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Overview | Child Care Resources | Resources for Parents & Families | Resources for Providers | Site Survey | Family Day Care | Child Enrichment Center | Information and Referral

Resources for Parents & Families

The Boston Bar Association (BBA) has published the 3rd edition of the Parents’ How-To Guide to Children’s Mental Health Services in Massachusetts (Guide).
The Guide is designed to help parents in Massachusetts find the child mental health resources and services their children need. This newest edition expands the Guide to address developmental and autism spectrum disorders, broadens the discussion of school-based and special education programs, and adds many new references to the Resource List at the end of the Guide. This edition also updates the Guide to incorporate recent developments which include new coordination of care initiatives, such as Unified Planning Teams, that bridge programs and Departments within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), and the Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative, which establishes a new coordinated system of community-based mental health services.

Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Agencies: The agencies provide a number of different services to parents and providers. Referrals are given to parents who are looking for quality child care in their area. Education is given to consumers regarding child care licensing guidelines, types of child care, and information about choosing child care. The CCR&R’s also provide subsidized child care to families of low to moderate incomes.

Department of Early Education and Care (EEC): EEC provides the foundation that supports all children in their development as lifelong learners and contributing members of the community, and supports families in their essential work as parents and caregivers. The website offers information and resources on child care providers, options for financial assistance, grants for individuals and organizations, professional development, special education, family support, in addition to regulations and policies.
EEC Offices

  • 51 Sleeper Street, 4th Floor
    Boston, MA 02210
    P: 617.988.6600
    F: 617.988.2451
    TTY: 617.988.2454
  • 95 Liberty Street, Suite 1124
    Springfield, MA 01103
    P: 413.788.8401
    F: 413.784.1227
  • Central Massachusetts

    • 10 Austin Street
    Worcester, MA 01609
    P: 508.798.5180
    F:508.798.5181

Helpful links on the EEC website:

Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA): DTA assists low income individuals and families meet the basic needs, increase their income, and improve their quality of life.

Helpful links on the DTA website:

Office Locations 

DTA Regulations 

Eligibility for Cash Assistance and Food Stamps (SNAP) 

Application for Food Stamps (SNAP)

Department of Revenue (DOR):  The Child Support Enforcement Division’s mission is to make a difference in the lives of children by enforcing the financial responsibilities of parenthood. The division assists parents in establishing paternity and child support orders, collecting child support, and asking courts to adjust child support orders when circumstances change.

Helpful links on the DOR website:

Information for Parents 

Handbook on Child Support Enforcement

Child Support Case Manager

Woman, Infants, and Children (WIC): WIC is a nutrition program that provides nutrition and health education, healthy food, and other free services to qualified Massachusetts residents.

Helpful links on the WIC website:

WIC Office Locations

Income Guidelines

Applying to WIC

Early Intervention (EI): EI is a statewide developmental service available to families of children between birth and three years of age. Children are eligible for EI services if they have developmental difficulties due to identified disabilities, or if typical development is at risk due to certain birth or environmental circumstances.

Search for EI Services by city/town

MassHealth: MassHealth is a program that provides broad health insurance coverage to help the financially needy obtain high-quality health care that is affordable, promotes independence, and provides customer satisfaction. Helpful links on the MassHealth website:

Eligibility

Application for MassHealth

Local Resources:

Massachusetts Head Start: Head Start is a program for children and families to promote school readiness by providing comprehensive services to support healthy child development.

Massachusetts 2-1-1: A program funded through the United Way that gives information and referral to health and human services throughout Massachusetts. The website can be used but also 211 is dialed from any phone to receive assistance.

Nurturing Parents and Teachers: Nurturing Parents and Teachers is a consulting and education service created and run by Jill Vetstein LICSW. She provides workshops, training, consults, counseling, infant massage instruction, and parent/baby/child classes to parents, teachers, and caregivers of children ages birth to five years old.

Early Childhood Central: Early Childhood Central is a directory that provides comprehensive and useful information to members of Worcester, Massachusetts.

Parents Helping Parents: Parents Helping Parents is a nonprofit organization dedication to child abuse prevention. The organization provides two free parent services: 24 hour parent helpline and parent support groups that meet throughout Massachusetts.

Seven Hills Family Support Center: Seven Hills Family Support Center provides a variety of support to families of individuals with disabilities that allow them to networks with other families, have access to information and other resources, and feel supported while navigating the community and social service system.

