Below you will find the following helpful resources:
- Websites providing school readiness information
- Boston Public School (BPS) and community organizations you can contact with questions
- Additional reading about schools and the Boston community
Websites
100 Activities for the Kindergarten Level
In depth activities to do with your child to encourage literacy development.
Family Education
Educates parents on general kindergarten expectations. There are also forums with advice from other parents.
KinderArt Littles
Several activities to try with your children are categorized under themes that include sensory play, health and sorting/matching.
Seussville
Includes interactive activities that are fun and educational for your child.
Jumpstart
Jumpstart’s website has a monthly guide to school readiness, as well as other tools for families.
Triad
More information about the Building Blocks math curriculum.
National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition
Practices for teaching bilingual children how to read.
Reading Is Fundamental
Activities for Spanish-speaking families.
BPS Resources
Boston Public Schools
(617) 635-9000 www.bostonpublcischools.org
Boston School Committee
(617) 635-9014
English Language Learners
(617) 635-9435
Special Education
(617) 635-8599
Alternative Education
(617) 635-8035
Food and Nutrition Services
(617) 635-9144
Homeless Student Unit
(617) 635-8037
School Hotline (August and September)
(617) 635-9046
Transportation
(617) 635-9520
Parent and Community Resources
Childcare Choices of Boston:
Provides information on childcare, summer camps, before and after school programs and financial aid.
(617) 542-KIDS
BOSTNET:
Provides information on Before and After School options.
(617) 720-1290
Boston Partners in Education:
Provides information and training on school volunteering.
(617) 451-6145
Federation for Children with Special Needs:
Provides advocacy, information and training.
(617) 236-7210
Citywide Parents Council: Advocacy group for parents with children in the Boston Public Schools, including representatives elected from individual school parent councils.
(617) 635-9210.
Parent Advisory Councils (PACs): Provide support, training and advocacy for parents along with a vehicle for providing input to BPS on policies and programs.
Special Needs PAC: For BPS families who have children with special needs.
(617) 635-7810
Bilingual Master PAC: Groups for BPS families who speak Haitian Creole, Chinese, Vietnamese, Somali, Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, and Spanish.
(617) 635-8339
Parents United for Child Care: Information on before and after school programs and advocacy for more affordable childcare.
(617) 426-8288
Boston Parents Organizing Network: Brings together and funds groups that organize parents to advocate for improvement in the schools. Parents can call to get referrals to different groups working on education and other parent issues.
(617) 635-5922
Mayor’s Health Line: Provides advocacy and help getting health insurance or finding a doctor.
(617) 635-5050
Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians: Provides support and referrals for immigrants and refugees.
(617) 635-2980
Mayor’s Youthline: Staffed by trained teenagers who provide information about Boston youth services and activities. (617) 635-2240. Monday–Friday, noon–8 p.m.
Additional Reading
"Introducing the Boston Public Schools"
Describes each school and provides information about BPS policies. Is available at the Family Resources Centers beginning in December.
"A Parents Guide to the Boston Citywide Learning Standards"
Produced by the Institute for Responsive Education.
(617) 373-2595
"A Guide for Parents and Community"
Education Issues in the BPS Teacher’s Union Contract: Distributed by the Massachusetts Advocacy Center to help parents understand teachers’ rights and responsibilities and ways families can get involved in education issues.
(617) 357-8431 x221 or x227
"Boston Parents Paper"
Monthly newspaper you can pick up for free with a calendar of family events, classes, camps and more.
(617) 522-1515
Learn About Our Readiness Programs!
