Introduction
The WFN Family Resource Guide is designed to help families with young children become familiar with the wealth of local resources available.
Like any guide of this kind, it includes information that may change, so we urge you to use the phone numbers and websites provided for more information. This guide is not comprehensive for all educational and recreational opportunities within Watertown, nor is it a complete list of all local child care options . It’s simply meant to point you in the right direction.
So, if you are newcomer or a long-time resident, we hope that you will find something here that is helpful and informative.
Special thanks to our sponsors: Watertown Savings Bank, Century 21 Avon-Cambridge, and The Atrium School. And thanks to BlackSmith Communications for assisting in the production of this Guide.
Contents
Introduction.............................................................................................................. 1
Community Resources.......................................................................................... 3
Important Watertown Phone Numbers.................................................................... 3
Public Library ............................................................................................................... 4
Recreational Services.................................................................................................. 5
Social Services.............................................................................................................. 7
Family Day Care........................................................................................................... 10
Center-based Day Care & Preschool Information............................................... 12
Extended Day Programs............................................................................................ 14
Early Intervention Program.................................................................................... 14
Local Attractions..............................................................................................15
Watertown Playground Guide...................................................................................15
Annual Events in Watertown.................................................................................. 17
Community Resources
Important Watertown Phone Numbers
POLICE & FIRE
Watertown Police, emergency: .................................................................................. 911
Watertown Police, non-emergency:........................................................... 617-972-6500
Watertown Fire Department: .................................................................... 617-972-6567
TOWN LIBRARY
Library – Main........................................................................................... 617-972-6431
Library – Children’s Department............................................................... 617-972-6435
Project Literacy........................................................................................... 617-924-8797
EDUCATION
Central Office (Office of the Superintendent)........................................... 617-926-7700
Watertown High School............................................................................. 617-926-7760
Watertown Middle School......................................................................... 617-926-7783
Cunniff School........................................................................................... 617-926-7726
Lowell School ........................................................................................... 617-926-7770
Hosmer School ......................................................................................... 617-926-7740
Early Steps Integrated Pre-school Program................................................ 617-926-7765
Watertown Family Network...................................................................... 617-926-1661
Parent Child Home Program....................................................................... 617-926-6699
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Watertown Health Department................................................................. 617-972-6446
Watertown Public Works........................................................................... 617-972-6420
Watertown Recreation Department......................................................................617-972-6494
Watertown Recycling Center...................................................................... 617-972-6420
NEED HELP?
Al-Anon...................................................................................................... 781-843-5300
Alcoholics Anonymous-Boston................................................................. 617-426-9444
FoodSource Hotline................................................................................... 800-645-8333
Hotline for Victims of Domestic Abuse.................................................... 800-899-4000
Child At Risk Hotline................................................................................ 800-792-5200
Child Find of America........................................................................... 800-I-AM-LOST
Citizens Energy (Fuel Assistance)......................................................... 877-563-4645
Commonwealth Health Connector........................................................ 1-877-623-6765
Mass Health................................................................................................ 800-841-2900
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.................................. 800-843-5678
Runaway Safe Line - 24 Hour..................................................................... 800-621-4000
WIC-Watertown.......................................................................................... 617-972-5502
Watertown Food Pantry.............................................................................. 617-972-6429
Public Library
The Watertown Free Public Library is a vital part of the community, offering services and collections to all agesfrom infants to senior citizens.
The facility includes:
- A children's area with a story/craft room, as well as offerings of
library events for children of different ages. See their monthly calendar.
- Computers and wireless service for children and adults
- A 200-person meeting room and smaller meeting room.
- A café and used book store
For more information about story time and other activities, contact the library directly .
Hours
The hours of the library (subject to change) are:
Monday – Thursday 9am-9pm
Friday 9am-7pm
Saturday 9-5pm
Sunday 1-5pm
Library Pass Program
The Friends of the Library sponsor a Museum Pass Program, offering all Minuteman Library Network card holders free or reduced entrance to many museums and parks. Contact the library for a complete list of participating organizations. Passes can be reserved in person or at the website.
Project Literacy
This service offers free evening classes and individual tutoring in English, at all levels,
to adult learners whose primary language is not English. Also available is a map of Watertown resources, translated into 6 languages.
