North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network
39 Pleasant St., Stoneham
Phone: (781) 279-0300
Office Hours
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Daily Drop-In Play Hours
May 1 – June 21 (see dates closed below)
Monday-Friday 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
The Network will be closed:
Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day)
Family Resource Network Sick Policy: To keep the Network a safe and healthy environment for all families, we ask that you do not attend the Network if you or your child are not feeling well or are exhibiting any of the following symptoms: severe coughing, frequent sneezing, runny nose, fever, sore throat, conjunctivitis, vomiting or diarrhea. If your child is prescribed an antibiotic, please wait a full 24 hours before returning to the Network. The staff reserves the right to ask a family to leave the Network if any of the above symptoms are present. Thank you for understanding.
One of my favorite quotes is “One hundred years from now it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much money I had in my bank account, or what my clothes looked like. But, the world may be a little better because I was important in the life of a child.” Every day, you make a difference in the life of your child. You are their first teacher, and foster the foundation of brain development and learning during these early years. Talking, playing, listening, reading, pretending and exploring all help your child to learn and grow. Our lives are very busy. Take the time to bring out the inner child in you and have some family fun that not only teaches, but also strengthens the family bonds. Visit some of the many yard sales or flea markets and see who can come home with the best bargain for a dollar. Fly a kite, see who can jump rope the most times, ride bikes, go to the park, plan a scavenger hunt and invite friends over. Go to the airport and watch the planes take off. Lie on the ground and see what shapes the clouds look like. For the rainy days of April, make a puzzle, bake cookies, have an indoor picnic, finger paint with pudding, build a city using Legos or blocks and get out the matchbox cars. Put on the music and dance and sing! I am sure you can come up with some of your own too! Our children grow quickly; take time today to play…Play is a child’s work.
Together We Can Make A Difference. Kathy
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Some of the services we offer for parents and educators. |
Family Programs
Parent & Infant Group (Newborn - 6 months) Suggested Donation: $5 per class Drop-In
Mondays 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM April 1 – June 17 (No class April 15, 29 and May 27)
Join other parents and caregivers of infants, newborn to 6 months, for support and information. Discuss the joys and challenges of caring for a new baby. Learn about growth and development, feeding patterns, soothing a fussy child, sleep habits, and other topics. Moms and dads welcome. Led by a Maternal Child Nurse. Suggested donations are optional and tax deductible.
Pre-Toddler Play and Learn Groups Suggested Donation: $5 per class Drop-In
Fridays, April 5 – June 21 (No class April 19 and 26)
Creepin’ Crawlers (7 - 13 months) 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Wobblin’ Walkers (14 - 20 months) 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Songs and other developmental play activities will delight you and your child. Share experiences and information with other parents. Learn more about development, temperament, parenting strategies and other topics. The age ranges listed are flexible. Groups are led by a Parent Child Educator. Suggested donations are optional and tax deductible.
Toddler Play and Learn Groups
These six-week play and learn sessions are designed for parents/caregivers and children to enjoy interacting with peers while learning literacy skills, singing songs and participating in activities and simple arts and crafts. Toddlers should be 21 months of age at the start of the group. Younger siblings, ages 6-20 months, may attend and should be registered along with the older child. A Parent Child Educator facilitates the groups.
We are asking for a suggested donation of $40 per child to participate in a six- week Toddler Play and Learn group (listed below). Families with more than one child between the ages of 12 to 47 months in the same group will be asked for a suggested donation of $60 per family. Suggested donations are optional and families will not be refused participation due to inability to donate. You can speak with Kathy or Barbara confidentially. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted. Suggested donations are tax-deductible and non-refundable. Please make checks payable to Hallmark Health System.
Terrific Toddlers (Ages 21 months - 47 months) Registration required
You may also register siblings 6-20 months with a terrific toddler age older sibling.
