Resources:

NEWSLETTER: The Family Networker is a monthly publication which includes a monthly calendar and information about parenting, child development, and safety issues as well as personal stories and recipes. Parent contributions are eagerly welcomed (Jeanne x.288). Sign up for our email version on the Newsletter page!

LENDING LIBRARY: The lending library is located at MV Community Services in the Early Childhood Programs building (closest to the street and surrounded by playgrounds). Toys, books and videos are available for borrowing. Parents may sign out materials for 3 days at a time. Please take the plastic tub containing the toy and double check the parts list before returning the toy. Items must be signed out with Pam (x280). A small collection of books and videos are available for borrowing from the Family Center. (Jen x288)

SWAP SHOP: An infant/toddler clothing and equipment exchange is located at the Family Center. It is self-serve and contributors maintain its orderliness. Call Jeanne (x288) to arrange a time to contribute.

FREE BOOK: Joining the Family Network entitles each family to a free book on child development and/or parenting concerns. The books are available at the Family Center, MV Community Services, and the MV Hospital Childbirth classes.

FYI: our telephone resource list for families with young children is available at the Family Center or by request. It will be updated periodically. It is our attempt to list the majority of local resources on one piece of paper. We welcome input, corrections and additions.
Staff can provide additional information about local resources. Marney x283.

For Parents & Children:

PLAYGROUPS are a great opportunity for children and their parents (or caregivers) to visit a fun, safe and developmentally appropriate play environment. Parents supervise the children they bring and help with cleanup. The Playgroup Facilitator will set up the activities, greet arriving families, monitor the room for safety, introduce parents to each other and model appropriate adult-child interactions. If you have questions about parenting strategies, child development issues or community resources, the facilitator will assist you or make sure that an appropriate staff member will contact you. Playgroups are a great opportunity for parents to connect with other parents and for children to make friends and engage in group play. Six playgroups are offered in two locations (Family Center and MV Community Services) and are available four days per week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday.) See the calendar for the current list. Playgroup formats include all ages (under 6), drop-in, and preregistered groups with limited numbers and/or limited ages.

INFANT MASSAGE A series of three classes is offered for parents with infants 2-6 months of age. Parents come with their infants and learn techniques for soothing and calming babies through gentle massage. This is also an excellent opportunity to meet and talk with other parents of infants. Preregistration is required.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES Each month, the Family Network calendar includes activities for families such as story times, potluck suppers, creative dramatics, sing-alongs, walks, hikes and bike rides. The entire family is encouraged to attend to have fun, meet other families and experience the wide variety of island resources available to families with young children. Some require preregistration and fill quickly so watch for your monthly newsletter and calendar.

LIBRARY STORY HOURS: Family Network Staff facilitate two story hours. Parents and children learn songs and finger plays and listen to stories at two of the Islands six public libraries. Aquinnah offers it’s story hour to children 0-5, while West Tisbury hosts a story time for 0-18 months. (Jen x.288)

For Parents:
The Family Network’s primary goal is to help strengthen and support all families in their efforts to raise healthy children. Our staff include friendly and knowledgeable early childhood, family systems, and breastfeeding professionals. Our focus is on enhancing family strengths. Many island parents have sought consultation on growth/ development, breastfeeding, health/safety, parenting, and assistance in times of stress. Your privacy and the well-being of your family are our overriding concern.

BROWN BAG LUNCHES: BBLs are offered once or twice a month on Thursdays at the Family Center. Local professionals are invited to answer questions about a variety of subjects which have included Safe Plants, Choking Infant/Child Rescue, Wills and Guardianship, Immunizations, Kids and Pets, and Homeopathy. Designed for working parents, topics come directly from parent requests. Call Marney, x283.
CLASSES: Parenting classes are offered evenings, late afternoons and occasionally on Saturdays. Past topics have included, Your 1 (2 or 3) Year Old, CPR/First Aid, Toileting, Discipline, Sleep, Grief and Loss, Siblings, Transitions, The Men They Will Become, Growing a Girl, Smoking Cessation and Parenting From the Heart. Most classes are offered in a series of 2-6 sessions and all require preregistration (Jen x.288). Topics come directly from parent requests.

CONSULTATION is available to answer questions, discuss a parenting concern, or to provide information about local resources. (Marney x.283)

DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENINGS: If you have a question or concern about your child’s development, a free screening will be provided upon request. Screenings can be conducted in your home, child care setting or our offices. (Marney, x283)

DISCUSSIONS/GATHERINGS: A variety of weekly and monthly discussion groups meet to share the joys and challenges of parenting. These groups are facilitated by staff members and/or consultants and were formed in response to parent requests. Check the calendar for dates and meeting places. Preregistration is not necessary except for requesting onsite childcare. Drop-ins are encouraged. The current offerings include but are not limited to:

Twice per week: Baby’s First Year (Infants welcome.)
Monthly: Adoptive Family Gathering,
Moms over 40
Dads Gathering

HEALTH SCREENINGS & IMMUNIZATIONS: Hearing and Vision Screenings are offered periodically and free immunization clinics are provided several times during the year. Watch the calendar for details. Advance registration
is always needed. (Pam x 280 )

HOME & FAMILY VISITS: Staff are available to provide hands on support and developmental screenings in the family home, our office, or a variety of other
settings. (Marney x 283)

PARENTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Parents gather on the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7 pm to provide direction on programming, budgeting and evaluation. Parents and staff rotate responsibility for bringing a potluck supper and onsite child care is available with a one week advanced reservation. All parents are welcome to attend. Meetings are chaired by parents on a
rotating basis. We want your input. (Jen x288)
*
PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Parent playtime has included some wonderful “night outs”: a 10-week knitting class, pottery painting, game night, scrap booking, sewing, and yoga. Preregistration is needed and a small materials fee may be added. New ideas are always welcome. (Jen x288)

RESPITE CARE: At times of family stress or unexpected events, staff have access to a variety of resources to assist families with short term childcare
and other supports.(Marney, x283)

RESOURCE & REFERRAL: Staff will help families find island and off-island resources. We publish FYI, an Island telephone resource list. Staff are available at Family Network events, by telephone, by mail and by e-mail. Families regularly consult staff about child care resources, child care funding resources, health insurance, health care providers, work opportunities, and emergencies related to
food, fuel and shelter.- (Marney, x283)

WARMLINES: Warmlines provide contact with someone who has faced the same experience. If you have experienced the following, call the listed staff member for a warmline referral.
Pregnancy Loss (Marney x283)
Infertility. (Marney x283)