Family Resources
Citywide Partners
Our Citywide Partners work with families and educators to promote the importance of early childhood school readiness.
Boston Children’s Museum exists to help children and families enjoy, understand and become active citizens of the world in which they live. We want children to grow up as successful learners who respect others and the natural world. We encourage imagination, curiosity, investigation, innovation, and play. Central to our philosophy is the belief that meaningful interactions with real objects, direct engagement and enjoyment promote learning.
Countdown to Kindergarten engages families, educators and the community in a citywide effort to enhance early learning opportunities and to support the transition into kindergarten.
For nearly a decade ReadBoston has been driven by our mission to have children in Boston reading on grade level by the time they complete third grade. Founded by Mayor Thomas M. Menino in 1995 to address low literacy levels among Boston’s youth, ReadBoston has since grown into a city-wide leader in the field of early literacy.
Thrive in 5 works with all the people who support young children – their families, early care and education providers, health and human service providers, and their city – to ensure that every child in Boston has the nurturing early care and experiences that provide a solid foundation for success in school and in life.
Support Services for Families
These agencies provide specific support services to families.
Parents Helping Parents – For over 35 years Parents Helping Parents has been a place for Massachusetts parents and caregivers to reach out for support. We know that parents need support for themselves in order to support their children. All services are free, confidential, and anonymous. Parents call the Parental Stress Line, a 24-hour parent helpline, and attend weekly Parent Support Groups for ongoing parent support. No parenting problem is too big or too small to reach out for help.
Advocacy
Get involved with these agencies to promote the message that high quality care and education matters!
American Family Child Care Association -We are an association of licensed family childcare programs in Massachusetts. Our mission is to improve work conditions for in-home Family Child Care Providers, to improve the quality of care for young children, and to advocate for and support families in our Commonwealth.
BOSTnet – works to expand access to quality, affordable Out-of-School Time (OST) opportunities in Massachusetts that challenge and engage children and youth.
Children’s Defense Fund - Advocacy for American children, particularly poor and minority children and those with disabilities. Issues and programs include: Head Start, Healthy Start, Stand for Children, child care, health insurance, child safety, moral education.
Strategies for Children – works to improve the well-being of children and families in Massachusetts and nationally through public policy, advocacy, research, constituency building and public awareness.
