Parent Resources

Websites

211 Long Island

211 Long Island provides detailed information on over 10,000 resources for help and assistance in a range of areas related to health and human services.

Alliance for Childhood

Alliance for Childhood promotes policies and practices that support healthy development in children as it pertains to their love of learning and joy in living. Their website features publications related to the importance of play, peace education and electronic device usage.

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.

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 Children

ABC Kids – Tracing & Phonics

ABC Kids is a free phonics and alphabet teaching app that makes learning fun for children, from toddlers all the way to kindergarteners. It features a series of tracing games to help kids recognize letter shaps, associate them with phonic sounds, and put their alphabet knowledge to use in fun matching exercises. Available on Google Play and the App Store

Alien Assignment

Created by the Fred Rogers Center and featured in USA Today as an innovative kid’s app, Alien Assignment encourages problem solving and discovery as children help a stranded family of aliens fix their spaceship. Available on the App Store.

ASL Kids – Sign Language

Get children excited about learning American Sign Language by watching other kids sign! The ASL experts in this app are between the ages of 1 and 12, and teach common signs from the ASL dictionary and baby sign language. All hand signs are accompanied by a large image and an audio button designed to stimulate speech and hearing. Available on Google Play and the App Store.

Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame

With Sesame Street characters, children will learn skills such as problem solving, self-control, planning, and task persistence. App available in English or Spanish. Available on Google Play and the App Store.

Baby Games- Piano, Baby Phone

This collection of mini-games will help your young child learn first words, discover musical instruments, and more. It’s a great way to keep your youngster entertained during those difficult times when you are out and about and waiting unexpectedly. The interface is designed to be friendly for children from 6 to 12 months.

 Available on Google Play and the App Store.

Code Karts Pre-coding for Kids

With Code karts, children will learn the fundamentals of code while they speed through a series of logical puzzles presented in the form of a raceway. With over 70 levels, a variety of puzzling obstacles, and two different game modes, there is no shortage of educational content for children to enjoy. Available on Google Play and the App Store.

Endless Numbers

Children will have a blast learning number recognition, sequences, quantity, numerical patterns, and simple addition with the help of the adorable Endless monsters. Available on Google Play and the App Store.

Endless Reader

Set the stage for early reading success. With the help of adorable monsters, this app brings sight words and short sentences to life using nifty graphics and fun word puzzles. Available on Google Play and the App Store.

Fish School by Duck Duck Moose

Fish School is a playful underwater experience filled with eight educational activities. Activities help children learn letters, numbers, shapes and colors with the help of colorful fish and friendly sea life characters. Available on Google Play and the App Store.

Khan Academy Kids

This award-winning app includes thousands of educational activities, books, songs, and games for toddlers, preschoolers and kindergartners. A cast of adorable characters will guide children through lessons, and the adaptive learning path will customize their experience to help them master different skills. Available on Google Play and the App Store.

Language and Cognitive Therapy for Children (MITA) / Autism Therapy with MITA

MITA is a unique, early-intervention application for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. MITA includes bright, interactive puzzles designed to help children learn how to mentally integrate multiple features of an object, an ability proven to lead to vast improvements in general learning. Available on Google Play and the App Store.

LetMeTalk: Free AAC Talker

LetMeTalk enables users to create sentences using rows of images. The image database of LetMeTalk contains more than 9,000 easy to understand images for ARASAAC. Additionally, users can add existing images from their device or take new photos with the built-in camera. Suitable for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or anyone with speech difficulties. Available on Google Play and the App Store. 

Papumba Academy

With Papumba Academy children learn about animals, the alphabet, numbers,music and more. Recipient of Gold Seal of Approval for Excellent in Family-Friendly Products by Mom’s Choice. Available on Google Play and the App Store.

Play and Learn Science from PBS

Play and Learn Science’s educational games draw on real-world locations and experiences that children recognize. Family games encourage co-learning with hands-on activities, and early learning activities encourage families to try experiments at home. Available on Google Play and the App Store. 

ScratchJR

ScratchJR is an introductory programming language that enables young children to create their own interactive stories and games. Available on Google Play and the App Store.

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.

My NICU Baby

Created by March of Dimes, this app sees to provide answers, tools and support for families so they can focus on their baby during what is often a difficult time. App allows users to learn about NICU staff, policies, equipment and terminology on their own schedule. 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.

Tiny Beans

This baby app was made for the folks who don’t want their little one on social media, but still want to share frequent updates with loved ones. You can send daily snapshots of your baby to as many people (or as few) as you desire, as long as they also have the app or an email address. Available on Google Play and the App Store.

Zero to Three: Let’s Play

Let’s Play is a free parenting app that provides caregivers with fun ideas for keeping babies and toddlers entertained and learning. All of the activities reflect children’s typical skills at each age and are designed to support development in the context of play and family routines. Available on the App Store