Medford Family Network Newsletter

of the Medford Public Schools A Friend to Know...a Place to Grow!

The Medford Family Network and the Friends of the Medford Public Library present...

Spring 2013

Haitian Flag Day!

In collaboration with Holiness Multiservice Center, Medford Housing Authority, City of Medford Office of Human Diversity, MFN ESOL, and Medford High School Haitian Club

A Story Walk with Mayor McGlynn

Harvey the Baker

Author, Lars Klinting

Saturday, May 18, 2013 12:004:00 pm

MFN Family Center 489 Winthrop Street, Medford

Thursday, April 18, 2013 11:00 am12:00 pm

Starts at Century Bank & Trust 1 Salem Street, Medford Join Mayor McGlynn as he leads us on the Story Walk through Medford Square. The Mayor will lead us as we read Harvey the Baker, this years choice by the Medford Public Library as part of their annual Community Read program (www.medfordlibrary.org). Pages of the book will be on display in several merchants windows. The last page will be located at the Childrens Department of the Medford Public Library, 111 High Street, where there will be snacks and surprises! Call the Medford Family Network at (781) 393-2106 Registration is recommended but not required.

Join us for an afternoon of family celebration including music, Haitian food, childrens activities, resource and information tables, and Haitian cultural displays.
Call (781) 393-2106 to register and for transportation options.

Annual Teddy Bear Picnic!

Friday, June 28, 2013 10:00 am - 12:00 pm OR Saturday, June 29, 2013 10:00 am 12:00 pm
Both picnics at Victory Park,
Winthrop Street, Medford

Featuring...

Knucklebones Gymnastics Play!

Parachute Play! Face Painting! Games! Bubbles! Hula Hoops! Obstacle Course! Sing-a-Long! Crafts with Recyclables!

Medford Family Network Family Center

Medford High School 489 Winthrop Street, Medford, MA 02155 Phone: (781) 393-2106 Fax: (781) 393-2123 Email: mcassidy@medford.k12.ma.us Website: medfordfamilynetwork.org Http://www.medfordfamilies.org Find Us On Facebook Medford Family Network Marie Cassidy, Family Support Coordinator Heather Fuller, Program Aide Julie Evans, Office Worker Office Hours: 9:00 am5:00 pm (MondayFriday)
* Casa necessite de um Interprete para traduzir esta informacao, favor contactar o escritorio de ELL no numero 781-393-2348. * Si un Interprete es necesitado para tradusir esta informacion, por favor contacta la officina de ELL en numero 781-393-2348. * Si w bezwen yo Entepret pou tradui enfomasyon sa a pou wou, souple rele biwo ELL nan nimewo sa a 781-393-2348.

Teddy Bear Parade!

Bring your favorite Teddy or any Lovie! Pack a picnic! Bring a blanket! Enjoy the fun! Registration is Required! (781) 393-2106!

Let us know which day you will attend!

Call for directions and/or transportation options

In Case of Rain We Will Play Inside in the Front Foyer of the Medford High School

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Page 2 Family Support/Parent Education Programs Page 3 Ways to Play Together! Page 4 Special MFN Programming Page 5 MFN Resources Page 6 Brain Building in Progress Page 7 Parent Leadership Opportunities Page 8 What is the MFN?

Family Support Programs

Call the Medford Family Network at (781) 393-2106.

New Moms Group Facilitated by Aine OMalley, Parent Leader, JF&CS

Drop-in Format

Every Monday 10:30 am12:00 pm Location: MFN Family Center Are you a new mom? Would you like to join a group of others who know exactly what you mean by the word tired? Welcome to a great supportive network and a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends for yourself and new playmates for your child!

Grandparents and Others Facilitated by Arlene Wish, Parent Leader, Council on Aging

Registration Required

Every Thursday until May 30 10:00 am11:30 am Location: MFN Family Center Grandparents and Others is a support group that provides an avenue to meet others who are caring for their grandchild(ren) either on a full or part-time basis and to offer support, ideas and compassion. Issues of limit setting and other child-rearing topics such as teaching children safety and empathy are discussed.

