| JOIN US  FOR A FAMILY "S.T.E.A.M." DAY TO KICK OFF 2016's WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD We'll have lots of hands-on science and art activities for families. Please register the number of family members who will be attending at 10:00, 10:45, or 11:30 by emailing [email protected]. Appropriate for ages 2-6. We will be joined by The Discovery Museum and the Boston Museum of Science for some of our activities! Saturday, April 9 at First Connections, 179 Great Road, Acton |
|  "TURTLE'S NEW HOME"
An engaging story about a New England Wetland Habitat featuring Deborah Costine's Nature Puppets This award-winning puppet show is appropriate for ages 3 and up with a parent. Children will develop a strong connection to the characters in this story that will stay with them long after the show is over. Families participating in the program will:
- Learn about the refuge's efforts to save the Blandings Turtle
- Experience the artistic, engaging world of puppetry
- Receive information to help them explore the refuge, which will be open until sunset
- Take home a free book about beavers, salamanders, turtles or river wetlands
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Sudbury Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass. Cultural Council, a state agency. We are grateful to the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge for hosting this program. Saturday, April 30, 2:00 p.m. Held at Assabet River Wildlife Refuge in Sudbury Registration required by emailing [email protected] with # of family members attending and children's ages. Limited to 120. |
PARENT EDUCATION SEMINAR TOPIC:
Behavior: The Language of Children, presented by Donna Shea of The Peter Pan Center
Children communicate to us through their behavior. Young children especially are limited by their words and abilities to express their feelings. Behavior problems may occur when we misunderstand what our child is trying to tell us. Parents may find themselves continuously disciplining the same behaviors and wondering why their child keeps repeating these behaviors. This workshop will help parents "get under" the behavior and discover what it is your child is trying to tell you and give you simple, yet effective tools for managing behavior issues. We'll explore the role of development, and how to "read" your child's temperament, and share strategies to assist parents in better understanding the "language of behavior."
Monday, May 23, 6:30 p.m., Held at Bright Horizons in Boxborough
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"Climb Out of the Darkness" w/ Team Concord
Climb Out of the Darkness is the world's largest event raising funds for awareness of postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and all other mental illnesses related to pregnancy and childbirth. 1 in 7 women each year will experience maternal mental illness. You can help Postpartum Progress shine a light on the most common complication of childbirth. Team Massachusetts-Concord will walk at Walden Pond on Saturday, June 18 at 9:00 a.m. Candice Brothers is coordinating this event. You can register to walk or donate here: https://www.crowdrise.com/candicebrothers-cotd2016 You can also email Candice with questions: [email protected]
Please note that it is not mandatory to raise money, but anyone who would like to walk at this event does need to register through crowdrise for insurance reasons. Plus, you will receive emails and updates about the event. Walkers who raise $100 by May 15th will receive an official Climb Out of the Darkness 2016 t-shirt in time for the walk. If you reach $100 after that, you will get a shirt after the walk.
First Connections thanks Postpartum Progress for their grant to expand outreach and education about free support services available to help mothers with postpartum adjustment challenges. Funds raised at this event will directly benefit new moms in this community in the coming year.
For more information about postpartum mental illnesses: www.postpartumprogress.org. For more information about First Connections' "Emotional Wellbeing After Baby" free weekly support group, contact Laurie Ganberg, LICSW, [email protected]
Free Clinician's Breakfast: "Supporting Breastfeeding Mothers with Postpartum Mood & Anxiety Disorders"
Clinicians are invited to First Connections' Acton office for a light breakfast to learn about the support programs First Connections offers families from pregnancy through postpartum (and beyond). Our topic will be presented by Mary Beilman, MS ECSE, CLC and Laurie Ganberg, LICSW, CLC from First Connections, and Katie Stockman, PMHCNS-BC, Pediatric Intervention Team Coordinator at Emerson Hospital. Applications for 1 continuing education credit for social workers and LMHCs have been submitted. This program is made possible by a grant from CHNA 15.
Friday, April 29: 8:30 registration/breakfast, 9:00 educational presentation, 10:00 First Connections information and networking.
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BIRTH TO ONE YEAR PROGRAMS:
First-time Moms Group
6-Week group includes a different topic each week such as: Adjusting to your new role, Changes in relationships, Work/family life balance, Sleeping, feeding, crying and infant development. Emerson Sports Rehab & Specialty Services provides our motor development guest speaker, Mary Evans, DTP, MA, who is a pediatric and neurological specialist. Held in Acton. Please register for this program:
[email protected]
or 978-287-0221.