Federation for Child with Special Needs: The Federation is a center for parents and parent organizations to work together on behalf of children with special needs and their families. The Federation offers workshops and training, advocacy and resources to parents of children with special needs and the professionals who serve them.

The Autism Resource Center for Central Massachusetts: The Mission of the Autism Resource Center is to support families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, to provide information to families regarding all aspects of family life impacted by autism, such as education, therapies, community inclusion, support groups in order to empower them to make informed choices, & to organize trainings.

Family Services of Central Massachusetts: Family Services of Central Massachusetts provides support, guidance and counseling to individuals and families in need, regardless of their ability to pay.

Worcester Resources: Worcester Resources provides detailed information regarding the many types of assistance available to those living in Worcester and the surrounding area. The information includes housing, food, health care and other basic services.

United Way of Central Massachusetts: The United Way invests in educational opportunities, supporting strong families, and building healthy communities.

Montachusett Opportunity Council (MOC): MOC develops collaborative opportunities and empowers low income individuals and families in the Montachusett region to achieve self sufficiency.

Spanish American Center: The Spanish American Center is an affiliate of MOC. Their mission is to serve the Hispanic population of Leominster, Massachusetts who are economically, culturally, and linguistically disadvantaged.

Centro Las Americas: Centro Las Americas is a no profit organization that provides high quality social services to the Hispanic population in Worcester community.

Battered Woman Programs: These programs provide assistance to victims of domestic violence.

CareNet: CareNet is a pregnancy resource center located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.

Community Health Connections: The mission of Community Health Connections is to provide high quality, comprehensive medical and behavioral health care, preventative and restorative dental care and pharmacy services to all residents of North Central Massachusetts.

Montachusett Interfaith Hospitality Network (MIHN): MIHN is a coalition of congregations that provide temporary shelter and transitional housing to families in crisis.

YWCA of Central Massachusetts: The YWCA offers a variety of programs and services that strengthen women and girls helping them to realize their full potential.

Baby’s Breath Crisis Nursery: Baby’s Breath Crisis Nursery provides primary prevention programs for child abuse and neglect by providing a safe and nurturing environment for at-risk children.

Mom’s and Dad’s Guide: This guide is a resource for parents to find activities and events for children and families within the areas of Metro West, Metro South and South Shore.

Project Bread: Project Bread is dedicated to alleviating, preventing, and ultimately ending hunger in Massachusetts. The agency provides a statewide resource and referral service for people facing hunger.

Parent/Professional Advocacy League: PPAL is an organization that promotes a strong voice for families of children and adolescents with mental health needs. PPAL advocates for supports, treatment, and policies that enable families to live in their communities in an environment of stability and respect.

Health Care for All Helpline: The Helpline is a free resource to help answer questions regarding health insurance coverage in Massachusetts.

Family TIES: Family Ties provides parent-to-parent support, information and referral services, and workshops to ensure that parents are confident in caring for their children with special needs.

Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC): The mission of WCAC is to stimulate change in the fundamental causes of poverty and to create and provide opportunities for economic self-sufficiency through services, partnerships, and advocacy.

New England Farm Workers’ Council (NEFWC): NEFWC provides the fuel assistance program to the Fitchburg area.

The Children’s Trust Fund: The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) leads statewide efforts to keep children safe from abuse and neglect by strengthening & supporting families. CTF ensures that parents and caregivers have the skills and knowledge necessary to raise safe and healthy children.

Families First: This program provides parenting programs that build positive relationships between parents and their children by educating the families and professionals that serve them through inspiring, hands-on workshops.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC): The CDC is one of the major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services. Their mission is to collaborate to create the expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health.

Healthy Children: Healthy Children is a parenting website that is backed by 60000 pediatricians that are committed to achieving optimal physical, mental and social health and well being of children from infants to young adults. This website contains information regarding the American Academy of Pediatrics.

US Department of Education: The mission of the US Department of Education is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.

Product Recalls This website is regulated by the US Government to better alert Americans about unsafe, hazardous, or defective products.

Kids.gov: This website is the official kid’s portal for the US Government. There are links to over 2000 web pages from government agencies, schools, and educational organizations.

Zero to Three: ZERO TO THREE is a national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers. Their mission is to promote the health and development of infants and toddlers.