Babysitting Exchange Program - Barter for Child Care! Hosted by Adrienne Szafranski, MFN Parent Leader Calling All Haitian FamiliesRefreshments & Child Care Provided! Hosted by Georgiana Chevry, MFN Outreach Worker

Registration Required

We welcome families who are interested in participating in this family-friendly program. Please feel free to contact Adrienne at adrnnszf@aol.com to join and/or to learn more about the Exchange. The program includes monthly family playtime gatherings.

Registration Required

Wednesday, April 10 6:30 pm8:00 pm Location: MFN Family Center Come share your family needs, including child care, parenting information, educational and career opportunities, English (ESOL) classes, Medford Resources for families, bilingual family services (Kreyol/English), and much more. Please RSVP by Monday, April 8 at (781) 393-2106 to register and for child care.

Help Me Grow ProgramAges & Stages Questionnaires!

This program enables parents to monitor their childs growth and developmentcognitively, physically, emotionally, and socially. Your child has every opportunity for optimal growth and development. Please call (781) 393-2106 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Babies, Bibs & Books Program (FREE Gift Bag) - Call (781) 393-2106! Presented by the Medford Family Network (MFN)
This is a literacy program designed to introduce the importance and joy of reading to your baby. The MFN is distributing FREE gift bags to first-time moms and dads who live or work in Medford. These bags include a Board Book, bib, MFNs newsletter, Medford Community Directory, and general developmental information and activities to help your baby learn and grow.

Parenting Education Programs

Call the Medford Family Network at (781) 393-2106 to register, child care and/or transportation options.

In the Middle (A Program for Parents of Middle-School Aged Youth) Facilitated by Howard Wolfe, LMFT Wednesday, May 1 Teenage Obnoxiousness I 7:008:30 pm Wednesday, June 5Teenage Obnoxiousness II 7:008:30 pm

Registration Required

Location: McGlynn School Library Location: McGlynn School Library Parenting middle school-aged youth is a challenging task. Join this series of discussions about adolescent development, effective communication, encouraging responsibility and cooperation and problem solving. Snacks and handouts are included! Please register for one, two or both! Call the MFN at (781) 393-2106! Child care is not available for this program.

Parent Caf Follow UpExciting New Programs! Facilitated by Debbie Weinstock Savoy, MFN Parent Educator Wednesday, April 17Strategies to Reduce Overload 7:008:30 pm Wednesday, April 24The Art of Me Time 7:008:30 pm

Registration Required

Location: MFN Family Center Location: MFN Family Center Thanks to the great feedback from our parents we are happy to offer these two new workshops about managing the demands of work, family and the rest of life. Join us for either one or both as we explore ways that help us effectively reduce overload and increase personal satisfaction. Call the MFN at (781) 393-2106 to register!

Cooking Matters Hands-on Cooking & Nutrition Class! Hosted by Cooking Matters

Registration Required

Location: Edgerly Hall, Saltonstall Bldg, 6 Tuesdays; May 21, 28; June 4, 11, 18, 25 6:008:00 pm 121 Riverside Avenue, Medford Work with a professional chef and nutrition instructor and learn how to choose, buy and prepare delicious, healthy and inexpensive meals! Workshop includes free groceries, delicious recipes and nutrition information, cooking class and supplies. Call Lisa Tonello at (781) 396-7200 x130! To learn more about Cooking Matters, visit www.cookingmatters.org. Medford Family Network * 489 Winthrop Street * Medford, MA 02155 * (781) 393-2106 * www.medford.k12.ma.us 2

Ways to Play Together!

TRAVELING PLAYGROUPS IN THE PARK

9:30 - 11:30 AM
Mondays
May 6 (Harris) May 20 (Carr) June 3 (Condon Shell) June 17 (Cummings)

Drop-in Playtime Schedule at the Family Center!

