|
|
Hello families and happy 2024!
Winter is here and we have lots of programs to keep your family busy
and connected during the cold and snowy months!
The Center for Families offers programming for Cambridge families and their children ages birth to 8 years old. We offer parent/child activities, playgroups, parenting workshops, infant support, family fun events, programs just for dads, and more!
| |
If you have not subscribed to this newsletter and would like to receive it, please email [email protected]. | |
|
Free Preschool for all Cambridge 4-Year-Olds!
Through to January 15th, 2024, Cambridge families with 4-year-olds can apply to the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP), which will provide free school-day, school-year preschool for the 2024-2025 school year.
Apply to CPP through to January 15, 2024!
Highlights of CPP:
- Families can choose from many preschool programs, including Cambridge Public Schools, City of Cambridge DHSP, and select community-based preschools and family childcare providers.
- Families will apply to preschool programs through a single online application (paper applications will also be available).
- Extended day and year-round preschool programs available (may be additional cost for families).
- All programs will have high-quality state-approved curriculum
A child is eligible to apply if they live in Cambridge and are:
- 4 years old by August 31, 2024 for 4-year-old programs; or
- 3 years old by August 31, 2024 for 3-year-old programs.
Please note: there will be limited seats for 3-year-olds and there may be additional eligibility requirements.
Learn more about the Cambridge Preschool Program on the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood's website.
If you need support with the Cambridge Preschool Program application, contact Maeve Linnane, from the Center for Families, at [email protected] or call 617-349-7280.
| |
Parent/Child Activities for Cambridge Families | |
|
Parent/Child Playgroups with Center for Families and Let's Talk!
For parents with children ages 15 months to 23 months and 2-4 years old.
Join the Center for Families and Agenda for Children Let's Talk Program to meet other families with young children, learn songs and activities to support child development, and have fun! Playgroups require registration.
We will run two Tiny Tots Playgroups for parents with children ages 15 months-23 months and two Playgroups for parents with children ages 2-4 years old.
Click the "View Playgroup Schedule" for information about dates and locations!
Registration is required! You can register anytime during the series. Please choose one location to register. To register, contact Kim at [email protected] or call 617-349-7252.
| |  |
|
Providers Drop-In Playgroup
For Cambridge Childcare Providers, Nannies, and the children they care for only.
This winter, meet other childcare providers in the Cambridge community, and engage in fun activities and games with the children you care for! Playgroups are facilitated by CFF staff.
Where: Moore Youth Center (12 Gilmore St)
When: Thursdays, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/29, 3/7, 3/14
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
For more information, call Cynthia at 617-349-6327.
| |
Pajama Story Time!
Tuesdays, 1/30, 2/27, 3/26, 4/30, 5/28, 6/25 at the O'Neill Library (70 Rindge Ave.) from 6:45 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The Center for Families and the Cambridge Public Library invite Cambridge children from birth through age 8, and their grownups, to join us in person for songs, stories, and rhymes to wind down the day.
No registration needed; just come if you can!
Contact Cynthia at 617-349-6327 or email [email protected] for more information.
| |
|
Events and Parent Workshops! | | |
|
Moms' Discussion and Craft Activity Group!
Friday, January 12th from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at the Center for Families (Peabody School, 70 Rindge Ave).
Join the Center for Families, and other moms, as we talk about parenting and share our experiences while doing a craft activity together. Limited childcare available for children who are walking. Activity kits and snacks will be provided.
All mothers must register. To register, email Kim at [email protected] or call 617-349-7252.
| | |
|
January Family Reading Challenge from The Center for Families and Let's Talk!
January 16th - January 29th
Cambridge dads, moms, and kids: how are you reading together this January? Let us know and receive a free book, plus an entry to a gift card raffle!
- Read a book with your child!
- Submit a sentence and/or photo telling us the title of the book and what you like about it or answering one of the questions on the flyer.
- Get a free book and receive 1 raffle entry!
Submit your entry on Facebook or Instagram @LetsTalkCambMA, or text 617-475-0616! Your photos must be submitted between January 16th and January 29th.
| | |
|
Early Literacy At Home!
Virtual Workshop Series
Tuesdays, January 23rd, 30th, February 6th and 13th from 8:00 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. on Zoom
Cambridge families, do you have a child birth - 4 years and need new ideas for activities at home? Join us, and other Cambridge families, to get fun ideas to support your child's development!
We will explore fun and engaging ways of talking, reading, playing and telling stories during your everyday activities to support your child's literacy development!
Registration required. To register, contact Cynthia at [email protected] or call 617-349-6385.
| |
SAVE THE DATE:
Center for Families Family Fun Day!
