North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network

North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network

The North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network (NSCFRN),  is funded by a grant from the MA Department of Early Education and care administrated by the Wakefield Public Schools in collaboration with Hallmark Health.  We are a community based family and early childhood educators support and education program.  The Family Resource Network brings together families and the communities of Melrose, Stoneham, Wakefield and surrounding communities by helping to meet the needs of educators, parents and caregivers of young children. To participate, you need only be a parent, early childhood educator, or caregiver of a child from birth through entering kindergarten, and live or work in Melrose, Stoneham, or Wakefield.  If you are not on our mailing list and would like to receive future mailings, please call us. Families and educators outside the district may participate in our drop-in programs or, if space is available, our registered programs.  Most programs are free of charge.  Funding is provided by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care through the Wakefield Public Schools, in collaboration with Hallmark Health.  Additional funding sources are from a variety of grants and the generous donations from our families and supporters.

The NSCFRN offers a variety of parent/child play and learn groups, parent support groups and educational workshops. Information on resources in the area is available. Family-fun events and drop-in play are two of our most popular programs. Families outside the three communities are welcome to attend any drop-in programs and registered programs if space is available. To learn more download our Fall 2010 newsletter.

The NSCFRN offers discounted passes to the Stone and Franklin Park Zoos. The NSCFRN has a parent information library full of books, DVD’s and videos on different parenting topics. For additional information or to be added to our mailing list please call the office at 781-662-2722. NSCFRN offers a variety of educational classes, play and learn groups and support groups including:

• Drop in Playtime: Opportunity for caregiver to come play with their child in a safe, warm and nurturing environment filled with toys, books, puzzles, a slide and more.

• Custodial Grandparent Support Group

• Parent and Infant Support Group (birth through 6 months old)

• Play and Learn Groups for Pre-Toddlers and Toddlers

• Monthly Parent Education Workshops

• Family Fun Activities

• Book, DVD and Video Resource Library

Summer Schedule

Open Wednesdays only during summer

July 14 – August 25

Center will be closed these weeks for vacation:

June 28 – July 9

Aug. 30 – Sept. 6

Office Hours: Weds. 9 AM – 1 PM

Family Resource Network Sick Policy

To ensure that the NSCFRN is 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 NSCFRN staff reserves the right to ask a family to leave the Center if any of the above symptoms are present.

Snow Policy

In case of inclement weather on school days, when the Melrose Public Schools are closed the Family Resource Network center will be closed. School closings are posted on TV channels 4, 5 and 7. If schools have a delayed opening, please call our office to check our schedule. If it starts to snow or ice during the day, please call the office to check if we will close early. For safety purposes, in the case of any snow or ice on Saturday Drop-In Play days or during school vacation week, please call the office to make sure we are open

How to find us

All classes will be held at the Family Resource Network in the lower level of the Franklin School unless otherwise stated. The Franklin School is located at the corner of Franklin and Main Street in Melrose. Our entrance is on the right side of the building off the driveway. Look for the NSCFRN sandwich board. Parking is allowed on neighboring streets and in the parking lot at the end of Greenleaf Place.

WE NEED YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS:

We are tightening our belts in every aspect of operation.

In an effort to keep costs down and to have better communication with you between mailings, we are asking people currently receiving our schedule by regular mail to consider changing to e-mail.  Please e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and state your name and address or call the office.   Thank you for your support.