Early Care and Education
Early Care and Education
Every child deserves a strong start and early childhood professionals are essential to making that a reality. Guided by the Wisconsin Idea, our outreach programs extend the university’s knowledge and resources to support those who care for and educate young children across the state.
Overview
Find tools and training to support your work with children and families. Take part in hands-on workshops and virtual learning opportunities that spark new ideas and strengthen your practice. Browse ready-to-use resources that help you build strong partnerships with parents and caregivers. And if you’re curious about the bigger picture, explore our statewide report on continuing education to learn what providers across the state are asking for. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned provider, you’ll find practical support to grow your skills and connect with others.
Continuing Education for an Essential Workforce
Our 2025 statewide report shares insights from early care and education professionals across Wisconsin. Through focus groups with experienced providers, we identified three key needs:
This report helps guide training efforts and ensures continuing education is grounded in the voices of those doing the work. If your agency is interested in a presentation about this research or speaking with us directly, please contact us!
Workshops
We offer regional in-person workshops designed just for Wisconsin’s early care and education professionals. These half-day events are packed with in-depth, practical learning and peer support.
These affordable workshops are offered across Wisconsin. Whether you are a home-based provider, center teacher, or administrator, you’ll leave with new ideas and a stronger sense of community.
Raising Wisconsin’s Children Conference
An online learning event designed for early care and education professionals, parents, and caregivers across Wisconsin. Experts share real-world strategies for supporting children’s development and family well-being.
Why attend?
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find answers to common questions about our resources. If you have additional questions, please reach out to us.
Do your events provide continuing education hours approved by the Wisconsin Registry?
Yes, we submit all of our events to the Wisconsin Registry for approval.
Can I share the parent engagement resources with my families?
Yes! The resources in the Parent Engagement section are free. Please share with your parents, caregivers, and families. Have a new topic you’d like covered? Reach out to us!
Can someone from UW-Madison Extension provide education for my center?
Maybe! We have educators in many counties throughout Wisconsin. Please email us to determine if we can meet your need. We work hard to connect Wisconsin with the resources and research of the University.
Do you provide parent education and other support to families?
Yes! We provide parenting education and support throughout Wisconsin. Please visit the Topics and Classes sections of our website or contact us to learn whether there is an educator in your area.
Parent Engagement Resources
Early care and education professionals play a vital role in supporting healthy child development and strong family relationships. This section offers ready-to-share resources that providers can use to strengthen connections with families and support parenting at home.
Just in Time Parenting
Free, age-paced newsletters with research-based parenting tips that match a child’s age. Printable for easy sharing.
Parenting the Preschooler
Handouts that help parents support preschoolers’ growth. Topics include emotions, routines, nutrition, learning, and more.
Strong Feelings
Tools to help families respond to children’s big feelings with empathy and build stronger parent-child relationships.
Parenting Future Readers
Simple, research-based tips and activities that help families build early language and literacy skills from birth to age three.
Raising Wisconsin’s Children
A free, monthly lunch-and-learn series offering research-based parenting classes on timely topics like screen time, big feelings, and sibling relationships.
The Literacy Link
Support for children with incarcerated parents, including workshops and materials that promote resilience and healthy family relationships.
