BABYSITTING FORUM UPDATE (scroll down for Amherst Family Center info)

Dear Families and Babysitters,

We have closed down our old babysitting forum due to the large amount of spamthat i received We are beginning to use this temporary Babysitting Pool listing, which we believe will be spam proof.

BABYSITTERS: If you are looking to provide babysitting, you will need to register, and input your information. We will review your posting for approval and then upload it.

You can also check the Financial Aid Offices's listing of "Non-Workstudy Jobs On and Off Campus" for a list of people looking for babysitters. The address is: www.umass.edu/umfa/seo.

PARENTS: If you are looking for a baby sitter, you can just browse through the babysitter list or you can post your needs by registering with us and then input your information. We will review your posting for approval and then upload it.

You can also go to the Financial Aid website at www.umass.edu/umfa/seo/Employer_Information and post your job.

We recognize that this current system is not perfect, and are working on improving it.

Thanks,
Nancy deProsse
Coordinator, Amherst Family Center

AMHERST FAMILY CENTER A great, free program in Amherst for families with young children!

Welcome to the Amherst Family Center, helping people be the best parents they can be.

We have toys, books, and furnishings for children and resources for parents. You can meet and talk with other parents and share information & ideas about the joys and stresses of parenting. You can play and learn with your child. We offer you parenting education, related support services, family literacy, access to information and resources, and cultural activities.

The Amherst Family Center is based on the idea that all families, regardless of economic class, race or level of education, can benefit from information about child development and healthy approaches to parenting as well as opportunities to develop supportive friendships

Our programs are offered on the UMass Amherst campus and in Amherst Center. These services are free and available to all families in the Amherst area with children under the age of five.

We offer: • Great opportunities to meet other families • A safe, enriching and supportive space for families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers • Morning drop-in hours for parents, guardians, grandparents and their children with warm, friendly, professionally-staffed play rooms for children • Parenting skill building programs and support groups • Interactive cultural events

The Family Center is located in downtown Amherst, through the back door of Unitarian Meetinghouse – 121 North Pleasant Street. The center is open for any familywith children uunder years old to just drop by on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings 9:30am-12pm. Call 256-1145 for more information.

The Family Center’s general offerings include: Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 9:30am - Noon Staffed Playrooms for families to enjoy together, or for children to enjoy while parents meet other parents, take a break, have a snack, attend a support group or educational program, study, use a computer, or just relax.

Tuesday 9:45am – 11:15am Signing With Your Baby – 3rd Tuesday of the month

Tuesday 7:00pm-8:30pm Three Generations Support group for grandparents who are sharing their homes with their children and grandchildren. Call to pre-register.

Wednesday 9:45am –11:30am Mother Women Support Group: Always open to new participants.

Wednesday 6:30pm – 8:00pm Parents Helping Parents Support Group Call to pre-register.

Thursday 9:45 am – 11:15 am Parenting Education Presentation – 3rd Thursday of each month Each week a parent educator from Project Goodstart is available to answer parents questions.

Thursday 10:00am - 11:15am Dads Group – 2nd Thursday of the month

Thursday 4:30pm – 6:30pm Young Parent Gatherings: A chance for young families to enjoy the Family Center space with other young parents or take part in a facilitated support group just for young parents.

Friday 9:30am – 11:30am Parent Education and Parent – Child Literacy Program for Adult English Language Learners.