Helpful Links

Build the Out-of-School Time Network   www.bostnet.org

 

As the National Afterschool Association's affiliate in Massachusetts, Build the Out-of-School Time Network (BOSTnet) is connecting afterschool and youth workers to a professional network across the state and nationally. Founded twenty-one years ago, BOSTnet is an innovative intermediary that supports a diverse field of youth programs that enrich the lives of children during the critical hours they spend out of school. We provide research and information and the field; improve program quality through capacity building and professional development; and play an active role in efforts to build statewide systems that support OST providers.

 

Child Care Aware

www.childcareaware.org

 

Child Care Aware is committed to helping parents find the best information on locating quality child care and child care resources in their community. Child Care Aware is a program of the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies.
 

Early Childhood Central                        http://www.earlychildhoodcentral.org 

Comprehensive and useful information relating to young children in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Family Services of Central Massachusetts
http://www.fscm.org

Family Services of Central Massachusetts is a private nonprofit organization that has provided support, guidance and counseling to families since 1889. In response to the needs of today's families, our current services also include child care information and referral, family counseling, employee assistance, family life education and home care services.

Family Village
http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/

This website contains a library of specific diagnoses and a wide range of topics related to special needs. There is information about connecting with other people, health care and product information, message boards, community and educational resources, places of worship, options for recreation and leisure, and a guide to the Internet.

Department of Early Education and Care http://www.eec.state.ma.us

Parents who need more information about child care, residential programs and adoption agencies.

MA Health Connector            www.mahealthconnector.org

Most adults living in MA must carry health insurance. Learn, compare and select a health plan.

Massachusetts Resources   http://www.massresources.org

Will provide you with practical information on what services are available, where and how to apply for benefits, and eligibility requirements.

NACCRRA- National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies   http://www.naccrra.org

NACCRRA is the national network of community-based child care resource and referral agencies. NACCRRA provides technical consultation and resources to member child care resource and referral agencies. Visit this website to find out more information and discover the benefits of membership.

National Association for the Education of Young Children
http://www.naeyc.org

Come here to check out the latest information on NAEYC's conferences and publications, plus information on accreditation, advocacy, policy issues, and NAEYC membership.

NAFCC- National Association for Family Child Care
http://www.nafcc.org

The mission of NAFCC is to support the profession of family child care and to encourage high-quality care for children. NAFCC promotes high-quality family child care through accreditation, leadership training, technical assistance, public education, and policy initiatives. Visit the website to find out more about this organization.

National Child Care Information Center
http://www.nccic.org

Visit this site to find information on research and initiatives going on in the child care field. This page is also an excellent source for information on each state's ratios, teacher qualifications, demographics, and more.

Pediatric Family Resource Library   http://library.umassmed.edu/pedlib

The Pediatric Family Resource Library was developed from collaboration between the University of Massachusetts Medical School Lamar Soutter Library and UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center. The library has a comprehensive collection of books, pamphlets, and audiovisual materials. Books and videos can be borrowed for three weeks. Postage-paid mailers are supplied to return the books.
 

The American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/parents/index.html

This section, or index, of the larger ALA site has great resources for both children and parents. For children and teens, there are pages that highlight good websites to visit, and recommended reading and software. For parents, there is information on adult reference and media materials, a link to Booklist magazine, and much more.

Worcester Resources                  http://www.worcesterresources.org

Will provide you with practical information on what services are available, where and how to apply for benefits, and eligibility requirements.

Zero to Three
http://www.zerotothree.org

Zero to Three is a national non-profit charitable organization whose aim is to strengthen and support families, practitioners and communities to promote the healthy development of babies and toddlers. Visit this website to find information and resources for both parents and professionals.