Parents, Caregivers, Guardians welcome! April 2013
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 2:00 pm5:00 pm (except 4/15) No Drop-ins (except 4/16) 12:00 pm5:00 pm (except 4/17) 1:30 pm3:00 pm (except 4/18) 2:30 pm5:00 pm (except 4/19) 9:30 am12:30 pm (4/6, 4/13 only)

Tuesdays
May 7 (Cummings) May 14 (Hickey) May 21 (Tufts) May 28 (Harris) June 4 (Dugger) June 11 (Capen) June 18 (Victory) June 25 (Logan)

April Vacation 2013

Monday, April 15 Tuesday, April 16 Wednesday, April 17 Thursday, April 18 Friday, April 19 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Closed 9:00 am1:00 pm 9:00 am1:00 pm 9:00 am1:00 pm 9:00 am1:00 pm

Thursdays
May 9 (Barry) May 16 (Playstead) May 23 (Cummings) May 30 (Hickey) June 6 (Tufts) June 13 (Harris) June 20 (Dugger) June 27 (Capen)

Fridays
May 10 (Harris) May 17 (Dugger) May 24 (Capen) May 31 (Barry) June 7 (Playstead) June 14 (Cummings) June 21 (Carr) June 28 (Victory)

May 2013
9:00 am10:00 am and 12:00 pm 5:00 pm 9:00 am 3:00 pm 12:00 pm 5:00 pm 9:00 am 3:00 pm 1:30 pm 3:00 pm (5/2 only) 9:00 am 5:00 pm 2:30 pm 5:00 pm (5/3 only)

June 2013
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 9:00 am5:00 pm 9:00 am2:30 pm 12:00 pm5:00 pm (6/5, 6/19) 9:00 am5:00 pm (6/12, 6/26) 9:00 am2:30 pm 9:00 am5:00 pm (No Drop-in, 6/7)

Bubbles! Balls! Sidewalk Chalk! Art Activities! Parachute Play! Childrens Play Structures! Songs! Summer Fun Activity and Information! Community Resources!
If it is NOT pouring, we are playing! If it IS raining, please call the MFN to find out if we will be at the park! (781) 393-2106 Please register at the park each day you attend. Pack a snack and a beverage! Bring sunscreen! We will have a First Aid kit for emergencies! Please call (781) 393-2106 regarding transportation options and/or directions. Call (617) 222-3200 or visit www.mbta.com for bus information!

What is Drop-in Playtime?

This is a wonderful opportunity to play and interact with your child(ren). Come down and enjoy the company of other families with young children while playing in our large playroom. Every family is expected to clean up and put away what they used before they leave.

Babes in the Woods

Sponsored by the Friends of the Middlesex Fells

Tuesdays: Babes Classic (All Ages) Thursdays: Adventure Babes (Not stroller-friendly) Saturdays: Family Babes (All Ages) 10:0011:30 am (Location: Varies) Special Event About Hiking with Kids Saturday, June 15 10:00 amNoon
Greenwood Parking Lot (across from Stoneham Zoo) Contact the Friends of the Middlesex Fells for more information by calling (781) 662-2340 or visiting www.fells.org.

** Hike Leaders Wanted! ** ** Training Provided! **

Medford Family Network * 489 Winthrop Street * Medford, MA 02155 * (781) 393-2106 * www.medford.k12.ma.us 3

Special MFN Programming!

Please call (781) 393-2106 with questions!

Character Breakfast with Curious George!

Sponsored by The Greater Boston Reading Council

Saturday, May 4, 2013 9:3011:00 am

McGlynn Elementary School Cafeteria, 3002 Mystic Valley Parkway, Medford

Bananas! Yogurt! Juice! Bagels and Strawberry Cream Cheese! Fruit Bowl! Face Painting! Have your picture taken! Make Your Own Picture Frame! FREE Books for Children! FREE Literacy Packet for Caregivers! Registration is Required! Call (781) 393-2106
Call for directions and/or transportation options!