Watertown Free Public Library
123 Main Street
617-972-6431
617-972-6435 (Children’s Room)
www.watertownlib.org
Project Literacy
www.watertownlib.org/what-we-offer/project-literacy
Recreational Services
Watertown Recreation Department
The town’s recreation department offers activities throughout the year, for all ages from preschoolers through adults.. Recent programs have included Art from Around the World, Artisan Cooking Classes, Baton Twirling, and more. Contact the Recreation Department for a full schedule .
617-972-6494
www.ci.watertown.ma.us
Charles W. Dealtry Memorial Swimming Pool
Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR)
The DCR pool is a state-run facility with an outdoor pool which is located beside the Charles River bike path on Pleasant Street and is free. Parking is available by driving through the Sasaki parking lot. There is a pedestrian entrance on Pleasant Street. There is a kiddy area and separate pool, but no changing tables.
Hours of Operation: 11-7pm Sunday – Saturday (Summer)
138 Pleasant Street
617-727-4708
www.mass.gov/eee/dcr/
John A. Ryan Skating Arena
Public skating is available to families on weekends starting Labor Day through April. Skate rentals available.
Open: October – March; Hours of Operation: Saturdays 4:30-6pm; Sundays 2-3:00pm
1 Paramount Place
617-972-6468
www.ci.watertown.ma.us
Watertown Boys and Girls Club
The Watertown Boys and Girls Club was established to provide after-school activities for children with working parents, at a low cost. Most Club activities are for children 7 and up. The Club also offers swimming lessons for younger children. In addition, in Winter, a toddler sports group for children 3 to 5 is run by Recreation Dept. at the Club. A Boys and Girls Club booklet of activities is available.
Hours of Operation: Sun – Mon Closed; Tues – Fri 2 – 9pm; Sat 9-4pm
25 Whites Avenue
617-926-0968
www.watertownbgc.org
Inside Playground
Inside Playground offers a variety of games, activities, toys, crafts and more that your children can enjoy whatever the weather..
100 Parker Street
617-923-1772
1-877-2929-FUN
www.indooroutdoorplayground.com
Tumble Kids USA
Offerings include Tumble Tots (ages 15 months to 22 months) and Tumble Bugs
(ages 20 months to 3.2 years). The schedule and description of classes is at their website.
201 Arlington Street
617-926-2640
www.tumblekidsusa.com
Arsenal Center for the Arts
It offers art classes for children, some free family events, and houses the Watertown Children’s Theater.
321 Arsenal Street
617-923-7631
www.arsenalarts.org
Social Services
Watertown Family Network (WFN)
The Watertown Family Network provides a variety of services to families with children ages birth through preschool. Ongoing activities include: drop in playtimes, playgroups, parent education workshops, support groups, a parent resource library, special musical concerts, family events, and much more. This is a free service offered through a grant from the Department of Early Education and Care and is run through the Watertown Public Schools.
30 Common Street
617-926-1661
Email: [email protected]
Parent Child Home Program (PCHP)
This is a free home-visiting “learning through play” experience for parents and their
pre-school children. This program helps develop a child’s capacity for communication, prepares a foundation for success in school, helps mothers and fathers become more confident parents, and strengthens the parent-child relationship through positive interactions. Children between the ages of 1 ½ and 4, from income eligible families in Watertown, may apply.
c/o Watertown Public Schools
30 Common Street
617-926- 6699
Email: [email protected]
www.parent-child.org
Parents Helping Parents (PHP)
PHP's mission is to promote and support healthy parent/child relationships and break the cycle of child abuse through peer-led, professionally facilitated mutual help groups. PHP provides a nurturing, non-judgmental environment in which to improve family relationships.
108 Water Street
Main number: 617-926-5008
Parental Stress Line: 800-632-8188
www.parentshelpingparents.org
Jewish Family and Children's Services (JFCS)
JFCS offers a range of programs designed to strengthen families and individuals. Their Center for Early Relationship Support is a resource for any family. The Center’s programs include Visiting Moms, a home visit program for parents; support groups such as the New Mothers Group that meets weekly at the Watertown Family Network; and sleep, feeding and parenting consultations.
1430 Main Street, Waltham
781-647-5327
www.jfcsboston.org
Healthy Families
Healthy Families is a prevention program consisting of home visits and group activities for teen mothers. Participation is voluntary. Young mothers are provided with support, information on child development, and help finding community resources. Women under the age of 20 and who are pregnant with their first child are eligible to enroll.
Jewish Family & Children’s Service
781-647-5327
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Watertown-based meetings vary in time and location. Contact the Boston headquarters for more information.
