PARENTS:

Are you aware that our school system has an Early Childhood Parent Resource Center? We are here to be of support to you as you undertake what may well be the most important "job" of your life, raising your children. Here at the NMRSD Parent Resource Center we see each parent as the true expert on his or her child or children but are here to support you in the following ways:

• We are a source of developmental information for children from birth through the early childhood years- we can help you to discern what behaviors might indeed be typical at various ages and offer strategies to help you along the way.
• We can offer you opportunities to discuss your parenting joys and concerns with other parents in-group or informal settings such as playgroups
• We can help you to work with the gifts and challenges of your child's individual personality and temperament
• We can give you information pertaining to other family resources in the North Middlesex Regional Area

The NMRSD Parent Resource Center is coordinated by Nancy Amante. Nancy is a R.N. with a Master's Degree in Education and a Graduate Certificate in Parent Education and Support. She is the mother of five. Nancy is available during the school year for individual consultations by appointment or at drop-in hours. You can reach her at (978) 597-6161.

DROP-IN HOURS are available at the following times and locations:

• SPAULDING SCHOOL:
  Tuesdays 8:30 to 9:15 and the last Wednesday of each month from 2:30 to 6 pm
• ASHBY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
  Second and Fourth Wednesday of each month from 1:30 to 3: 00 pm
• PETER FITZPATRICK SCHOOL:
  Friday mornings: 8:30 to 9:00 AM in the school lobby and 11:30 AM TO 12:15 PM in the PTA/ Parent Resource Room.

ALSO please check out the Parent-Guardian Resource Center Libraries. Both the main library at the Spaulding School and the satellite collections at Ashby and Peter Fitzpatrick schools have a large number of parenting books, articles, brochures, and videos. If you have any parenting books that you would like to donate to the Resource Center we would love to have them.

We have a number of ways for you to meet with other parents including:

THE ASHBY PARENT DISCUSSION / PLAYGROUP: Ashby parents are meeting with their little ones in the Ashby Parent Resource Room on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 1:30 to 3 pm.

DEVELOPMENTAL PLAYGROUP FOR TODDLERS: 18 Months to three years will be offered on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 12:00 at the Ashby Elementary School. Registration is required and participants will be asked to bring a bag lunch. This group is presently full, but please call Nancy to be placed on the waiting list.

TIME FOR ME: PARENT-CHILD DISCUSSION / PLAYGROUP: For parents and their infants, toddlers, and preschoolers meets on Friday mornings from 9 am to 10:15 at the Peter FitzPatrick Parent Resource Room. A second group will be offered at the Spaulding Memorial School on Tuesday afternoons from 1 to 2:45 PM. Come join the fun! Registration required please call Nancy @978-597-6161

ADOPTIVE, FOSTER, OR KINSHIP PARENTS: For parents who have formed or added to their families through adoption or foster care - this group usually meets the last Wednesday of each month at the Spaulding School Library from 7 to 8:30.

THE MULTIPLES GROUP: This group for parents of twins, triplets or more typically meets the third Wednesday of each month from 3:30 to 5 pm at the Spaulding School. For more information please call Nancy..

THE LARGE FAMILY GROUP: (most of the members have four or more children) generally meets the first Wednesday of each month from 9 to 10:45 AM in the Spaulding School Cafeteria.

A SINGLE PARENT'S NETWORK: is alsoavailable. For more information please call Nancy @ (978) 597-6161.

THE BEST BEGINNINGS PARENT -INFANT PROGRAM: for parents of infants in the first year of life recently began a new nine week series on Friday mornings from 10:30 to 12:15 at the Peter Fitzpatrick School. For more information or to register please call Nancy Amante at (978) 597-6161