Strengthening Families Newsletter

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Sign up today for one or more of the Fall "Play, Learn, and Grow Together" programs. Below complete the Registration Form, Early Literacy Survey, and ASQ. Once registered, you will receive your ZOOM invite with the link to attend a weekly group of your choice. Then receive a gift of new children's books. These books are for infants through Kindergarten age. An as we know, reading is another step towards future success! Invest early is our motto! ECAF gives special thanks for this generous donation of new bilingual children's books (English/Spanish), provided through a partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, Scholastic, and WGBH.

This group is play-based learning that has something for every young learner. We will imagine, create, sing, and read with the intent of enhancing the 5 domains of child development -- communication, gross and fine motor, problem-solving, and personal-social skills. All ages welcome! Time subject to change.

This group is geared toward the family with a 3-5 year old who wants to learn school readiness skills prior to entering a formal early childhood education program such as child care or Kindergarten. We will explore early literacy skills, science, technology, engineering, art, math (STEAM), and social emotional learning. Time subject to change.

Join us as we share our bedtime routine together with a story, family activity, calming music, and relaxation exercises to get us ready for going to bed. Hope to see you Thursday evenings! All ages welcome! Time subject to change.

A special time for you and/or your baby to meet other parents with or without your infant (birth-9 months old) or school age children. Each week we will share information about common hot topics. If your infant or other children join us, we will sing songs and read a story together. Resources, support, and self care is the intent of this group as well as having some fun. We all know the new virtual world is a challenge where we as parents are trying our best to balance the remote responsibilities of school and work. This family support and education group is an opportunity to form new friendships, gain peer to peer support, and have some fun. Many friendships are often born out of this group. Sign up required to gain access to join the LIVE ZOOM group. Time subject to change. If interested, email Jane at jdehaven@framingham.k12.ma.us

Don't forget you can also have more family fun with our parent-child early learning programs on the Early Childhood Alliance virtual program page located on the ECAF website. Click here for quick, easy, and direct access!

Join us for prerecorded programs with Vera, Mae, and other friends who provide bilingual opportunities in Portuguese and Spanish reading stories and sharing activities. If you would like to share a story or activity in your home language, send us a link.

STORY TIME IN PORTUGUESE - "Vamos à caça de um Urso" (We're Going On a Bear Hunt)

STORY TIME IN PORTUGUESE - "O Sapo Vai ao Médico"

Raising Emerging Bilinguals Thank you Mae, Maya, and Mateo for sharing stories and important conversations with the ECAF family!

To learn more about the internationally recognized home visitation program, CLICK HERE!

You are invited to complete the AGES & STAGES PARENT QUESTIONNAIRE to learn more about your child's development. A great time to observe and reflect what your child is doing at different ages and learn about each stage. After you complete the questionnaire, we will review the information about your child's development with you, share handouts to further enhance their growth, and provide you with a copy of the completed questionnaire.

Visit Framingham Public Library's website and learn more about children and adult offerings.

WGBH has an array of learning resources for the 3-8 year old. Click below to enjoy these educational programs.
WGBH Family Fun Activities and More

Outdoor RX offers families programs that involve nature and education using your natural environment. Click the picture and see more information about their programs.

Virtual Program 1: Bark Rubbing

Virtual Program 2: Nature Bracelets
More Comprehensive Resources.from Outdoor RX and the Appalachian Mountain Club.

The ECAF 2020 updated The ECAF Resource Guide For Early Childhood has been updated and is now available. This guide is comprehensive and filled with information on understanding how to find the type of early childhood program that is a good match for your family and provides a listing of Framingham area programs. In addition, included in the booklet is a map of the Framingham Public Schools, a listing of school contact information, and helpful tips for getting ready for school. There is a listing of parks, and an extensive list of helpful community resources. A quick click here will take you to this useful guide that comes in three languages and is conveniently located on the ECAF website.

• City of Framingham Resources - click the link to access the City of Framingham website. There is helpful information and resources for residents as well as the latest updates on the CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

• WHAT FAMILIES NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHILD CARE REOPENING Guidelines from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
  Spanish - Portuguese - Chinese

• An important creative and family friendly educational message about wearing masks

• Massachusetts Home Visiting Initiative Comprehensive list of resources
  
• MASS 211 need help call the multilingual hotline 24/7 to access resources at: 1-877-211-6277
• Social Story What Nathan and His Friends Can Do English Spanish Portuguese
  
• Hello I Am A Virus! A kid-friendly booklet about COVID-19. Author: Manuela Molina Cruz
  English - Spanish - Portuguese - Arabic
• Free From Audible Books - Children's Stories

The Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham (ECAF) has created virtual Play, Learn, and Grow Together programs for you to enjoy at home. Each week we will focus on a theme and create a Play, Learn, and Grow Together experience over the course of 2 - 3 videos. In addition, we will share other familiar programs that will include: PJ Family Story Hour. Let's Go to Kindergarten, Baby Talk, and more. We hope these videos will provide your family with ways to come together through literacy.

We will also share other links to programs, resources, and tips to help you navigate your daily routine. You can access the videos and resources in the following places:

• ECAF Email Communications
• ECAF Strengthening Families E-Newsletter
• ECAF Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham Facebook Page
• ECAF Live with The Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham Facebook Group
• ECAF website
• ECAF Twitter

Email: jdehaven@framingham.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/domain/72
Location: 31 Flagg Drive or 49 Lexington St Framingham
Phone: (508)782-6932
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/earlychildhoodallianceofframingham/
Twitter: @strongstart16