PARENT RESOURCE CENTER PROGRAMS

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 run by Nancy Amante. Nancy is an 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 first Wednesday of each month from 2:30 to 6 pm.

ASHBY ELEMENTARY: Second and Fourth Wednesday of each month from 1:30 to 3: 30 pm

PETER FITZPATRICK SCHOOL: Friday mornings: 8:30 to 9:00 AM in the school lobby and 11:30 to 12:15 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 Fitz 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:.

ASHBY PARENTS DISCUSSION/PLAY GROUP: 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 is 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. There is a waiting list for this group. For information please call Nancy at 978-597-6161.

TIME FOR ME: PARENT-CHILD DISCUSSION/ PLAYGROUP: For parents and their infants, toddlers and preschoolers a new group is beginning at Spaulding Memorial School Tuesday afternoons from 1-2:30. Come join the fun! Registration required for this group. The Peter Fitzpatrick group is currently full. Please call 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.

THE MULTIPLES GROUP: This group of parents of twins, triplets. or more usually meets the third Wednesday of each month from 3:30 to 5 PM. 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 9:00 to 10:45 AM in the Spaulding School Cafeteria.

A network for SINGLE PARENTS is also available. If you might be interested call Nancy for more information.

BEST BEGINNINGS PARENT - INFANT PROGRAM: For parents of infants in the first year of life has begun a new series at the Peter Fitzpatrick School. For more information or to register please call Nancy Amante at 978 -597-6161.

If you would like more information on any of the above or if you would like to take part in the Parent Advisory Board for the Parent Resource Center or even if you have any ideas on additions to our program please call Nancy at 978-597-6161.