Meets on Tuesdays beginning on April 26
New Moms Group
Any mother with a pre-crawling baby is welcome to attend this ongoing weekly support group facilitated by Emerson Hospital and First Connections. This open discussion group is a forum for you to share experiences and resources, connect with other new mothers, and seek guidance about any concerns you might have. Facilitators are certified in lactation support. Held at Emerson Health & Wellness Center, Concord. No registration required. Directions can be emailed (
[email protected])
Every Wednesday, 1:30-3:00 p.m. in the Yoga Studio at 310 Baker Ave. Ext., Concord
Emotional Well-being After Baby Group
Emotional challenges are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, yet mothers often feel isolated and ashamed if they are struggling. Mothers experiencing anxiety or depression or who are feeling overwhelmed in the postpartum year can come together for this supportive, nonjudgmental, confidential group to share stories and learn from each other. While this is an ongoing, weekly group, before attending for the first time please contact the facilitator, Laurie Ganberg, LICSW at
[email protected] or 978-287-0221, ext. 219. Childcare provided for older siblings with advance notice.
Every Monday, 10-11:30 a.m., at First Connections, Acton
Infant Playgroup
This playgroup is for babies who are not crawling yet. The group includes developmental discussions and handouts, playtime, circle time with finger plays, rhymes and songs. Registration required (
[email protected]).
3-9 Mos Babies meets Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 at Boxborough Library
New Dads Group
Our new dads group has been a resounding success! The group will continue to meet monthly to allow dads to make connections with other fathers, ask questions, exchange tips, and share your experiences of parenthood. Fathers are welcome to attend with or without babies. Facilitated by Laurie Ganberg, LICSW, and at least one guest "veteran" father.
Email to be added to the monthly email reminder list:
[email protected]
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Tuesdays, 7:30-9:00 p.m., April 12, May 10, June 7
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Summer Change of Seasons Event 
The circle of seasons throughout the year is especially meaningful for children, who are so aware of the first red leaf, the first snowflake, the first little crocus poking up through the snow...but sometimes our busy schedules make it difficult to take the time to join them in their wonder and awe of the beauty of our natural world. Join teacher Patricia Collins for a family-oriented, participatory event to mark the arrival of summer. Explore the Playscape, gather in a circle to create a ritual of song and movement using instruments and a rainbow of silks to move with. Free. RSVP's appreciated for planning purposes: [email protected]
Saturday, June 18, 9:30-10:30,
Playscape, 120 Merriam St., Concord
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TODDLER & PRESCHOOLER PLAYGROUPS:
Play is a child's work. Play creates pathways in a child's developing brain that are critical for receiving information and learning. Our spring programs provide quality play time that can actually alter and enhance the brains of children who participate. Groups will run from April 7 to June 22. Registration is required by emailing [email protected] or calling 978-429-8284. Playgroups are free of charge and require an adult participant - MOMS, DADS, GRANDPARENTS, CAREGIVERS. Sign-up age is based on the first day of class.
Families may sign up for one weekly group per child.
If you are unable to register for a playgroup due to space limitations, and have a group of friends who are looking for a space to meet on your own, our playroom is available at regular times during the week for use.
10-17 Month Mobile Baby Playgroup
This group is for babies who are just about to be toddlers and toddlers who have just stopped being babies. There will be free play time at the beginning, and stories and songs at the end. The facilitator will be available to talk to and answer questions, but we won't have the same structured adult talking time as in baby playgroup because the children are starting to move around, and sitting still for more than a few minutes is too much to ask! "Mobile" includes crawlers.
Meets Wednesdays, 12:30-1:30, at First Parish Church in Bedford
 12-24 Month Steady Walkers Playgroup
This group is for confidently walking toddlers and will include free play with time to work on social skills such as sharing and waiting for a turn, some art and sensory activities, and a circle time with story.
Each family will bring home a different bag of books to read each week, and exchange the bag the following week for more books. Tips will be included on using dialogic reading techniques with children including PEER and CROWD methods.
Meets Thursdays, 10-11:15, at First Connections in Acton
18-30 Month Large Motor Playgroup
Children in this group should be able to run for some of the activities. The group will combine a story and song circle time with gross motor activities in a preschool gym. Activities include balancing, jumping, throwing and kicking balls. We will also work on literacy and social skill building. Not safe for infant or non-walking siblings.
Meets Mondays, 11:00-12:00 at The Learning Experience in Littleton
Multilingual Raising a Reader Playgroup for Ages 1 1/2 thru 5
This group is for children who speak a language other than English at home or are bilingual. In addition to circle time, free play, and snack time, each family will bring home a different bag of books to read each week. We encourage families to share customs and stories from their home countries during this group. The space we meet in is a nut-free environment. For the next 7 days we will register new families for this group. Families who are currently participating and would like to continue will be wait listed until then.