Parent University 2013

Sponsored by Joint Committee for Childrens Health Care in Everett (JCCHCE)

Family Fun on 1st Friday Nights

Facilitated by Cindy Sabbag and Bernadette Kennedy

Saturday, April 6, 2013 8:00 am2:00 pm

Everett High School
A FREE One Day Conference for Parents, Families, Educators and the Communities (includes breakfast, lunch and child care). Join us and learn about...helping your child manage fear; how to raise a reader; ideas for family fun; asking/answering tough questions; round table discussions. Contact the JCCHCE office at (617) 394-2414 or email at jtcomm4children@comcast.net Call MFN at (781) 393-2106 for transportation options.

3 Fridays; April 5; May 3; June 7 6:008:00 pm

Medford High School Front Lobby

Special Guest on April 5Knucklebones!

MFN on the Move with Music & Movement! Scooter Boards! Hula Hoops! Parachute Play! Ball Toss-Throughs! Balance Beam! Building with Boxes! Special Fun Finale! For Ages 28!

Call (781) 393-2106 to register!

Swap Day
Hosted by Tamar Siegel, MFN Parent Leader Help Others and Help Yourself! [For Families who live or work in Medford[

Sunday, June 9 3:004:30 pm

New Location: Temple Shalom Auditorium, 475 Winthrop Street, Medford (right next door to the high school)
What can you donate? Gently-used and clean toys, books, music and movies for all ages, baby equipment (no stuffed animals; car seats older than 5 years; cribs or large furniture, please), clothes for infants, toddlers, kids, tweens and teens; maternity wear (no other adult clothing, please). Donations must be small enough to carry.

You do not need to donate in order to take items.

Contact Tamar Siegel at rtsiegel@comcast.net or call the MFN at (781) 393-2106 with questions. Please drop off items at the MFN Family Center on Friday, June 7; between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm ONLY, or anytime between Monday, June 3 and Saturday, June 8 on the porch of 155 Forest Street, Medford.

Medford Family Network * 489 Winthrop Street * Medford, MA 02155 * (781) 393-2106 * www.medford.k12.ma.us 4

MFN Resources
Please Call (781) 393-2106! We Need You!
We are seeking parents who have compelling stories to share as part of a Speakers Bureau that is being created by the Childre ns Trust Fund (CTF). The focus is on the importance of family support services in our community. This project includes staff support and training. For full details, please call Marie Cassidy at (781) 393-2106.

Freebie FoyerPlease excuse our messy while we try to make it dressy! Come by and check out our FREE gently-used items
including books, maternity wear, infant and childrens clothing, and baby essentials. To donate, bring items to the MFN Offi ce! We will check each item for safety and appropriateness and then place them in the Freebie Foyer. Also, feel free to give us a call at (781) 393-2106 if you need a particular item.

Lost & Found

We will hold lost/misplaced items for one month in the Lost & Found basket, located at the sign-in desk. If appropriate we will donate any unclaimed items to a local charity. Please let us know as soon as possible if you have lost a particular item.

Lending Library
We are looking for suggestions for parenting and childrens books to purchase for our Lending Library. Please call (781) 393 -2106 with your favorite titles. Each month, we will feature a different author or Illustrator of recommended parenting and childr ens books. This months parenting author is Kim John Payne who wrote Simplicity Parenting. This months childrens author is Lars Klinting who wrote the Handy Harvey series.

This is What I Have...This is What I Need

If you have something you would like to move along to another family or something that you need, you can now host these items on the board in the Parent Resource area called This is What I Have...This is What I Need. Index cards will be available for you to complete and post on the silver magnet boards. Please be sure to date each card.

Public School Information

Visit www.medfordpublicschools.org Medford Public Schools Early Childhood Office
The Early Childhood Office is a local point of entry. Parents/guardians can call the Early Childhood Office at (781) 393-2102 to find out information about quality early education and care and summer camps. The office can assist with placing eligible families on the Department of Early Education and Care centralized wait list for child careinfant, toddler, preschool, and school age.

