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Fall is almost here! We have lots of fun programming for families. We hope you can come and join us!
If you have not subscribed to this newsletter and would like to receive it, please email centerforfamilies@cambridgema.gov.
| | Apply to the Cambridge Preschool Program
October 1 - November 14! | | | | |
The 2026-2027 Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP) application will be open from October 1 to November 14, 2025.
All Cambridge 4-year-olds can access free preschool through CPP! Families can apply to a variety of Cambridge preschool programs through CPP's single application.
A child is eligible to apply if they live
in Cambridge and are:
- 4 years old by August 31, 2026 or
- 3 years old by August 31, 2026
Please note: there will be limited seats for 3-year-olds and there may be additional eligibility requirements.
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Save the Date: CPP Enrollment Fair
Stop by the enrollment fair to meet CPP preschool providers, ask questions about programs, and learn how to apply for the 2026-2027 school year!
When: Saturday 9/27 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Location: Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (459 Broadway).
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Infant Programming and Support
For Cambridge families with babies birth to 15 months old
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Fall Baby Playgroups
Join us to talk with other parents / caregivers and enjoy activities and songs with your baby!
Mondays from 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Danehy Park: 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6
Fresh Pond Apartments Community Room: 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 12/1, 12/8
Tuesdays from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
Sennott Park: 9/16, 9/30
Moses Youth Center: 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9
Please register for one location. Registration required! Contact Kaleena at kthompson@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-3003.
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Baby Massage and Child Development Series
Wednesdays at Moses Youth Center starting October 1.
Massaging your baby helps develop strong relationships between you and your child, helps your baby relax, decreases gas and constipation, increases body awareness and maturation, and regulates sleep. For Cambridge families with babies 5 weeks old to pre-crawling.
Registration required! Contact Kaleena at kthompson@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-3003.
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Infant Sleep Support Group
Do you have a baby under 15 months old?
Are you looking for support with your baby's sleep?
Join our Infant Sleep Support Group! Connect with other parents, share experiences, and learn helpful strategies to support your baby’s sleep.
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Central Square: Moses Youth Center (243 Harvard Ave.) Tuesday 10/7 and 10/14 from 12:15 pm to 1:30 pm
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North Cambridge: Fresh Pond Apartments Community Room (362 Rindge Ave.) Monday 10/27 and 11/3 from 12:15 pm to 1:30 pm
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Virtual: Wednesday 11/2 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Please choose one location to attend. Registration required!
To register, contact Kaleena at kthompson@cambridgema.gov or
(617) 349-3003.
| | Parent / Child Activities | | |
Fall Playgroup
Mondays at Moses Youth Center
starting 9/22.
Come have fun with your child while learning new ideas to support their development.Playgroups are for Cambridge families with children 15 months to 4 years old.
To register for the playgroup lottery, contact Kim at ktran@cambridgema.gov or (617) 349-1723.
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Drop-In Fall Playgroup
Tuesdays at Russell Field
starting 9/16.
Meet other families and have fun! Come prepared for messy activities!
Playgroups are for Cambridge families with children 15 months to 4 years old.
No need to register, just come!
Questions? Contact Kim at ktran@cambridgema.gov or (617) 349-1723.
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Open Gym
Wednesdays at Gately Youth Center
starting 9/17.
Your child can run, jump, dance, and have fun! Playgroups are for Cambridge families with children 15 months to 4 years old.
No need to register, just come!
Questions? Contact Marianna at mperks@cambridgema.gov or (617) 349-1723.
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Messy Marvels
Saturdays at the Newtowne Court Playground starting 9/20.
Come play on the playground, blow bubbles, and use our senses by getting messy! Playgroups are for Cambridge families with children 15 months to 4 years old. Siblings welcome!
No need to register, just come!
Questions? Contact Marianna at mperks@cambridgema.gov or (617) 349-1723.
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Taste, Talk, and Learn!
A playgroup for parents and children.
Join us to taste new foods, learn child-friendly recipes, use your senses, and have fun! For Cambridge families with children
2 to 4 years old.
Thursdays at Peabody School starting 9/18.
Registration required! Contact Marianna at mperks@cambridgema.gov or (617) 349-1723.
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Forest Friends!
Dates: Friday 10/3 and 10/17
Time: 10:00 to 11:30 am
Location: Danehy Park (meet at the 99 Sherman St. entrance.)
Join us for a nature walk! We will learn about nature, look for fall leaves, and have fun! For Cambridge families with children 15 months to 4 years old.
Registration required! Contact Marianna at mperks@cambridgema.gov or (617) 349-1723.
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Pajama Storytime
Where: O'Neill Library (70 Rindge Ave.)
When: Tuesdays 9/30, 10/28, 11/18, 12/16
Time: 6:45-7:30 pm
Join us at the library for stories, songs, and rhymes to wind down the day!
