Free October 2026 Parenting Classes & Resources from MSU Extension

Parenting brings plenty of questions, and sometimes a little information, reassurance, or a new strategy can make a big difference.

Michigan State University Extension’s Child and Family Development team offers free online learning opportunities covering everything from screen time and early literacy to toddler behavior, emotional development, stress, anger, and family relationships.

We’ve gathered the October 2026 opportunities below so Livingston County families can easily find the topics that interest them.

Extension Extras for Parents

MSU Extension’s Extension Extras are one-time online workshops designed to help parents navigate the challenges, concerns, and joys of parenting.

The September sessions are held on Tuesday evenings from 7:30–9 p.m. ET. Register for one topic—or attend as many as you’d like.

The Parent-Talk System

Do you feel like the children in your care aren’t listening to you? Do you find yourself constantly repeating yourself trying to gain compliance? This 6-week series is for parents and caregivers of children of all ages and is designed to improve communication and provide practical verbal strategies for raising confident, caring, responsible children.  Topics include eliminating unwanted behavior, setting limits, teaching about consequences, giving effective feedback, promoting independence, and developing character. Certificates of attendance are available. This class is eligible for MIRegistry Credit!

• Class dates: Thursdays, October 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12
• Class times: 7:30pm-9:00pm ET
• Registration: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ SV_1XLbxFQ7NqMF1GK
• For more information, contact Courtney Aldrich, aldric82@msu.edu

Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting

Are you wondering how to gain greater cooperation from your children? Struggling with chores or routines? Not sure how to handle discipline issues? Join us for this five-week parenting education series for parents with children of all ages will explore developing routines, emotional control, rules, and relationships, and being a calm, assertive parent. Certificates of attendance are available. This class is eligible for MIRegistry Credit!

• Class Dates: Mondays, October 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16
• Class Times: 7:00-8:30pm ET
• Registration: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bOUJg8zZGkm98AC
• For more information contact Courtney Aldrich at aldric82@msu.edu 

Extension Extras for Professionals

Title: Essential Skills for Learning and Life

• Class Date:  Thursday, October 15, 2026
• Class Time: 7:00PM to 8:30PM
• Registration:  https://msu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QCXKon3RS_CMbyd6tZZyog
• For more information contact Courtney Aldrich at aldric82@msu.edu

Title: How Children Develop

• Class Date:  Friday, October 23, 2026
• Class Time: 1:00PM to 2:30PM
• Registration:  https://msu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SzbuvByZSUiHi0uuzEycGw
• For more information contact Courtney Aldrich, aldric82@msu.edu

In-Person Workshop: Including All of Us

Description:

Including All of Us is an intensive training to provide an opportunity for child care professionals to learn about issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in early childhood. Including All of Us includes group content, where early childhood professionals can explore their own beliefs, worldviews and understanding of issues surrounding diversity. Participants learn about ways they can incorporate anti-bias education into their work with young children and create environments of equity for all children. Ensuring that child care environments are high quality, equitable and inclusive will help build and nurture social emotional competencies and prepare children for success in school and in life. Including All of Us provides an opportunity for teachers to practice self-reflection and develop an awareness that will have a positive impact on their teaching, child care skills, and family interactions.

This in-person, free program is six hours in length and can be taught in one six-hour session or two, three-hour sessions. The program is approved in the MiRegistry system and completion certificates are available.

Can’t Make a Scheduled Class? Learn at Your Own Pace

A scheduled online workshop doesn’t work for every family’s calendar. MSU Extension also offers free self-paced learning opportunities you can complete when it works for you.

Positive Discipline

Learn how adults can create environments and experiences that help young children develop self-control. The course includes both a parent/caregiver track and a professional track.

Infant Safety: Sleeping, Crying, Driving

This self-directed course was created by MSU Extension in partnership with the Livingston County Child Abuse Prevention Council. It includes information about infant safe sleep, coping with extended infant crying, and safely transporting your child.

MI Parenting Resource

The free online MI Parenting Resource helps caregivers strengthen parent-child relationships and learn new tools for encouraging positive child behaviors.

Looking for More Support?

If you’re raising a young child in Livingston County and aren’t sure where to find the information, program, or resource you need, Help Me Grow Livingston can help.