Raising Wisconsin’s Children Conference 2026

Helping Children Thrive
When Life Gets Tough

Smiling grandmother getting hug from child.

Young boy standing outside who is smiling.

Grandfather holds smiling preschooler.

Registration opens November 2025. Sign up for updates or mark your calendar now!

Date: February 4, 2026
Time: TBD
Location: Online – join live via Zoom or watch later
Cost: Free!
Continuing Education Credits: 6 hours available for ECE professionals through the Registry

The Raising Wisconsin’s Children Conference is a free online event for parents, caregivers, teachers, and anyone who works with children. Experts share practical, research-based tips and strategies to support children’s growth, learning, and well-being.

A big thank you to our generous sponsors for making this event free for everyone!

A father holding his young son outside on a playground

Hear from experts who understand the research and realities of parenting

Learn approaches to help your child thrive during challenging times

Take home practical tips you can use right away

Build confidence to support your child when life gets tough

Learn evidence-based strategies you can use in your work with kids and families

Early Childhood Educators: Eligible for 6 continuing education credits through The Registry.

Licensed Social Workers: Eligible for continuing education credits (pending).

(Note: This conference is not eligible for social work ethics & professional boundaries credits)

Do you spend time with kids? Whether you’re a grandparent, relative, family friend, volunteer, or community member, this conference is for you!

Learn to notice when kids and families are facing challenges

Discover ways to support kids and families through in your everyday interactions

Helping Children Thrive When Life Gets Tough


Life can be tough sometimes, and kids feel it too. This session will share simple, practical ways parents, caregivers, and professionals can help children cope with challenges, build strength, and grow through hard times.


Stay tuned, coming soon!

Yes! All sessions will be available as recordings for a month after the conference. To access the recordings you must register. Recording information will be sent to all registrants after the conference.

Yes! To request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, or other services to make this event more accessible, please contact Roxy Etta at families@extension.wisc.edu by January 6th, 2026. There’s no added cost to you for these services.

Yes! The first four sessions are approved for continuing education. You can receive credit either by joining the conference live or by viewing the recordings up to one month following the conference. All registrants will receive the recordings via email. For either the live option or recorded option, you must register.

Yes! The live conference and our recorded videos will have English closed captions.

The Raising Wisconsin’s Children Conference is for anyone raising or working with kids. Each session is led by an expert and shares research-based, practical information that anyone can use. You’ll leave with encouragement and new ideas to support children’s growth and well-being.

– Child Development & Parenting State Specialist, Roxy Etta

Thanks to our amazing team and partners for co-sponsoring this event!

Office of Child Care and  Family Resources Logo UW Madison

Support the Raising Wisconsin’s Children conference and help bring free, research-based, accessible resources to families and professionals statewide.

Your name and logo will appear on the Raising Wisconsin’s Children Conference website and in event materials.

You will also be included in the statewide media campaign for the conference, and your information will be shared with thousands of families, educators, and child-focused professionals across Wisconsin.

Children wearing Univeristy of Wisconsin-Madison clothing at a parade

families@extension.wisc.edu


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