Meets Tuesdays, 2-3:30, Union Congregational Church/The Community School, Maynard
Paint and Play for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 Year Olds
Weekly playtime includes a developmentally appropriate art project. We will also have circle time with songs and stories, as well as snack time. Please let us know if there are any anaphylactic allergies other parents should know about. Infant siblings welcome.
Meets Fridays, 10-11:30, at WoodsEdge Children's Center in Sudbury
Paint and Play for Siblings Only, Ages 1 thru 5
Weekly play time includes a developmentally appropriate art project. We will also have circle time with songs and stories, as well as snack time. Let us know about any anaphylactic allergies other parents should be aware of. Infant siblings welcome.
Meets Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30 at Village Nursery School in Harvard
 Outdoor Explorations Group for Ages 3 1/2 thru 5
After a long winter we are looking forward to warmer temperatures and exploring nature trails in our area. We'll learn about what is happening in the ponds, fields and woods around us. We'll read a different book each week and allow the children to talk about what they may have discovered in their own back yards during the week. The places we will be walking are not stroller-friendly. Babies are welcome if they are worn in a carrier/sling/backpack, but siblings younger than 3 will not be able to keep up. This group will meet for 3 weeks at a time in the following locations: Ripley Playscape in Concord, Grassy Pond in Westford, and Minuteman National Park in Lincoln on
Mondays, 2-3:00
Sing and Play in Spanish Group for Ages 1-5
This playgroup is for parents and children who already speak or understand Spanish as all songs, stories and conversation will be in Spanish. Led by our super volunteer, Ibeliza Jaffe, a Venezuelan Spanish Montessori Teacher. Families who are currently in this group should confirm they are continuing so we know how many openings there are for new participants. Does not meet weekly, so can be combined with another group.
Thursdays, 1:30-3:00, April 14 & 28, May-June TBD, at Reuben Hoar Library in Littleton
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P0ST-ADOPTION SUPPORT GROUP TOPICS
Meet with other adoptive parents and a facilitator to discuss a different topic each month related to adopting young children. Held on Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at our office in Acton.
April 20: Using the Wise-up Workbook. The Wise-up Workbook is a tool you and your child can use to help navigate questions about their adoption when asked by friends, family or even people you meet for the first time.
May 18: Handling Transitions in Your Child's Life will explore what a "transition" is and how it can affect behavior. We'll talk about how parents can create a pattern that children can learn to rely on prior to transitions in their life. This will help them learn to manage their own transitions with some independence as they grow-which is our goal.
June 15: Lying and Teaching the Truth-Teaching the Art of Repairing Relationships. Our discussion will explore why children lie, and how to address lying in a meaningful, educational way so that relationships with family and friends are preserved.
To be added to the monthly email reminder for this group, send your contact information to
[email protected]. To connect with the Facilitator, Mary Rowlinson, R.N., email
[email protected] or call 978-429-8284 ext. 206.
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Getting Ready for School: For Parents!
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What to Expect in Preschool
Presented by
Ellie Springer and Maureen Bajko
We welcome family members with children ages 2 and older starting preschool (or child care) in the fall to join us for some tips on what to expect, how to help your child with the transition, and a discussion of any questions or concerns you have about this change in your family's routine.
Ellie is the Playgroup Coordinator for First Connections and has been working with young children and their families in different early childhood settings for more than 15 years. Maureen is a preschool teacher and assistant director at Village Nursery School who has been teaching preschool for 15 years and teaching toddlers for 10.
Wednesday, May 25
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Village Nursery School, Harvard
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Preparing for Kindergarten
Presented by Mary Beilman, M.S. Early Childhood Special Education
Starting kindergarten can be both exciting and scary for you and your child. This seminar will discuss some of the things you can do to prepare both you and your child for kindergarten, as well as some of the social and emotional changes you can expect in your child during this transition. This program is not town-specific. Questions welcome - Mary was a kindergarten teacher before becoming a mom! Help make your child's entrance into elementary school one you both can enjoy!
Tuesday, May 31
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Maynard Public Library
Preregistration required:
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Town-Specific Public School News
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Concord Public Schools
Kindergarten Registration Dates
If you haven't received a registration packet, please call your school
Alcott: May 3 & 10, 1-3:00 p.m.
978-318-9544
Thoreau: March 29 & April 5, 1-3:00
978-318-1300
Willard: April 12 & 14
978-318-1340
Heading to Kindergarten in Bedford?
