Our Program
We are the Family Engagement and Relationships program.
All of Wisconsin’s children should have an equal opportunity to succeed from birth onwards. Just as deep roots stabilize and sustain a tree throughout its life, nurturing relationships with caring adults provide necessary support for children’s growth and development.
When adults support children’s healthy development they plant the seeds for strong communities across generations. Children who have access to nurturing caregivers become capable, productive adults in our communities. We all benefit when every child in our community thrives.
The Family Engagement and Relationships program serves Wisconsin children and caregivers during all life circumstances. We provide free and low cost educational classes and resources to encourage optimal child development, positive parenting, and flourishing family relationships. Everything we do reflects the latest and best research available. We work hard to cultivate positive community, state, and national efforts so that all children can reach their full potential.
Our Current Efforts
We currently offer virtual and in-person parenting education throughout Wisconsin. You can read more about our classes here. All parents and caregivers can access and benefit from our educational classes. You can sign up for a weekly series or catch a class monthly.
Check out our class calendar to find something that suits your interests. Or scan our library of topics for busy parents and caregivers.
We also bring our programs to jails and prisons, offer classes for parents in family court, and for families experiencing big changes. Examples include monthly booster sessions for families going through separation or divorce or changing custody of their children.
We work with faculty on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus to engage in research to learn more about children and families and test innovative outreach strategies. Our current research projects include recorded-book reading with parents in jail, discussion groups with early childhood educators, and peer support groups with dads.
Find your local educator or connect with someone from the UW-Madison Extension’s Family Engagement and Relationship program.
