Families

Countdown to Kindergarten

Phone: 

(617) 635-6816

Mission: 

Countdown to Kindergarten engages families, educators and the community in a citywide effort to enhance early learning opportunities and to support the transition into kindergarten. Mayor Menino, the Boston School Committee and Superintendent Johnson partner with 28 local organizations to implement a school readiness campaign that helps families participate actively in their children's education right from the start, understand the value of kindergarten, and learn how to choose schools and then register in the Boston Public Schools (BPS). In Boston, our work has promoted teacher collaboration on school readiness issues; doubled the percent of families visiting schools to make informed registration decisions; and increased the percentage of children who enter BPS at kindergarten rather than first grade. It has also resulted in more schools being ready to engage families.

Location

Countdown to Kindergarten
26 Court Street 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
United States
How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Families should start preparing for Kindergarten (K1 for 4 year old and K2 for 5 year old) a full year in advance of their start date, which is the September before their child turns 4 or 5. For a few families, it may start sooner. Boston Public Schools (BPS) has a number of a very limited number of seats for K0 programs for children who are 3 by September 1. There are 75 Early Learning Centers, Elementary and K-8 schools in the City of Boston. Families can choose from a number of schools that are located in their ZONE.

Attend a Countdown to Kindergarten Information Session for answers to all your questions about BPS schools, the registration process and more. Starting in November, Information Sessions provide tips on the transition and kindergarten selection/enrollment process, along with suggested activities to help families prepare for a successful entry into kindergarten.

Key Programs Offered: 
Community Meeting Space Available: 

No

Created: 
05/05/2011

Ashmont Nursery School

Mailing Address (if different than physical location): 

Phone: 

(617) 282-6063

Email: 
Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Regular Day program from 8:30am - 2:45pm, extended day program from 8:00-8:30am & 3:00-5:15pm

Mission: 

Ashmont Nursery School is a wonderful, NAEYC accredited, parent-run cooperative for children ages 2 years 9 months to 5. We offer a rich, diverse, full-day program with before and after school care. Ashmont Nursery School is a non-profit, non-sectarian, cooperative preschool. ANS is licensed by the massachussetts Department of early education and care (EEC). The school is dedicated to fostering exploration, play, and a lifelong love for learning. Ashmont Nursery school's faculty consist of three lead certified teachers with over 30 years of combined expirence at ANS. The teachers work together with one parent-teacher each day. There is a maximum of twenty children per day. The program provides an environment where children feel safe., secure, respected and recognized as individuals. In order to help facilitate self-directed learning, the nursery school is set up with a variety of materials and activities from which children can choose. The materials are stimulating, challenging and adaptable for children of varying developmental levels.

Location

Ashmont Nursery School
1 Ashmont Street
Dorchester, MA 02124
United States
Key Partners: 

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Families interested in applying for a spot at Ashmont Nursery School should summit an application available on the website along with a non-refundable application fee of $40. The application deadline is February 1st . In early February, parents or guardians of new applicants must attend an information session to learn more about the school. An appointment is then made for the child to visit the school. Acceptance letters will be sent out the first week of April. Once accepted, a non-refundable tuition deposit equal to one months tuition is due April 23rd. The deposit will serve as the final tuition payment of the school year.

Key Programs Offered: 

Community Meeting Space Available: 

No

Created: 
03/23/2010

Dimock Health Center

Phone: 

(617) 442-8800 (x1324 for "General Information")

Email: 

contactdimock@dimock.org

Website: 
Mission: 

At Dimock, we believe every life is precious. We commit to enhance the quality of life of each individual we serve, of the people we employ, and the communities in which we live by providing accessible, comprehensive, innovative, culturally competent health and human services

Location

Dimock Health Center
55 Dimock St
Roxbury, MA 02119
United States
Key Programs Offered: 

