Children & Family Resources
Program Resources
Promoting Early Literacy
The Parent-Child Programs
Sends community educators into the homes of vulnerable pre-school age children to provide families with books and toys and guidance to using them to promote children’s learning. Evals have shown children’s participation is related to their language and social-emotional skills, and later their reading abilities
Cyber Safety
Internet Safety for Kids
Almost every American child and teen has access to the internet. They socialize in online games or on smartphones just as they would on a playground. They live largely in a digital community. But like any community, there are risks and dangers. Understanding what your children or teens do online is vital to protecting them from digital threats.
Promoting Early Literacy
Raising a Reader (RAR)
Nonprofit family engagement that helps families develop, practice, and maintain home-based literacy habits and routines. Community agencies bring red book bags filled with award-winning language books into children’s homes along with having five family workshops. This program significantly improves children’s oral language skills and is associated with improvements in the quality of parent-child reading behaviors.
Early Literacy for Multi-Lingual Families
The New York Hall of Science Apps
Developed by and for Latino parents with children ages birth to 5. Engages parents in lessons by having parents come together and talk about what they need/want for their children. It gives them agency over how to help their children and how to interact with the larger school community. Participation increases educational activities at home, parents’ approaches to reading with their children, and library use.
Promoting Literacy for Libraries
Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR)
Research-based curriculum and resource guide developed by the Public Library Association and the Association for Library Service to Children. It helps librarians support families in nurturing their young children’s literacy development by emphasizing singing, talking, reading, writing, and playing.
Social Media
Social Media Addiction
Social media addiction is increasingly common among children and adolescents. Young people are susceptible to the mental health effects caused by the manipulative algorithms used by social media platforms. While social interactions are necessary for adolescent development, companies put profits ahead of safety when they fail to protect users from the risks of social media addiction.
Promoting Early Literacy
Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY)
Partners with parents to prep their kids for success in schools, the focus is on primarily children at risk because of poverty, limited education, and English proficiency. Research shows these parents become more engaged in reading, talking, and working with their children and that the child’s school readiness skills improve.
Promoting Literacy for Libraries
Family Place Libraries
A nationwide network of librarians who are trained to build knowledge of good health, early learning, parental involvement, and supportive communities. Increases identification and support for children with delays and special needs, reduces parent isolation, and helps transform libraries into welcoming family friendly learning environments.
Center for Early Literacy Learning
School Readiness
Learning Heros
Reading, math, and like skills learning tools for parents and children to help stay ahead of the curve when it comes to school. The resources range in grade levels and come in the format of educational videos as well as games. There is also a readiness check list which can help parents keep track of benchmarks their child should be reaching in school.
Also available in Spanish.
Family Bonding
The Family Dinner Project
A great resource for parents looking to increase family bonding at diner time. The recipe has recipes and conversation starters for the family. They also have resources for having challenging conversations such as bullying, becoming more independent, and even developing crushes.
Local Resources
Mid-Cape Family Resource Directory
A compilation of community resources for families with small children, birth to 8 years of age. The guide contains information for everything from family supports, parenting classes, legal services, housing, schools, and family outings.
In English and some Spanish.