No need to register, just come!
Questions? Contact Marianna at mperks@cambridgema.gov or (617) 349-1723.
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Drop-In Play Space for Providers
Thursdays at Moore Youth Center starting 9/18.
Join us for movement games and activities with the children you care for! Providers and children participate together. This group is for Cambridge childcare providers, nannies and the children they care for only.
No need to register, just come by! Questions? Contact Cynthia at cwoodward@cambridgema.gov or (617) 349-6327
| | Parenting Workshops and Support | | |
Moms' Groups
Choose one location to attend each month!
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North Cambridge: Peabody School (70 Rindge Ave.) Fridays: 9/12, 10/10, 11/7, 12/5, 1/9
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Central Square: Moses Youth Center (243 Harvard St.) Fridays: 9/26, 10/24, 11/14, 12/19, 1/16
Come talk about parenting experiences while doing a craft together! Light breakfast provided. Limited childcare available upon request.
Registration required! To register, contact Kim at ktran@cambridgema.gov or (617) 349-6385.
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Early Literacy Series: Dads and Moms Make a Difference!
When: Tuesday 10/14, 10/21, 10/28
Time: 6:15 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Peabody School (70 Rindge Ave.)
Join other Cambridge parents to get fun and easy ideas for talking, readying, and counting with your child during your everyday activities! For Cambridge families with children birth to 4 years old. Limited childcare available.
Registration required! To register, contact Sierra at sriley@cambridgema.gov or (617) 349-5522
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Coming later this fall: Parenting Journey Series!
Parenting Journey is a free 12 Week Parenting Group for Cambridge Parents with Children Birth through 8 Years Old. This program helps parents take better care of themselves, gain new parenting skills and build strong relationships with their children.
More details coming soon! Contact Sierra at sriley@cambridgema.gov or (617) 349-5522.
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Pathways to Family Success
Are you a parent who wants to build community, connect with your child, and understand the school system?
Pathways is a program for the whole family with activities, workshops, field trips, free books, and more. The program is for families with a child in Pre-K through 1st grade, and who live in (or are eligible for) public housing.
Click on the flyer for details. Click here to fill out an interest form.
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Cambridge Dads is a program for father and male caregivers who live, work, play, or pray in Cambridge.
Call or text us at 857-209-4964.
Follow us on Facebook (@CambridgeDads), Twitter (@CambDads), and Instagram (@CambridgeDads).
More information about Cambridge Dads fall programming is coming soon!
| | Center for Families Events | | |
Move and Groove!
When: Thursday October 16th
Time: 6:15 pm - 7:45 pm
Location: Cambridgeport School cafeteria (89 Elm St.)
Come dance, sing, play instruments and have fun! Light dinner will be served. For Cambridge families with children birth to 8 years old. Siblings and family members welcome!
No need to register, just come! Questions? Contact Marianna at mperks@cambridgema.gov or (617) 349-1723.
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Crafts, Stories, and Books, Oh My!
When: Friday November 21st
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Location: Peabody School (70 Rindge Ave.)
Join us for crafts, stories, and activities. We will have free pizza and each child gets a free book. For Cambridge families with children aged 2 - 8 years old. Siblings welcome!
No need to register, just come by! For more information, contact Kim at ktran@cambridgema.gov or (617) 349-6385.
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Danehy Park Family Day
Saturday September 20th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
at Danehy Park.
Rain date: September 27th
Free event for all ages!
- Activities
- Arts & Crafts
- Amusement Rides
- Food and Giveaways (while supplies last)
| | Resources and Supports for Cambridge Families | |
Help in a Bag
Do you have a question or concern abound your child's development? The Center for Families offers free resource bags families can borrow on the following topics:
- Sharing
- Potty Training
- Starting Childcare
- Biting
- Hitting
- New Baby in the Family
- Fun with Language
- 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, contact Sierra at sriley@cambridgema.gov or (617) 349-5522.
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Cambridge Baby Boxes
Parenting have a lot of manage and the Center for Families is here to help!
Free diapers, wipes, community resources, and more!
Who can register:
- Families living in Cambridge with babies birth-12 months old.
How to sign up:
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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!
If you need help access the ASQ or have questions, contact the Center for Families at centerforfamilies@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-6385.
| | Child Care Information and Resources | | |
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Looking for child care information and resources in Cambridge?
Yadling Richemond is the Child Care Information Specialist at the Office of Early Childhood here in Cambridge!
Yadling is available to support Cambridge families with all things child care related!
Yadling can be reached by email at yrichemond@cpsd.us, or you can call
617-349-6885 or 857-270-4384.
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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. Reach out to our Case Manager, Silvia, to connect to local resources and supports: scote@cambridgema.gov for call 617-349-7208.
| | 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. | | | | |