Adult Basic Education and GED Services - ext 1219 For more than 30 years, Dimock has operated education and training programs to improve the quality of life of its students and their families. All programs are free to qualified applicants.GED programs are designed to prepare students for all areas of the GED exam. Adult Basic Education programs are planned to help students improve basic reading, writing and math skills. Boston Pediatric and Family AIDS Project (BPFAP) - ext 1331 Case Management Services - ext 1324 Case Management Services help those living with HIV/AIDS take better care of their health and organize their lives for the benefit of all those around them. Case manager make referrals about estate planning, help with health care proxies, etc. Community Care Center - ext 1324 Dimock Community Care Center’s HIV Services emerged in 1991 amidst a clear need in the community for AIDS-related services and was designed to reach a cross-section of people of color at varying risks for HIV/AIDS. Today, prevention and education staff, Case Managers, a Primary Medical Staff, as well as Dimock Substance Abuse and Mental Health departments work together to address the issues of those in our community who are at risk as well as those who are living with the virus that causes AIDS. Early Head Start - ext 1461 Early Head Start provide comprehensive support for families and their children in the areas of education, health, nutrition and mental health. Early Head Start is for families with pregnant mothers and for parents with children ages 0-3.The program encourage parents to envision their role as their child’s primary teacher. Parents are supported in such areas as health and nutrition, pre-natal education, GED/literacy and employment/training. Early Intervention Program - ext 1375 The Dimock Early Intervention Program provides a range of therapeutic service and support to children, from birth to age three, and their families. The Early Intervention Program is certified through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. A goal of the program is to help a family support and sustain their child’s maximum developmental growth in the context of the family’s everyday life. All services are voluntary. GirlsWorld - ext 1437 GirlsWorld is a collaboration of Dimock Community Health Center and the Boston Institute for Arts Therapy. Two twelve-week sessions include four major components: Expressive Arts Groups, Academic Support, Mentoring, Community Service and a Physical Activity (ex. Golf, Basketball, Aerobics and Swimming). GirlsWorld grew out of services designed specifically for girls. Girlsworld motivates young women to develop their potential by remaining true to their dreams. Young women are encouraged to develop self-confidence and coping skills needed to resist negative peer pressure. Girl’s World provides a variety of creative outlets such as theater arts, photography and creative writing. Head Start - 617-822-4020, ext 19 Head Start provide comprehensive support for families and their children in the areas of education, health, nutrition and mental health. Head Start is designed for families with children ages 3-5. The program encourage parents to envision their role as their child’s primary teacher. Parents are supported in such areas as health and nutrition, pre-natal education, GED/literacy and employment/training. At Dimock, we believe every life is precious. We commit to enhance the quality of life of each individual we serve, of the people we employ, and the communities in which we live by providing accessible, comprehensive, innovative, culturally competent health and human services. HIV Counseling and Testing - ext 1324 HIV Counseling and Testing is available on an anonymous and confidential basis. All services are available in English and Spanish, both by walk-in or appointment. The Mary Eliza Mahoney Emergency Family House Shelter - ext 1151 The program is designed for families having difficulties in finding and securing safe affordable housing. While locating and securing safe, permanent housing for guests is the main focus, Mary Eliza Mahoney staff work to assist all families in navigating service-based programs both on and off campus. This new housing program provides food, shelter, health care, youth services and referral services for education, training and housing through pro-active case management. The Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) - ext 1326 The Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) provides health education and referrals to the Substance Abuse population, African American and Latino HIV positive men involved in the criminal justice system. Preschool - ext 1466 A center-based preschool educational program, Dimock’s Preschool is licensed to serve 95 at-risk 3 and 4 year old children, the program has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, since 1996. The Preschool provides children with opportunities for learning and exploration as the foundation for the basic skills in language, reading, and problem-solving. Further it provides a rewarding and stimulating environment that is not only safe but challenging for youngsters and helps parents develop more effective strategies for dealing with children at home. Peer Leadership Program Dimock knows that youths have special needs and that sometimes it’s much easier to talk to another teen. Dimock’s Peer Leaders are an integral part of the planning, development, and delivery of services to youths. Using peer-to-peer discussions, interactive video, role-plays, and workshops they encourage discussion and awareness on a range of issues. SmartKids After School Program - ext 1463 The mission of the Smartkids After School Program is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and their families. Our directors and staff are committed to fostering social, emotional and academic development. Working unified with families, city resources and communities and educators for the prosperity of our students and their futures. Smartkids provide a quality play based educational program to meet the academic needs of children. The staff recognizes each child as a unique individual with special needs and talents. We maintain a safe comfortable environment, which encourages respect for one’s self and others. The program is full year and offers a variety of activities, which includes, but not limited to Academic Enrichment, Culture and Arts, Physical activities, a computer Lab and a Library. We accept vouchers. Tae Kwon Do The Tae Kwon Do Program teaches youngsters (4-teenagers) how martial arts including sparring, weaponry and forms can be important for good physical health and discipline. This program promotes self-esteem, responsibility, and learning, in all of which empower youths to make healthy lifestyle choices. Youth Entrepreneurship Program This program helps youth build basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, and encourages them to think creatively, make decisions, solve problems, and always be open to learning. Using entrepreneurship as a vehicle, the program captures and brings to life, often for the first time, the imaginations and abilities of low-income young people.