Saturday, January 20th from 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Peabody School.
For Cambridge Families with children aged birth-8 years old. Join us for a day of family fun! We will have moon bounces, face painting, family crafts, infant area, giant basketball, a musical performance, and more! Free books and a light lunch, too!
No need to register, just come! For more information, contact Cynthia at [email protected] or call 617-349-6385.
| |
|
Infant Programming
For Cambridge parents and caregivers with babies from birth - 15 months
| |
|
Infant Support Group/Baby Time Playgroups
We are offering two playgroups in two locations (please, chose one location). These groups are for Cambridge parents/caregivers with babies from birth - 15 months.
North Cambridge Series: Mondays, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Center for Families (Peabody School, 70 Rindge Ave).
View Baby Playgroups Flyer for Dates!
East Cambridge Series: Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Frisoli Youth Center (61 Willow St.).
View Baby Playgroups Flyer for Dates!
To register, email Christine Doucet, Infant Program Coordinator, at [email protected].
*Once you have registered, you don't need to come to all of the sessions*
| | |
|
Register for Nurturing Touch/Baby Massage Series
6-part series on Wednesdays, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/28, 3/6 and 3/20 from
12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at The Center for Families (Peabody School, 70 Rindge Ave).
This is a hybrid group. Parents can join virtually on Zoom or in person at The Center for Families.
This series is for Cambridge Families with a baby 5 weeks old through pre-crawling. Massaging your baby helps in developing strong relationships between you and your child, helps your baby relax, decreases gas and constipation, increases body awareness and maturation, and regulates sleep.
All families must register. To register, email Christine at [email protected] or call 617-349-3003.
| | |
Postpartum Support Series: Exercises and Stretches for Mothers in their Postpartum Year (Virtual)
A workshop for mothers with babies birth-15 months old.
Learn from physical therapist Sybille Bosslet, who specializes in postpartum, how to take care of your body after birth. This workshop will give you tools to strengthen your whole body safely, especially the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. Sybille will also share tips for preventing injuries.
3-Part Series on Thursdays January 25th, February 1st and February 15th from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Zoom. We encourage you to attend the entire series.
Registration required. To register, contact Christine at [email protected] or call 617-349-3003.
| | | |
|
Cambridge Dads is a partnership between the Center for Families and the Agenda for Children Literacy Initiative. Cambridge Dads connects with fathers and father figures and provides information on how a dad can get involved with Cambridge Dads.
Our programs include:
* Events for Dads and kids
* Events and workshops for Dads only
* Connection one-on-one
* Information on community resources
* Information on child development
Connect with Cambridge Dads!
Call or text us at 857-209-4964
Follow us on Facebook (@CambridgeDads), Twitter (@CambDads), and Instagram (@CambridgeDads)
Join our Fatherhood Text Campaign!
A great way to stay connected and informed! Recevie a text once a week about fatherhood, events, and activities to do with your kids in Cambridge
To sign up: Text the word "father" to 877-936-3237
| |
Dads & Kids At The Gym!
Join us at the Gately Youth Center (behind Peabody School, 70 Rindge Ave), for fun, games, and activities with your child! All dads, uncles, male caregivers, grandfathers, step-dads, godfathers, etc. welcome with at least one child aged birth to 8. Light breakfast provided!
This series runs from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays, January 6th, February 10th, and March 9th.
More dates coming soon!
Registration required. To register, email [email protected] or call 617-349-6385.
| |
|
Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) with The Center for Families
The ASQ online tool helps you to better understand all your child's different stages of development from one month up to 5 years old with activities you can do at home. It only takes about 10 - 15 minutes to complete the questionnaire!
| |
Center for Families Help In A Bag! | |
Are you looking for some ideas on how to support your little one? The Center for Families offers free resource bags families can borrow on the following topics:
- First Time Dads
- Getting Ready to Share
- Biting Hitting
- Fun with Language
- Starting Childcare or School
- A New Baby in the Family
- Death of a Loved One
- Potty Training
- More topics coming soon!
Each bag is filled with engaging books for toddlers and preschoolers as well as articles and resource lists, including websites for parents.
If you are interested in borrowing any of the resource bags or have any questions, please contact Kim Tran at 617-349-7252 or email [email protected].
| |
More Resources and Supports for Families
Center for Families staff can connect you to local agencies in Cambridge and surrounding communities for assistance ranging from education, food, housing, and much more.
| |
The Center for Families is funded by the City of Cambridge, the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) grant from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC), Children’s Trust, Cambridge Public Schools, and the Cambridge Health Alliance. | | | | |