Kindergarten Registration for the 2013-14 School Year

Kindergarten enrollment is for children who will be five (5) years of age by August 31, 2013. Registration will be held at the Parent Information Center located in the main lobby of the Medford High School (489 Winthrop Street) during the weeks of April 1, 8, 22 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 to 2:30 pm.

Building Bridges to Kindergarten - Two Dates!

Registration Required

Hosted by Shelley Gross, Early Childhood/Afterschool Director and Nancy Sherman-Hudson, Kindergarten Teacher, Brooks School
Tuesday, April 9 7:008:00 pm Location: Medford High School Library* [Preceded and followed by an Open House at Medford Family Network Family Center, 6:30 - 7:00 pm and 8:00 - 8:30 pm] Thursday, April 25 7:00 - 8:00 pm Location: Medford Public Library Informational meeting for parents and families of incoming Kindergarteners! Come to either meeting for Program Overview and Highlights; Question and Answer Opportunities. * Child care/interpreters available by request at the MHS presentation only. Requests must be received by Friday, April 5. Please call (781) 393-2102.

Make Way For Kids Preschool Openings for 2013-14

Tuesdays/Thursdays (3 yr olds) 12:25 pm2:20 pm Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays (4 yr olds) 9:00 am11:30 am Child must be 3 and 4 years old by August 31, 2013. This program provides a safe and warm environment where children learn through play. Contact Michele Farquharson at (781) 393-2210 for more information.

Medford Early Education Program (MEEP) Preschool Screening

Registration Required

The Medford Public Schools is offering monthly preschool screenings. This is an opportunity for you and your child to meet with specialists and discuss concerns regarding your preschooler. To schedule an appointment, please contact Suzanne MacEachern at (781) 393-2381 or via email at smaceachern@medford.k12.ma.us. Recommendations are made on the day of the screening.

McGlynn Preschool - Full School-Day Program 2013-14!

Registration will begin in May. This is a five-day a week school year program. Child must be four years old by August 31, 2013. If demand exceeds space, a lottery system will take place. To receive an application or for more information, please contact Cheryl Alpers at (781) 393-2102 or via email at calpers@medford.k12.ma.us. Medford Family Network * 489 Winthrop Street * Medford, MA 02155 * (781) 393-2106 * www.medford.k12.ma.us 5

Brain Building in Progress

Celebrate Brain Building in Progress (BBIP) Week April 14-20, 2013
Science shows that early experiences build the foundation for a lifetime of learning, achievement and productive, responsible citizenship. The week of April 14 will be our kick off to new resources in the Family Center and special events in the City. Be on the lookout for the yellow signs throughout the Family Center that indicate MFNs commitment to offering enriching learning opportunities. On April 15 Mayor McGlynn will read his Proclamation of Brain Building Week; Beginning April 15 MFN will have new BBIP activities on display to take home and use; On April 18 Mayor McGlynn will lead a Story Walk through Medford Square up to the Library; At MFN activities, new BBIP magnets will be given to our families as a reminder to build those brains; On April 19 Tufts Traveling Treasure Trunk will hold a Brain Building in Progress performance. Download a toolkit of resources at: www.BrainBuildingInProgress.org

Supported by the Department of Early Education and Care and the United Way

Community Resources
Call the Medford Family Network at (781) 393-2106

Local Food Pantries in Medford

Community Cupboard Food Pantry at Unitarian Universalist Church (781) 396-4549 (Thursdays; 6:00 to 7:30 pm) Saint Francis Food Pantry (781) 396-3400 (Thursdays; 3:00 to 4:30 pm) Shiloh Baptist Church (781) 483-8850 (Every second Tuesday; 6:00 to 7:00 pm; every third Saturday; 10:00 to 11:00 am) First Evangelical Church of Holiness (781) 391-1443 (Last Saturday of every month; 2:304:30 pm) Bread of Life (781) 397-0404; 54 Eastern Avenue, Malden (Wednesdays; 4:00 - 6:00 pm; Fridays; 2:00 - 4:00 pm)

WIC
WIC is a health and nutrition program sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Contact the Malden office at (781) 338-7578 or visit www.mass.gov/wic to see if you are eligible.

