The Great Start Collaborative will be offering parenting workshops in April and May to Berrien County parents at little or no cost. The workshops will be offered in various locations. Childcare will be provided for those registered.

Understanding Milestones in the First Three Years of Life

This free workshop for parents of children under the age of 3 will introduce developmental milestones in a child’s first three years of life. It will review the typical milestones that children learn at different ages. Participants will discuss what development might look like in every day family life. Registration is required.

Parents may choose from one of the following dates and locations:

• April 18, 2013

Trinity Lutheran Church

5791 Sawyer Rd

Sawyer, MI  49125

• April 25, 2013

First Church of God

2627 Niles Ave

St. Joseph, MI  49085

• April 29, 2013

Northside Child Development Center

2020 North 5th Street

Niles, MI  49120

Love and Logic

Love and Logic, for parents with kids under the age of 6, provides practical tools and techniques that help adults achieve respectful, healthy relationships with their children and help them prepare their kids for the real world. Love and Logic is a 5-week series beginning on Tuesday, April 30 and running every Tuesday through Tuesday, May 28. Cost is $15 per person. Registration required.

Art in the Moment

This free session will focus on art projects that you can do with your young child during those learning moments. Projects are designed to be meaningful and directly based on your child’s development. All project ideas are quick and many will be with supplies you may already have at home. It is for parents with kids under the age of 5. Registration is required.

Parents may choose from one of the following dates and locations:

• May 16, 2013

Trinity Lutheran Church

5791 Sawyer Rd

Sawyer, MI  49125

• May 23, 2013

First Church of God

2627 Niles Ave

St. Joseph, MI  49085

• May 30, 2013

Northside Child Development Center

2020 North 5th Street

Niles, MI  49120

The workshops will begin with dinner starting at 5 p.m. and workshops beginning at 5:30 pm. They will run until approximately 7:30 pm. There is limited space, so register early. To register, parents may contact Amanda Williamson at (269) 471-7725 ext. 1270 or amanda.williamson@uwsm.org.

The Great Start System is a statewide initiative that focuses on early childhood development. For more information about the Great Start Collaborative or the Parent Coalition, visit www.greatstartberrien.org.