A Kindergarten Information Session for Parents takes place on March 24, 6:30-8:00 at the Davis School. Parents interested in the Integrated Preschool, whose children will be 3 by 8/31/16, should contact [email protected] Sudbury's Kindergarten Orientation Day is June 9, 2016 Please confirm the exact time: Loring School: 978-443-0870 Nixon School: 978-443-1080 Haynes School: 978-443-1093 Noyes School: 978-443-1085 If you are interested in applying to the Integrated Preschool, forms are located at www.sudbury.k12.ma.us under "Department" and Early Childhood. Carlisle Public Schools - MATH NIGHT! April 11, 2016, 6:30-8:00 p.m. All Carlisle residents with children preschool age thru 8 are invited to participate in fun-filled activities including a goody bag that includes things you can play math games with at home. Free and open to the public in the Spalding Foyer and Wilkins classrooms. There will also be a Kindergarten Talk in Corey Auditorium on April 27, 7:00 p.m., and Kindergarten Screenings will take place on May 24, 12:30-3:30. For more information call 978-369-6550. Lincoln Public Schools Parents of incoming Kindergarten students should fill out the Parent Input Form located at: www.lincnet.org/Page/468 Parents of children age 2.9-5 who have concerns about their child's development should call 781-259-9403 to schedule a screening appointment. |
Acton Family Network
Popsicles and Playground Kindergarten Social
For all Acton & Boxboro residents
Sunday, June 12
3:00-5:00 p.m.
Goward Playground at Acton Library
Have popsicles and find your classmates with color-coded name tags for kids and parents. Free and open to all families with a Kindergarten 2016 student. Updates:
Hildreth Elem. School, Harvard
Children living in Harvard or Devens who will be 3 by 8/31/16 and would like to apply to the Harvard Integrated Preschool should turn in registration forms by
April 15, 2016
Children who will be 5 by 9/1/16 should turn in their kindergarten registration packets available at http://psharvard.org.
Kindergarten screenings: 3/24/16.
Parent Information Night: Late May
Maynard's Green Meadow School Kindergarten Events
Kindergarten Parent Orientation takes place on 4/5/16 from 6:30-7:30.
Kindergarten screenings take place on
April 28 & 29. Questions? 978-897-8246
Westford Public Schools
Kindergarten Screenings will be taking place in May for children who are registered to begin school in 2016. School districts can be found at:
Families interested in Westford's Integrated Preschool should contact the early childhood coordinator:
Preschool tours take place on the first Wednesday of each month at 9:30 or 1:00 by appointment.
Littleton Public Schools
Kindergarten Screenings have already taken place for September 2016 students. Contact Shaker Lane School if your child will be 5 by 9/1/16 and you have not registered for kindergarten yet:
978-486-3959
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Thank you to the following who have made donations to our program since our last newsletter!
*Acton Congregational Church
*Sudbury Cultural Council Grant
*Sudbury Foundation Program Evaluation Grant
*Stax, Incorporated
*Anne Kilroy for the much-needed new vacuum
*Individual donations of Gift Cards, thru Paypal, and by check from many families
*Maynard Family Association and Oak Meadow School families for their donations of books in many languages
*Dunkin Donuts-Acton for the Family Open House refreshments
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PARENT-CHILD ACTIVITIES
Kids Concert with Mr. Vic Sunday, March 20, 3:30 Held at Littleton Town Hall Multipurpose Room, 33 Shattuck St. Tickets $5 (family limit $20), kids under 1 free. Bake sale too! Benefits Castle in the Trees Playground Renovation! Tickets: www.castleinthetrees.org or at the door. Babies 'n' Books For Ages 0-24 mos Saturday, March 26 9:30-11:00 a.m. Concord Children's Center, 1300 Main St. Story Time begins at 10:00. Coffee, snacks. Free. RSVP [email protected] Stacey Peasley Live! Monday, March 28, 10:00 Roudenbush Gym 65 Main St., Westford $5/person, $20/family Register at: www.roudenbush.org Family Drop-in Workshop: Gardens Saturday, May 14 12:00-4:00 p.m. Fruitlands Museum. Free with admission. Discover the joy of gardening during a family-friendly afternoon including crafts and garden demonstrations. www.fruitlands.org
DeCordova Artfull! Free Admission on Wednesday, April 6. Art, stories, nature and multi-sensory activities take place 10:30-11:30 geared to 2-5 yrs. www.decordova.org
Peter Pan presented by Open Door Theater, Acton Performances take place April 1-3 & 8-10 at 16 Charter Rd. ASL interpretation on 4/3/16, Sensory Friendly performance on 4/9/16. Tickets: http://opendoortheater.org "Especially for Me" Free Admission Programs at Acton Discovery Museums If your child has an autism spectrum disorder, is deaf or hard of hearing, or has visual impairment, this museum has special times for you to visit. Registration required. www.discoverymuseums.