Hallmark Health Healthy Families Program

FREE prenatal and parenting education, home visits, parenting activities, groups and more, for first time young parents (20 and under). For more information, call (781) 338-7550.

EMARC
EMARC is a non-profit organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities. The Family Resource Center offers assistance to parents and other primary caregivers in their efforts to provide care in the home and community for a child or an adult. For more information, contact Judy Santa Maria at (781) 942-4888 x2314 or visit www.theemarc.org

Regal CinemasFREE Ticket!

Regal Cinemas has an unwritten policy of providing one free companion ticket when you go to the movies with a person with developmental disabilities. All you have to do is ask!

Summer Camps and Program Listings

1) American Camp Association (ACA) (781) 541-6080; www.acanewengland.org 2) KidsCamps.com (877) 242-9330; www.kidscamps.com 3) National Camp Association (NCA) (800) 966-2267; www.summercamp.org 4) Medford Community Schools Program (781) 393-2226; www.medfordpublicschools.org 5) Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC); www.medfordpublicschools.org/for-parents/medford-sepac/

Sing-A-Longs with Matt Heaton

Wednesdays; April 10, May 8, June 12 10:00 am

Drop-in Format
Location: Bestsellers Caf, Medford

Join Matt for songs both silly and sublime as he performs for the under three foot crowd. Visit mattandshannonheaton.com

Sing-A-Longs with Liza Kitchell

Thursdays; April 25; May 16 10:00 am

Drop-in Format
Location: Medford Public Library

Have lots of fun and enjoy singing, clapping and action with your baby and toddler! Sing-a-longs are for parents and children.

Park Serve Day 2013 at Breakheart Reservation

Saturday, April 20 10:00 amNoon

Registration Required
Location: Breakheart Visitor Center

Join thousands of volunteers across the Commonwealth to clean, plant, and beautify your state park. Pre-register at http://parkserv.env.state.ma.us 6

Parent Leadership Opportunities

Medford Family Network Advisory Board (MFN) Friends of the Medford Family Network Board (FMFN)
The FMFN is a nonprofit corporation comprised of MFN parents who promote and support MFN by raising funds for its programs. The FMFN is looking for a few good men and women to serve on the Board for 2013-14. Do you love the Medford Family Network? Are you full of good ideas and enthusiasm? Do you have marketing, sales, accounting, writing, graphic design, web design or administrative skills? Then we want you! If you have other skills and the desire to give back, we absolutely want you, too! Help us plan our annual fabulous fundraisers (last year, we threw an awesome party and raised $12,000, and $2,100 at the Valentine Ice Cream Social). We meet once a month at the home of a Board member, usually after the kids are in bed so that our meetings are more of a night out. We welcome you to join us on Thursday, April 25 from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. We also invite you to our Friends Family Mixer and Annual Meeting Friday, May 31 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the MFN Family Center Contact Debbie Steiner Hayes, President of the FMFN, for more details at (781) 395-8624 or via Debbie@medfordfamilies.org Check us out at www.medfordfamilies.org

Become a Member of the Medford Family Network Advisory Board! We are seeking new Board members. Current committees are... Parent Ambassador Program
To provide outreach to Medford families by attending citywide events. Material and training will be provided. [See box below].

Marketing/Public Relations Committee

To focus on communication, including brochures, press, newsletters and social media to ensure that MFN information is available in a variety of formats to all families.

Program Committee
To advise on program development and implementation; to assist in the planning and promotion of the Early Education and Care Fair as well as specialized programming such as Parent Caf, Dads groups, programs for working parents and parents of twins. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 11 from 6:15 to 8:15 pm at the MFN Family Center (includes dinner, child care and transportation options). For more information, please contact Marie Cassidy, Family Support Coordinator, at (781) 393-2106 or via email at mcassidy@medford.k12.ma.us.

