FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY. New virtual classes are coming this fall for Wisconsinites from UW-Madison's Division of Extension. (Photo via Unsplash)

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension has many offices throughout the state to offer research-based programming to Wisconsinites, including its Family Engagement and Relationship courses, available through the Extension Dunn County office.

Now, new programming will be offered virtually this fall as well. Usually, the annual Raising Wisconsin’s Children statewide conference occurs each winter and is an in-person experience, but families will soon have the opportunity to follow along with four free online courses part of the program:

Sept. 21: The Parents’ Guide to the Teenage Brain
Oct. 19: Raising Kind Kids
Nov. 16: Families and Screens
Dec. 21: Strengthen Family Bonds Through Traditions

Learn more and sign up for these classes online. All are available at 1pm or 6pm the date of.

“Safe and stable families benefit the whole community,” a recent UW-Madison Extension Dunn County media release stated. “With schools welcoming children back to the classroom, it is a great time to consider ways we can help families create an environment that promotes learning and growth at home.” 

In addition to a multitude of free online courses to support families – many of which are available for a breadth of time to better accommodate working parents’ schedules – Menomonie is also the location of an in-person co-parenting class through the Extension office. Parents Forever programming, facilitated by Human Development and Relationship Educators, is held monthly at the Dunn County Government Center (3001 US-12, Menomonie).

The co-parenting class offered in Menomonie part of the Parents Forever program is aimed towards families experiencing divorce; separation of couples who share children; change in custody that involves shared custody; parents and other caregivers in various situations. Upcoming in-person courses in Menomonie include Sept. 12, Oct. 12, and Nov. 12, all at 8:30am at the Government Center.

Other courses being offered for free this fall include the Raising a Thinking Child workshop series which will run weekly from Oct. 30-Dec. 4, aimed at those caring for children ages 4-7. The Strong Couples Program will also be offered through a six-course online program and includes five video calls with a trained coach, and is free to participate in.

Additional courses and resources can also be found in an array of categories including prenatal/infants, preschoolers (3-5 years of age), elementary-age, teenagers, and more.

Learn more about the available resources at the Dunn Extension Office online. Reach out to Luisa Gerasmino with any questions (luisa.gerasimo@wisc.edu).