Spring Session May/June
Group 1 Mondays 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM May 6 – June 17 (No class May 27)
Group 2 Tuesdays 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM May 7 – June 11
Group 3 Wednesdays 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM May 8 – June 12
Group 4 Wednesdays 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM May 8 – June 12
Group 5 Thursdays 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM May 9 – June 13
Group 6 Thursdays 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM May 9 – June 13
Alphabet Soup (Ages 2 – 4 years) Registration required
This six-week play and learn group is designed for parents/caregivers and children from 2 - 4 years old. The group will use reading, singing, crafts, and play to learn letters of the alphabet while developing your child's pre reading skills. A Parent Child Educator will facilitate the group.
Group A Tuesdays 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM May 7 – June 11
Family Resource Network offers special springtime programs “Meet and Music” and “Monday Morning Mania”
The North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network is wrapping up our year with some special programs. Friday, May 17 through Friday, June 14 from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. there will be a combined Pre-toddler Drop in Playgroup. This special program, “Meet and Music” is geared to parents and caregivers of children from 7 to 20 months of age. Songs and other developmental play activities will delight you and your child. You will have an opportunity to share experiences and information with other parents. Learn more about development, temperament, parenting strategies and other topics. As a special addition to this group, Roman Music Therapy staff member, Channing Chippen, will be present from 10 – 11 a.m. to lead us in songs. Groups are led by a Parent Child Educator. A suggested donation of $5 is optional and tax deductible.
“Monday Morning Mania” will be held on Mondays, May 20, June 3, 10 and 17 from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Parents and caregivers are welcome to bring their children from 21 months – 4 years old. Our kickoff program on Monday, May 20 will feature Big Joe the Storyteller. The other Mondays will feature stories, songs, and activities revolving around spring and outdoors.
Both programs will be held at the Network located at 39 Pleasant St. in Stoneham. No registration is required. For additional information, call 781-279-0300. The Network is a program of Wakefield Public Schools in collaboration with Hallmark Health System and the Melrose and Stoneham public schools. The Network offers programs for families, caregivers and educators of children from birth through entering Kindergarten.
Seven Tips for Early Literacy Learning: From Knowing Your ABCs to Learning to Read
By Amy Mascott from www.pbsparents.org
Hooray! Your child can sing the alphabet like a pro! Now what? Once your child has mastered letter recognition, what can you do to help her get on the path to literacy? Here are seven important tips to consider after your child has learned the letters of the alphabet, but before she’s reading fluently. 1. Focus on the letters of her name. 2. Recognize each letter and know their sounds. 3. Introduce uppercase and lowercase letters. 4. Practice early writing techniques. 5. Connect objects with words. 6. Practice print referencing. 7. Read, read, read! Read with your child every day, many times a day. Read books, signs, posters—anything with words. Read in the morning, in the afternoon, and at night. Read at the park, in the living room, at the pool. Read print everywhere you can find it! Most importantly, make an effort to celebrate your child’s successes, because learning to read is something to smile about.
Call your local children’s library to see what is happening today. Melrose Public Library: 781-665-2314, Stoneham Public Library: 781-438-1325 and Wakefield’s Lucius Beebe Memorial Library: 781-246-6334. So, have fun and read, read, read!
Ages and Stages Developmental Screenings: As parents, we want to know that our child is on track developing and learning all that they can. Through the Department of Early Education and Care, we have received access to the Ages and Stages Developmental and Social Emotional Growth questionnaire. The Ages and Stages screening tool is a great way to learn more about your child’s development. You complete the questionnaire based on your child’s age in the comfort of your own home, and then return the information to the Family Resource Network. Once completed, you and a staff member can review the results and see what we can do together to help your child reach their full potential. If you have any questions, please call our office at 781-279-0300 and speak to a staff member.