Medford Family Resource Coalition Council (MFRC)

The Council is an early childhood governing body whose purpose is to plan, develop, and oversee the implementation of comprehensive, high-quality services to children, youth and families in the city. The next meeting is Thursday, May 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the MFN Family Center. For more information, please contact Shelley Gross, Early Childhood/Afterschool Director at (781) 393-2211 or via email at sgross@medford.k12.ma.us

MFN Parent Ambassador Program

We are seeking parents who have had positive experiences with the Network programs and are willing to Spread the Good News at local citywide events such as Circle the Square, Farmers Market, and Tufts Community Day. The goal is to train individuals

School Readiness and Early Childhood Curriculum Committee (SRECCC)

The Committee is a district-wide school readiness group of parents, teachers, administrators and providers that create protocols to ensure seamless transitions among home, preschools, kindergarten and grade 1. This is a standing committee of the MFRC (see MFRC above). We are seeking parents from all of those settings. For more information, please contact Shelley Gross, Early Childhood/Afterschool Director at (781) 393-2211 or via email at sgross@medford.k12.ma.us

and create teams of parents who will outreach to Medford families.

We want to ensure that everyone is aware of what the Network has to offer. Training provided. Call Marie Cassidy at (781) 393-2106

Medford Family Network * 489 Winthrop Street * Medford, MA 02155 * (781) 393-2106 * www.medford.k12.ma.us 7

What is the Medford Family Network (MFN)?

The Medford Family Network of the Medford Public Schools is a universal (everyone welcome) parenting education and family sup port program focusing on the positive impact on the developmental process of children birth to age 13, and supporting the families that ca re for them. All adults who live or work in Medford, caring for young children, are welcome! This is accomplished through parenting education worksh ops; discussion groups; age-specific play and learn groups; new moms groups; home visitations; family events; a lending library; a family resource/drop-in center; information and referral services; family literacy initiatives; and individual consultations. There are programs for dads, grandparents, single parents, parents who speak languages other than English; working parents; and at-home parents. Programs are held at a variety of sites around the city weekdays, evenings and weekends. Many activities are co-sponsored with other family-serving agencies. Parent advisory, governing and leadership roles are available and encouraged.

Information & Referral Services

If you have questions or concerns about your child(ren), family, or want to know about community resources, you can always ca ll on the MFN. Our role is to listen and help you find the information you need. Stop by the MFN Family Center at the Medford High School o r call us at (781) 393-2106. We can make an appointment to meet with you at the Center, in another location, or just take some time to talk on the phone. Please let us know what is important for the healthy growth and development of you and your family. We are here to make a di fference... and you are the one who can make that happen!

FY13 Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) Grant Priorities:

These priorities are to: actively identify and serve families that are the most socially isolated, hard to reach, and hence at greatest risk for developmental delays; provide high-quality, accurate consumer information and parent education based on science; provide evidence-based early and family literacy programming; support families through the continuum of services and supports needed for child development birth to age 13, including intentional support into kindergarten; and provide linkage to comprehensive services to support optimal child devel opment for families and for early education and care programs.

FY13 Childrens Trust Fund (CTF) Grant Priorities:

The Childrens Trust Fund helps parents navigate the joys and challenges of raising children. The focus is based on the Stre ngthening Families Approach: parental resilience; social connections; concrete supports in times of need; knowledge of parenting and child devel opment; social and emotional competence of children. MFN incorporates all of these factors into its programming throughout the year in a variety of methods and activities.

www.onetoughjob.org (Childrens Trust Fund)

An online resource for parents. It offers online parenting information, tips, and support and connects moms and dads with real-life parenting resources.

A FRIEND TO KNOWA PLACE TO GROW!

MEDFORD FAMILY NETWORK MEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL 489 WINTHROP STREET MEDFORD, MA 02155

Medford Family Network (MFN) is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) grant, the Childrens Trust Fund (CTF), the Friends of the Medford Family Network (FMFN) Corp., and the generous donations from our families and friends.