Alcoholics Anonymous
617-426-9444
www.aaboston.org
Watertown Housing Authority (WHA)
The Watertown Housing Authority administers affordable rental housing for families and senior citizens. Contact the Authority directly regarding eligibility.
55 Waverly Avenue
617-923-3950
www.ci.watertown.ma.us
MetroWest Collaborative Development (MWCD)
MWCD’s mission is to promote, preserve, and develop affordable housing. Housing programs include: the First Home program which provides down payment assistance and education and The Home Improvement Program (HIP) which provides technical and financial assistance to correct building code violations and remove lead and other hazardous materials.
63 Mt. Auburn Street
617-923-3505
www.metrowestcd.org
Watertown Commission on Disability (WCOD)
The Commission sponsors activities and programs encouraging municipal and community services, programs, and businesses in Watertown to be fully accessible
to individuals with disabilities.
617-972 6443
www.wcod.org
Watertown Food Pantry
This food pantry is located at St. John’s Methodist Church and provides food and baby supplies to Watertown families in need. Visit once per month for a three-day supply of food. Ask for baby food and diapers if you need them. Make sure to bring identification that includes your address. Hours: Tuesdays, 10am to 11:30am; Thursdays, 4pm to 6pm. The pantry gladly accepts donations.
St. John’s Methodist Church
80 Mt. Auburn Street
617-972-6429
St. Vincent de Paul’s Food Pantry
This food pantry is located at St. Patrick’s Church and provides food to families in
need. Please bring proof of Watertown residency. Hours: Tuesday & Thursday,
10am – 11:45am.
St. Patrick’s Church
26R Chestnut Street (rear)
617-926-7121
WIC Program – Food Program for Women, Infants and Children
This program helps low and moderate-income pregnant women and mothers, as well as children under five, who are at nutritional risk.
Harvard Vanguard Health Center
485 Arsenal Street
617-972-5502
www.wicprogram.org
Family Day Care
The family day care providers listed were compiled in part from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) license record. Consult the EEC website (www.eec.state.ma.us/ChildCareSearch/EarlyEduMap.aspx ) or the Parent Resource Library at the Watertown Family Network as information may change. The phone number for the MA Department of Early Education and Care is: 617-988-6600.
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Almanzar, Domitila
9 Beechwood Ave
617-744-0380
Licensed for 6 children
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Chiloyan, Talin
35 Chapman St.
617-924-9357
Licensed for 10 children; 3 mos.preschool
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Duhanyan, Alis
390 School St
617-926-3520
Licensed for 6 children; infantpreschool
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Ashjian, Arpie
30 Putnam St
617-926-5522
Licensed for 10 children;
3 mos – preschool
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Clinton, Helen
62 Fayette St.
617-926-9989
Licensed for 8 children; 3 months +
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Fiorentino, Charlotte
27 Olcott St.
617-923-6276
Licensed for 10 children; 3 mos to preschool
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Ayala, Cristina
61 Webster St.
617-393-3829
Licensed for 6 children; infant to preschool
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Collage Day Care
61 Webster St.
617-913-7832
Licensed for 6 children; 6 mospreschool
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Johanson, Judith
57 Quirk St.
617-923-4394
Licensed for 6 children; 3 mos to preschool
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Caceda, Angelita
183 Mt. Auburn St #41
617-924-4990
Licensed for 6 children; 0-3 yrs
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Contreros, Angelica
10 Charles St
617-926-3270
Licensed for 10 children; 3 mos4 years
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Kid’s Korner Family Daycare
31 Wilson Ave.
617-926-7377
Licensed for 10 children; infant to 5 years
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Castro, Cynthia
38 Franklin St.
617-924-6383
Licensed for 6 children; 3 mos – preschool
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D’Agostino, Kathleen
115 Rutland St.
617-924-1476
Licensed for 8 children; 3 month to school age
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Kids World Day Care
505 Main St.
617-926-0317
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Family Day Care Continued
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Kostikian, Tagouhi
31 Priest St
617-924-9118
Licensed for 6 children;
3 mos.5 years
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Ohanyan, Martiros
115 Lexington St.
617-803-3506
Licensed for 8 children; 6 mos to 5 years
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Sweeney-Cidado, Justina
135 Grant Ave.
617-932-1110
Licensed for 6 children; 3mos7 years
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Little Sprouts Day School
90 Summer St.
617-393-1804
[email protected]
Licensed for 5 children
Peanut-free Zone
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Palma, FeisyLittle Nest Red and Blue
75 Elm St.
781-437-2029
Licensed for 10 children; 3 mos to 4 years
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Tarantino, Barbara
13 Porter St., Floor 2
617-924-5582
Licensed for 6 children; infant3 years
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Majarian, Zovic
54-56 Lexington St.