Community Meeting Space Available: 

No

Created: 
11/22/2010

Lena Park Community Development Corporation

Phone: 

617-533-8133

Website: 

www.lenaparkcdc.org

Mission: 

Lena Park's mission is to provide integrated programs and services which will strengthen families and build healthy communities for the residents of the City of Boston. Our vision is to be the premier provider of programs and services of excellence, building a stronger, healthier, more self-reliant community transforming the way families live, learn, and relate to each other and the larger community.

Location

Lena Park CDC
150 American Legion Highway
Dorchester, MA 02124
United States
Community Meeting Space Available: 

No

Family Nurturing Center

Phone: 

(617) 474-1143

Fax: 

(617) 474-1261

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Mission: 

The FNC works with others to build nurturing communities where children are cherished, families are supported, and healthy human development is promoted by all.

Nurturing Programs bring parents and children together to learn, have fun, and build supportive relationships with other community families. These programs strengthen family relationships, improve parenting skills, and build a sense of community that makes it easier for families to withstand the stress of raising children. We work with housing communities, health centers, schools, community based organizations, child care programs, senior programs, volunteer groups, faith-based organizations, private and public institutions and others to achieve our mission.

Location

Family Nurturing Center
200 Bowdoin St
Dorchester, MA 02122
United States
How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Contact the Family Nurturing Center, or check the get involved page.

Key Programs Offered: 

Nurturing Programs: validated, internationally recognized curricula that promote nurturing relationships among all family members while building community connections to support positive parenting. Offered in various forms for parents and children, fathers, teen parents, foster families, and the Cape Verdean community.

Training Programs: Trainings and workshops vary in length and are customized for each particular audience. FNC provides training in English, Spanish, and Cape Verdean Creole and will train at your site, ours, or another convenient location. FNC provides customized training programs and consultation in the following areas: Nurturing Program Development Trainings (including cultural adaptations) Family and Parenting Support (including fathers) Team Building Community and Program Development Early Childhood Development (including Infant Massage) Parent Leadership

Circles of Caring: FNC convenes groups of parents, child care providers, health care workers, and others to develop a shared vision for supporting families in their neighborhood. Then we work together to make that vision a reality.

Welcome Baby celebrates the birth of a baby, providing the family of the newborn with a beautiful basket full of gifts as well as valuable parenting information, safety items for the home, books to promote early literacy, and a community resource directory to link them to a variety of community supports. The program supports new parents at a critical time in their family's development, increasing their knowledge about what to expect and where to go for help, and links them to needed neighborhood resources.

Community Meeting Space Available: 

No

Also (or Previously) Known As...: 

Family Resource Center, Dorchester CARES Family Resource Center, Family Nurturing Center

Created: 
03/02/2011

Harbor Health Services, Inc

Phone: 

(617) 282-3200

Mission: 

Harbor Health Services, Inc. is a nonprofit, public health agency committed to providing quality, comprehensive health care in Metropolitan Boston urban neighborhoods, the South Shore and Cape Cod communities. We provide a wide network of healthcare services to meet the needs of our patients. Harbor Health owns and operates three community health centers including: Geiger Gibson Community Health Center; Neponset Health Center; and Mid Upper Cape Community Health Center. In addition, Harbor Health administers the Elder Service Plan, a program providing care to frail elders in their place of residence, the Women Infant Children Nutrition Program, the Ellen Jones Community Dental Center and the Columbia Point Infant & Toddler Day Care Program.

