the Livingston County Child Abuse Prevention Council, this course covers infant safe sleep, handling crying, and safe transportation. Completion awards a certificate and MIRegistry credit.
MI Parenting Resource: This program supports caregivers in enhancing their parent-child relationships and promoting positive behavior. It is available online for free.
Additional Resources
Michigan State University Extension has teamed up with other states’ Cooperative Extensions to offer additional resources like Fit and Healthy Kids. Explore more at Fit and Healthy Kids, where you can find online professional development workshops for early childhood professionals.
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