Children, Youth, & Parent Resources
Diaper Depot
Christ Church Waltham Diaper Depot
Address: 750 Main St., Waltham
Open: 3rd Saturday of the month, 10 - 11 AM
Distribution will be held outdoors. Wear your mask. Practice social distancing. If possible, send one family member to the distribution.
All patrons must be registered to receive diapers
The following items are required for registration:
- Personal Identification AND
- WIC Card OR Proof of SNAP benefits OR MassHealth Insurance card AND
- Evidence of Waltham address - only one item required
Example:
- ID with address
- Piece of mail with address
- Mailing label
- Waltham Public School report card or Waltham Public School library card
Childcare
Communities United Inc. Head Start Program
Communities United, Inc. is a Head Start program offering free early education to qualifying low-income families. Creative Start preschool centers are located in Waltham, Watertown, Woburn, and Burlington. Waltham Creative Start is currently taking children ages 2 years old - 5 years old. Schools provide support and resources to families, free breakfast and lunch and more.
Families can fill out an online application at https://www.
A great resource for help finding affordable childcare. Families have the option to schedule appointments both In-person or virtually. Parents can visit this website to search for childcare near them, or to find out if they qualify for a state child care subsidy from the Department of Early Education and Care. If they qualify, they can use this website to get on the waitlist for the subsidy (voucher). If they receive a voucher, they can bring it to a regular daycare and use it to send their child to school for a reduced rate. To use the voucher, they just need to call the center they are interested in and ask them if they accept vouchers.
To get on the waitlist to receive a voucher, they can call (978)-686-4288 for further assistance or visit the website: https://www.childcarecircuit.org/
Quincy Community Action Program
Every town has a local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) that serves them. The Quincy Community Action Program is the closest CCRR for Waltham. This program is here to help parents with many different needs, including finding affordable childcare and applying for vouchers.
Number for voucher assistance: (617)-657-5305.
Website: https://www.qcap.org/our-programs/early-childhood-education-care/community-care-for-kids/
This is a tool published by the Department of Early Education and Care to find licensed child care programs in your area and across the state.
Mental Health and Support for Parents
Early Connections/Conexiones Tempranas
This is a program of the Jewish Family and Children's Services that provides therapeutic interventions focused on supporting the relationships of young children and their parents. This program is for families with children 0-5 years old.
To make a referral or for more information, contact Sarah Nielsen, LCSW at snielsen@jfcsboston.org or (781)-860-2195.
For referrals of Spanish-speaking clients, please contact Karen Garber, LICSW at kgarber@jfcsboston.org or (781)-693-5048.
Free Parent Coaching
Jewish Family and Children's Service is offering free parent coaching, particularly for parents of children with disabilities. To receive coaching, simply contact them at drn@jfcsboston.org or (781)-693-5640 to set up a phone or video session.
Now Jewish Family and Children's Service is not offering this coaching, but more ongoing programs could be found here.
Hosted by Jewish Family and Children's Services. Register for a new parent support group (This Zoom link is no longer available)via Zoom. New participants should register at least 24 hours in advance of the group to ensure that their registration is approved. For more information, please contact Leslie Pucker at lpucker@jfcsboston.org. Support group meets Thursdays 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Hosted by Jewish Family and Children's Services. If you have a child under three and are experiencing feelings of stress, being overwhelmed, or anxiousness, the JFCS Center for Early Relationship Support is offering free Parent Consultation to help during these difficult times. Their Parent Consultation offers parents the opportunity to explore the unique strengths and struggles in their relationship with their child through collaboration with experts.
Continuing operations remotely. Parent Support Groups operating via zoom; check the website for upcoming dates and Zoom links.
Parental Stress Line, still operating 24/7: 1-800-632-8188
Wayside Youth and Family Support Network
Operating remotely, helping clients using Tele-Health. Contact them at info@waysideyouth.org.
Wayside Youth and Family Support Network: Education and Support Groups
Our education programs and support groups are now being offered virtually. Contact the staff listed below for more information.
Waltham Parent/Caregiver Open Discussion Groups: Wednesdays & Thursdays, Zoom
Open Discussion, Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Open Discussion, Thursdays, 9:30 - 11:00 AM
Contact facilitators Catherine Picciotto and Carol Silva for a Zoom meeting invite.
Email: Catherine_Picciotto@waysideyouth.org
Phone: (781)-966-5690
Email: Carol_Silva@waysideyouth.org
Phone: (781)-423-5218
The new link for this service could be found here.
They have a comprehensive resource guide that can help a parent navigate any situation that could be thrown at them. They also have a phone number that you may call for support.
Provides peer support, food, and mentorship programs for single fathers
Other Resources
Parent Child+ program provides early literacy, parenting and school readiness to parents and their toddler children in their homes. This exciting voluntary program provides twice per week (30 mins each) visits for a total of 46 weeks in the comfort of your home, Monday through Friday (from September - June) at the convenience of the family. When necessary, hybrid visits (a combination of in-person visits and virtual visits, using What’s App, FaceTime or Zoom) will be available.
Flyer Here: English PC+Flier
For More information, please contact, Jean Marie Landry ParentChild+ Coordinator
(O) (617) 969-5906 ext 118
(C) (617) 833-2719
jlandry@familyaccess.org
Watertown Wayside Youth & Family Support Network
Wayside offers a wide array of services such as counseling, educational and care services for children, young adults and families.
For more information contact visit here
Thom Charles River Early Intervention Program
Provides services for children from birth to three and their families. Families can self-refer and services are available in multiple languages and on multiple platforms. Children are eligible based on delay, risk of delay and/or a diagnosed medical condition. Early intervention is open year round as a service.
Eligibility is being broadly defined right now and all parents with questions about their child’s development are encouraged to contact (781) 894-6564 or crei@thomchild.org.
From Mass Legal Services, packets to prepare families in case they get sick.
Newton-Wellesley Hospital Child Life Department
The Child Life Department at Newton-Wellesley Hospital has compiled a resource list for supporting children during COVID-19.
Family ACCESS Community Connections
Offers a weekly activities calendar, with early learning and development programs for families with children 0-8. Learn and Play groups in English and Spanish, activities, crafts, and community resources. Updates are posted on their website and Facebook page.
This website offers free access to and sharing of high-quality resources among teachers, parents and students. On the site you will find resources for all grades.
The Waltham Public Library has laptops and wireless hotspots available for check out. People can reserve the hotspots or the laptops by phone or online. They can also sign up for a library card online. They also have two portable toilets in front of the library free for public use.