Parent Resources

Websites

Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition of New York

Provides support, information and advocacy for foster, kinship and adoptive families and related professionals in New York State.

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

The AACAP is the leading national professional medical association dedicated to treating and improving the quality of life for children, adolescents, and families affected by mental, behavioral, or developmental disorders. This website empowers provides guides and publications on key topics including autism, conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder.

American Academy of Pediatrics’ Parenting Website

Offers information and tips on ages & stages, healthy living, safety & prevention, a pediatric referral service, an immunization schedule, updates on pediatric health issues and more.

Autism Society of America

Offers support and educational materials for children, adolescents, and adults (and their families) with autism and related disorders including Asperger’s Syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder. A yearly conference sponsored by the society is available providing a comprehensive understanding and update on autism and related disorders.

BabyCenter

Information for parents and advice from experts on topics from pre-conception through toddlerhood.

The Baby Scientist

Dr. Vanessa LoBue, associate professor of psychology at Rutgers University, offers research-based blog posts about motherhood, what science tells us about what’s happening to a child at various points in development, and how that science translates to a real mom’s experiences.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention Parent Information

Includes health and wellness information for pregnant mothers-to-be, infants, children, and teens, such as milestones, growth charts, immunization schedules, and more. Or jump right to Developmental Milestones or Indicadores del desarrollo.

Child Care Council of Suffolk, Inc.

Provides child care resources and referral, and supports children, families, employers, providers and the public to ensure that quality child care takes its place as an integral part of society. Also offers consultation on child care options and community education and advocacy.

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders

Provides information regarding Attention Deficit Disorder including treatment, legal rights and services, parenting and ADD in the classroom.

Colorín Colorado (en español)

Colorín Colorado is a national multimedia project that offers a wealth of bilingual, research-based information, activities, and advice for educators and families of English language learners (ELLs). / Colorín Colorado es un proyecto nacional de multimedia que ofrece una gran riqueza de información basada en la investigación, actividades y consejos bilingües para maestros y familias de estudiantes del idioma inglés (ELLs, por sus siglas en inglés).

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media rates movies, TV shows, books, and more so parents can feel good about the entertainment choices they make for their kids. They offer a large library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.

Consumer Product Safety Commission

CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Official website provides information on product recalls and safety education.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Family Heath and Wellness

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Family Health and Wellness educators provide thoughtful information, research and programs on various topics related to family support and child development. You can listen to their parenting tips on SoundCloud or on Apple podcasts or watch short positive parenting videos.

DayByDayNY Family Literacy Calendar

The New York State Library hopes that families across New York State will use this interactive calendar to develop a love for books and learning that will last a lifetime. The calendar uses multimedia to enhance books, songs, and family health and bring these components to life.  If families can only spend a few minutes together, this calendar will give them something they can use to make sure that this is quality time as well as educational time.

Entertainment Software Rating Board

ESRB is a non-profit agency that assigns ratings to software. Their mission is to provide parents with reliable and valuable information about the age suitability and content of computer and video games so they can make informed decisions.

Family Service League

Family Service League is a Long Island non-profit human service organization providing a safety net for people in need. FSL delivers tangible help and crisis intervention across a spectrum of service areas including mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness, job training, computer literacy, trauma counseling, at-risk youth, family counseling and senior support.

Get Ready to Read

Get Ready to Read is an early literacy program designed to help parents and early childcare providers ensure that young children are equipped with the fundamental skills necessary for learning to read. Literacy activity cards, a free newsletter, and other valuable information is provided on this interactive and user-friendly website. Site available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Arabic.

Insure Kids Now!

Find healthcare for your family from this government resource.

KidsHealth

Nemours Foundation site that offers parents sections on general medicine and surgical health issues. Articles on asthma and allergies, bones and muscles, ear, nose and throat, emergencies, fevers, growth and development, infection pain, sleep and vaccines.

Learn the Signs

From birth to 5 years, children should reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act and move. Track your child’s development and learn different methods for positive parenting at different stages in your child’s life. This website is hosted by the CDC.

LGBT Network

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Network operates Long Island’s four community centers for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. The LGBT Network provides help and support for families, fun family activities, and family building support.

MedlinePlus (in English)

MedlinePlus is the National Institutes of Health’s Web site for patients and their families and friends. Produced by the National Library of Medicine, the world’s largest medical library, it brings you information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues in language you can understand. MedlinePlus offers reliable, up-to-date health information, anytime, anywhere, for free.

MedlinePlus (en español)

MedlinePlus en español es el sitio web de los Institutos Nacionales de la Salud para pacientes, familiares y amigos. Producida por la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina de los Estados Unidos, la biblioteca médica más grande del mundo, MedlinePlus le brinda información sobre enfermedades, afecciones y bienestar en un lenguaje fácil de leer. MedlinePlus le ofrece información confiable y actualizada en todo momento, en cualquier lugar y de forma gratuita.

National Center for Learning Disabilities

The mission of NCLD is to improve the lives of the 1 in 5 children and adults nationwide with learning and attention issues by empowering parents and young adults, transforming schools, and advocating for equal rights and opportunities. Website provides essential information about learning disabilities, early literacy and learning resources, public policy, and advocacy tools. 