The Brain Building in Progress Campaign is a public/private partnership of the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley and a growing community of early education and child care providers, academic researchers, business leaders and individuals. Our mission is to raise awareness of the critical importance of fostering the cognitive, social and emotional development of young children by emphasizing its future impact on economic development and prosperity for everyone in Massachusetts. progress. The latest science shows that these early experiences actually build the architecture of the developing brain; much like a house is built from the bottom up. Each sequential step lays the groundwork for the next set of skills — like reading and math — and a lifetime of learning, success and productive, responsible citizenship. What is the most important thing we can all do? Have an engaging interaction with a young child. Read a book with a toddler and have a conversation about it. Play peek-a-boo with a baby. Or, take the time to be completely fascinated by the artwork of a young neighbor, niece or nephew. Get down to their level. Look them in the eye. And really, really listen. Every interactive experience that an adult has with a young child creates valuable connections that permanently wire the architecture of an amazing work in progress. All of us are brain builders. Put on your hard hat and get building for your child’s future success. Go to www.brainbuildinginprogress.org for more information.
Parent and Educators Workshops
Registration starts Wednesday, January 2
Call (781) 279-0300
Please Note: A suggested donation of $5 for each parent education workshop will be collected when you sign in the night of our workshops. Suggested donations are optional and families will not be refused participation due to inability to donate. To receive a Certificate of Attendance, an additional $5 will be collected.
Playing with Their World: Play in Early Childhood Registration required Tuesday, May 14 7:00 – 9:00 PM Location: Perkins Hall, Melrose Wakefield Hospital
A parent has an important role in their child’s world of play. From setting up a variety of play experiences and clarifying their personal values about play, parents help provide enrichment and opportunities that have a lasting effect on their child’s physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. This session will allow parents to increase their knowledge about the benefits of play and how they can create a learning space and influence their child’s world of play.
Through the Eyes of a Child: Media Violence in Early Childhood Registration required
Monday, June 3 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: School of Nursing, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 170 Medford Ave., Medford
Exposure to media violence can negatively impact brain development in young children and affect behavior in the short and long term. Parents play a crucial role in protecting children from and helping them understand the media they consume. In this session, parents will learn to assess and understand their children’s exposure to violence in the media, effects of that exposure, and how they can use their influence to minimize both exposure and impact.
My Life, My Health Call 781-279-0300 for information on upcoming sessions.
My Life, My Health is a six-session community workshop designed to give adults with chronic conditions (such as arthritis, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma, etc.) and/or their caregivers the knowledge and skills needed to take a more active role in their healthcare. Subjects covered at the workshops include techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation; appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance; appropriate use of medications; communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals; nutrition; and how to evaluate new treatments
Family Fun
Daily Drop-in Playtime at the Network (Children under 5 yrs. old) Drop-in
Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (January 3 – March 29, See page 1 for dates closed.)
Drop-in playtime at the North Suburban Child & Family Resource Network is a wonderful opportunity to play and interact with your child. Come and enjoy the company of other families with young children while playing in our playroom. Books, puzzles, toys, blocks and more await you and your child. Drinks in covered cups are welcome, but please do not bring snacks. Refer to page one for entrance location, parking and days the center will be closed.
Woodland Nature Walks (For 2½ - 5 year olds) *Registration required
Wednesday May 15 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Walkers – wooded trail) Call (781) 279-0300
Wednesday June 12 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM (Walkers – wooded trail)
Join Daniel Donovan of the DCR as we take a slow half-mile walk on the trails of Breakheart Reservation. Along the way we will talk about the animals and plants that live there, how they benefit from each other, why they are important to people and what we can do to help protect our natural resources. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation has many family activities. Go to http://www.mass.gov/dcr/ for more information. Special thanks go out to Daniel Donavan from the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation for leading these hikes.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren In Harmony:
The North Suburban Child & Family Resource Network offers a support group for grandparents raising their grandchildren or other relatives raising a young family member. The program meets from September through June and meets twice a month. Please call the office at 781-279-0300 for more information and to be added to the e-mail list.
Help Me Grow:
Do you have concerns about your child’s development physically, socially or emotionally? The Family Resource Network can help. Through the Department of Early Education and Care, we have received access to the Ages and Stages Developmental and Social Emotional Growth questionnaire. Parents can use this tool in the comfort of their own home. Once completed, you and a staff member can meet to go over the form and see if there are any developmental areas we can work on together to help your child reach their full potential. If you have any questions, please call our office at (781) 279-0300 and speak to a staff member.
