Student Services - Parent Outreach Program

Are you aware that our school system has an Early Childhood Parent Resource Center?

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. You can reach her at (978) 597-6161.

Also please check out the Parent-Guardian Resource Center Libraries. The main library at the Spaulding School. A collection of parenting books, articles, brochures, and videos is also available at the Ashby Elementary School with plans to establish a collection at the Varnum Brook Elementary School. 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 PARENTS DISCUSSION/PLAY GROUP: Ashby parents are meeting with their little ones in the Ashby Parent Resource Room on alternate Wednesdays of each month from 10:30 to 11:45 am. Please call (978)597-6161 for a schedule.

DEVELOPMENTAL LANGUAGE BASED PLAYGROUP FOR TODDLERS (20 Months to three years) will be offered on alternate Wednesdays from 10:00 to 10:30 at the Ashby Elementary School. Registration is required, please call for more information and schedule.

TIME FOR ME: PARENT-CHILD DISCUSSION/ PLAYGROUP: Come join the fun! A Group for parents and their toddlers and preschoolers meets on Tuesday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:45 pm at the Squannacook Early Childhood Center. This group is currently full. If you would like to be placed on the waiting list please call Nancy @597-6161.

ADOPTIVE, FOSTER, OR KINSHIP PARENTS: For parents who have formed or added to their families through adoption or foster care. This group plans to meet the second Wednesday of the month (Exception: Nov. 18) for the remainder of the school year from 7 to 8:30 PM at the Spaulding School Library.

THE MULTIPLES GROUP: This group is for parents of twins, triplets or more. For more information please call Nancy @597-6161.

THE LARGE FAMILY GROUP: (most of the members have four or more children) generally meets the last Tuesday of each month from 9:15 to 10:45 am in the Spaulding School Cafeteria.

A SINGLE PARENT NETWORK is also available. Please call Nancy for more information

The following Parenting Topic Discussion Groups are also available: Please call (978) 597-6161 for a schedule of dates and topics:

SPAULDING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
Second Tuesday of each month: 9:15 to 10 AM

SQUANNACOOK PRESCHOOL PARENT GROUPS:
AM Group- alternate Tuesdays/11 to 11:45AM
PM Group- alternate Mondays/ 12:15 to 1 PM

VARNUM BROOK ELEMENTARY: To be announced: please watch your newsletter for details