National Down Syndrome Society

NDSS offers education, research and advocacy at this site with general, clinical and special programs information, as well as links to other sites on the Internet focusing on Down Syndrome.

New York State Department of Health

New York Home Educators’ Network

From seasoned veterans to newcomers, this diverse group with different views accepts members regardless of their approaches to homeschooling. Explore and join email lists, find legislative issues and regulations, local homeschooling groups and more.

New York State Department of Health offers information for parents and families regarding health insurance programs, consumer health care, community health, healthy lifestyles, diseases and conditions, and more. Includes A-to-Z health topics list.

New York State Education Department

New York State Education Department offers information about education areas, standards and curriculum, assessments, certification and licensing, school business, and data and reporting. Or to jump right to the regulations and procedures for homeschooling, click here.

New York State Government Information Locator Service

This website provides access to New York State Government Agencies, the State Legislature and the Judiciary. Helpful information includes a phone directory of government offices.

New York State Office of Children and Family Services

Find services, resources, and news regarding child care, child welfare, juvenile justice, youth development, and more.

New York State Parent Portal

Includes a helpful guide to the first five years of your child’s life,  how to navigate human services systems, a locator guide for childcare and more.

Parent Toolkit

Parent Toolkit is a one-stop resource developed with parents in mind. Topics include education, health and wellness and social and emotional development.

ParentTV

Just enter your library card barcode number from the back of your library card, no PIN required. ParentTV offers thousands of on-demand videos and courses with content designed to support those who care for children, from preganancy through to teenage years. ParentTV works with leading psychologists, pediatricians, mental health specialists, nutritionists, occupational therapists and parenting educators across the globe. Most videos are under 10 minutes in length and can be accessed on your computer, tablet or smartphone. Brought to you by FamilyPlace Libraries.

PBS Parents

The website of the Public Broadcasting Station offers an assortment of topics including age-by-age tips, activities and articles.

Reading is Fundamental

Reading is Fundamental is the leading voice for children’s literacy and addresses the alarming literacy crisis through strong leadership, quality content, and an active and engaged community. Visit their website to learn more about their initiatives and impact, and use reading tools such as literacy trackers and activity calendars.

Safe Kids USA

Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization working to help families and communities keep kids safe from injuries. Find safety tips, a care seat safety guide, product recalls, and more. 

Scholastic Parents

Features information on a variety of topics including: Books Lists & Reading, School Success, Activities & Printables and more.

South Country Family Engagement Center

The South Country Family Engagement Center is dedicated to creating and supporting partnerships among schools, families and community.  As a central resource for family engagement, we strive to engage and inform parents and families as essential partners in helping students achieve academic proficiency for college and career readiness.

Toy Industry Association

For more than 40 years, Toy Industry Association has been a global leader in toy safety by working with medical experts, government, consumers, and industry on ongoing safety and outreach programs. Website addresses questions about specific toys, provides tips on safe play, and offers advice on toys that are suitable for various age groups.

Understood

The goal of Understood is to help millions of parents whose children, ages 3-20, are struggling with learning and attention issues. They seek to empower parents to understand their children’s issues and relate to their experiences. With this knowledge, parents can make effective choices that propel their children from simply coping to truly thriving. Visit their website to find information on topics such as learning and attention issues, school and learning, and friends and feelings.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families

The Administration for Children and Families is a division of the Department of Health and Human Services that promotes the economic and social well-being of children, families, individuals and communities. Website provides information on strategic partnerships, guidance, training and technical assistance.

The Whole Child

Designed for both parents and early childhood educators, this comprehensive website contains information on making the most out of a child’s early years and being the best caregiver or parent you can. There are extensive articles, in-home activity ideas, reading lists, forums, and related website links.

Zero to Three

The website of the National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families has information for professionals and for parents. Professional information includes programs and services, a bookstore, National Training Institute, newsroom and sponsorship opportunities. Parent section includes information on play, beginning literacy, bookstore and child development, including a special section on the development of the brain.

Free Apps for Parents

Baby Daybook

This app lets parents track, log and share breastfeeding, eating, diaper changes, sleeping and other baby-caring activities. Available on Google Play and the App Store.

Bright by Text

Help your young children thrive with free, timely tips delivered by text message. Our content is provided by trusted partners like PBS and Sesame Street, and customized by your child’s birthdate and your zip code so it’s just what you need, when you need it most. Available to you free because South Country Library is a Family Place Library. Simply text FAMILYPLACE to 274448, or sign up on the Bright by Text webpage.

CDC’s Milestone Tracker

Milestones matter! Track your child’s milestones at key developmental stages from 2 months to 5 years with the CDC’s illustrated checklists. Get tips from the CDC for encouraging your child’s development, and find out what to do if you have concerns. Available on Google Play and the App Store.

Peanut

They say it takes a village to raise a child; this app helps you find your village. Peanut is the app for modern motherhood that makes it easy to connect and learn from like-minded women. Available on Google Play and the App Store.