org/EspeciallyForMe
Jam Time Half Price for Grandparents
Did you know that grandparents can bring their grandchildren to Jam Time in Maynard all day on Thursdays for $5 per child? Adults free. www.jamtime.com |
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PARENTING COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:
Sudbury Family Network Kids' Stuff Tag Sale
Sellers and buyers welcome at SFN's Kids' Stuff Tag Sale. Gently used children's clothing for ages 0-10, toys, equipment, books, sporting goods and maternity items. $1 admission. Spaces available for $25, sellers keep their own profits. To sign up: email [email protected].
Saturday, May 21, 9:00-Noon, Curtis Middle School Cafeteria, 22 Pratts Mill Road, Sudbury
West Suburban Mothers of Twins Tag Sale
Clothes, equipment, toys, $1 admission for non-members.
Saturday, May 21, 10:00-1:00
St. Anargyroi Church, 9 Cashman Street, Marlboro
Cradles to Crayons Spring Clothing Drive March 31
Wellness at Villageworks is partnering with Cradles to Crayons to collect new and like-new essential children's items! There is an increased need for clothing in sizes newborn to 7/8! You can drop off items at 525 Mass. Ave., Suite 101, West Acton, in the marked box in the waiting room. Open M-F 10-7:00, Saturday 12-4:00. Please review the donation standards and needs at www.cradlestocrayons.org before donating.
Wellness Fair at West Acton Villageworks
Live music, raffles, giveaways, from health, wellness, and education-based businesses in the West Acton area.
"Best Friends, Worst Enemies: Understanding The Social Lives of Children" presented by author and clinical psychologist Dr. Michael Thompson. Appropriate for parents of preschoolers thru middle schoolers. Includes research highlighting the difference between friendship and popularity, the normal sequence of child friendships from parallel play of a 2 year old to self-disclosure of an adolescent, and the differences between boy and girl groups. Free and open to the public. Registration required on website.
Wednesday, April 27, 6:30-8:30, Oak Meadow School, Littleton.
www.oakmeadow.org
"Assessment & Treatment of OCD in Kids & Adolescents"
Presented by Jamie Micco, Ph.D. from MGH and Harvard Medical School. Held at McLean Hospital DeMarneffe Cafeteria, Room 132, Belmont.
www.ocdmassachusetts.org
May 3, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Soon-to-be Grandparents Class at Emerson Hospital
Haven't cared for a baby in a while? Learn the new baby care "rules" in this fun class! Taught by Peggy Klemon, R.N. Register at
www.emersonwellness.org or call 978-287-3777
Thursday, June 16, 7-8:30 p.m.
"Infant CPR Anytime" at Emerson Hospital
Information and practice of skills needed to perform infant CPR and relieve choking. $50 includes at-home practice kit and 2 class participants. Taught by a respiratory therapist.
April 12, May 10 or June 14, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
 Free Financial Coaching for Low-Income Women to be held in Acton through
"Budget Buddies"
Budget Buddies builds the financial literacy, confidence, and security of low-income women in Massachusetts through a unique program that combines instructional workshops and personal, one-to-one coaching. Meetings are held once a week from 6:30-7:30 p.m. with free childcare provided. Mastering money management is particularly important for women - who are more likely to struggle financially during their lifetimes. Massachusetts ranks 5th in the nation for low-income households headed by women! If you are interested in attending an informational session with no commitment at the end of April, please contact Katie Stoll at
[email protected] or 978-703-0820. Find out more at
www.budgetbuddies.org. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer coach, please contact Kathleen Neville at
[email protected].
"A Look at Adoption"
Families who are considering adoption to enlarge their family are invited to participate in a workshop that will look at making the adoption decision, starting the process, choosing an agency and type of adoption, required documents, the home study process, and more. Held at ACONE, 36 Knox Trail, Acton. $25. Register thru RFK Children's Action Corp:
www.rfkchildren.org/acone/events
Tuesday, May 10, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
INTERFACE Mental Health Free Referral Service
is available to assist families in the following towns with the process of finding a mental health service provider that matches their needs and insurance: Acton, Boxboro, Ayer, Shirley, Ashby, Chelmsford, Concord, Carlisle, Groton, Dunstable, Harvard, Lincoln, Sudbury, Littleton, Pepperell, Townsend, Waltham and Westford, among other towns not near our catchment area. This is a free service staffed by trained clinicians, paid for by your town.
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