Location

Neponset Health Center
398 Neponset Avenue
Dorchester, MA 02122
United States
Key Partners: 

DOTtots: A Weekly Neighborhood Playgroup

Mailing Address (if different than physical location): 

DOTtots Playgroup
C/O C. Gillis
14 Hinckley Street
Dorchester, MA 02125

Phone: 

(617) 436-8227

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Thursday mornings 9:30-11:30 AM

Mission: 

Parents and caregivers of children under 5 are invited and encouraged to attend this weekly neighborhood playgroup. It is a great opportunity to connect with other local parents and give your child(ren) an opportunity to socialize with other youngsters. Come for support, conversation, even snacks! We have toys and equipment for children from birth to preschool and everyone is welcome.

Location

Dunn Hall at Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish
800 Columbia Road
Dorchester 02125
United States
How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Just come on in and play

Community Meeting Space Available: 

No

Adoption & Foster Care Mentoring

Phone: 

(617) 224-1300

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Monday- Friday: 9-5:30 pm

Mission: 

 

 

 

 

Since 2001, Adoption & Foster Care Mentoring (AFC) has empowered foster and adopted youth in Greater Boston to flourish through committed mentoring relationships.  AFC is one of only a few mentoring organizations in the country that exclusively serves this population, and provides the most targeted, specialized mentoring service for young people who have been removed from their homes due to alleged abuse or neglect.  Youth in the child welfare system constitute one of the more underserved populations in our community; because of this, these youth can benefit significantly from committed mentorships and increased access to employment training, education, and other critical job- and life-skills resources.

 

Location

Adoption & Foster Care Mentoring
727 Atlantic Avenue 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02111
United States
Key Partners: 

Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Mass mentoring partnership (MMP)

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

We achieve our mission through our programming that serves youth in out-of-home care, including:

AFCMentors
One-to-One mentoring for foster & adopted youth ages 7 and older

AFCLeaders

Group mentoring program addressing the specific challenges faced by teens who are preparing to “age out” of the child welfare system.

  • Offers discussion groups, social and emotional supports, and job/life skills trainings for youth ages 14 and older

AFCVolunteers

Volunteers assist AFC in a variety of ways! Join our team of volunteers and make a difference.

 

Community Meeting Space Available: 

No

Created: 
09/11/2012

Boston Project Ministries, The

Phone: 

(617) 929-0925

Email: 
Website: 
Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Mission: 

We are a community-based organization of committed Christian staff and volunteers whose faith inspires us to engage actively in service to people and organizations in underserved neighborhoods of Boston. We seek to renew urban neighborhoods physically, socially, and spiritually. We build mutually caring relationships with our neighbors. We partner with local churches, community groups, and service organizations to realize a shared vision for the neighborhood. The Boston Project invests in at-risk children and youth by providing programs that address their educational, social, and spiritual needs. The Boston Project assists low income homeowners and non-profit organizations by making urgent repairs and im-provements to their properties. We accomplish our mission by mobilizing, training, and equipping volunteers. We engage people of all ages from urban, suburban and rural communities in compassionate service characterized by giving to and receiving from those served. We multiply our efforts by promoting leadership development. We provide staff training, internships, networking opportunities and technical assistance to individuals, groups and churches engaging in urban service ministries.

Location

The Boston Project Ministries
670 Washington Street
Dorchester, MA 02124
United States
Key Partners: 

Global Ministries Christian Church, Second Church of the Nazarene, Codman Square NDC, Talbot-Norfolk Triangle Neighbors United

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Contact our office directly for volunteer opportunities, community meetings, and outreach events.

Key Programs Offered: 

After-School Homework Center & Tutoring
Gr. K-5, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30 - 5:00pm
Gr. 6-12, Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:30 - 5:00pm

Real Life Teen Bible Study
Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:30pm
Ages 14+

Community Meeting Space Available: 

No

Created: 
10/19/2009
Syndicate content