617-923-3465
Licensed for 10 children; 3 mos to preschool
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Poirier, Barbara
9 Harrington St.
617-549-9920
Licensed for 5 children;
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Tsacogianis, Maria
31 Wilson Ave
617-926-7377
Licensed for 10 children; infantpreschool
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Matsalia, Joan
51 Union Street
617-924-0718
Licensed for 10 children
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Sepideh’s Daycare
34 Wilmot St.
617-923-8253
Licensed for 6 children; 3mos5 years
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Vergillo, Linda
96 Fayette St.
617-926-9349
Licensed for 5 children; 2 mos5 years
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McDonough, Joan E.
227 Sycamore St.
617-489-1591
Licensed for 10 children; 3 mos to Preschool
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Simon, Ekhssabet
51Cypress St.
617-926-0693
Licensed for 10 children; Newborn – 4 years
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Yang, Yueer
164 Summer Street
857-222-1789
Licensed for 10 children; 3 mos5 years
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Center-based Day Care & Preschool Information
This is not a definitive list of all center-based day care and preschool programs in the area as new programs may open or close over time. For more information consult: MA Department of Early Education and Care: 617-988-6600 www.eec.state.ma.us. Find care by location at www.eec.state.ma.us/ChildCareSearch/EarlyEduMap.aspx
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Bright Horizons
CDC-On the Charles*
400 Talcott Avenue
617-924-4935
email: wtownbrighthorizons.com
www.brighthorizons.com
Children accepted at infant
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First Path Day Care Center
24 Whites Avenue
617-926-4690
www.firstpathdaycare.com
Children accepted at infant
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Caterpillars to Butterflies*
200 Mount Auburn Street
617-926-3770
email: [email protected]
Children accepted at 2.9 years
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Four Seasons Preschool*
15 Hall Avenue
617-923-4848
www.fourseasonspreschool.com
Children accepted at infant
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Early Steps - Watertown Integrated Preschool*
1 Concord Road
617-926-7765
email: [email protected]
www.watertown.k12.ma.us
Children accepted at 3 years
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Growing Places Preschool*
30 Common Street
617-924-7336
email: [email protected]
www.growingplacespreschool.org
Children accepted at 15 mos.
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The Family Cooperative
Infant Toddler Preschool
46 Belmont Street
email: [email protected]
thefamilycooperative.weebly.com
Children accepted at infant
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Milestones*
167 Waverly Ave.
617-393-9998
www.milestoneschildcareonline.com
Children accepted at 2.9 years
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Center-based Day Care Continued
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P’Tits Bouts
2 Rosary Drive
339-970-9596
Children accepted at 2.9 years
French Immersion Program
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Storyville Preschool*
97 Union Street
617-923-0930
email: [email protected]
www.storyvillepreschool.com
Children accepted at 2.9 years
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Russell Cooperative Preschool*
35 Church Street
617-926-0511
www.russellpreschool.org
Children accepted at 2.9 years
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Strawberry Bilingual Childcare
24 Watertown Street
617-744-1436
www.strawberrychildcare.com
Children accepted at 2 mos.
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Saint Stephen’s Armenian Preschool
46 Elton Ave.
617-923-0501
www.ssaes.org
Children accepted at 2.9 years
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Watertown Cooperative Nursery School*
525 Main Street
617-924-0225
www.watertowncoop.org
Children accepted at 2.9 years
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Stepping Stones
13 Bates Road.
617-926-1434
www.stepcare.net
Children accepted at 2 mos.
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Watertown Creative Start*
26 Chestnut Street
617-926-1082
email: [email protected]
www.communitiesunitedinc.org/watertown
Children accepted at 15 mos.
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*These programs are accredited by or in the process of being accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Extended Day Programs
Watertown Community Education
Offers both before and after-school programs for Watertown families with school age children.
For more information call: 617-923-7653
Early Intervention Program
Early Intervention, Birth to Age 3 – Services provided by State
Early intervention in Massachusetts is a statewide service, through the Office of Health and Human Services, available to families of children from birth up to 3 years who have a diagnosis, developmental delay, or who may be at risk for developmental delays based on their birth history or environment. Services include assessments, home visits, parent/child groups and family support. Early intervention programs are funded by insurances and/or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
When the child is 2 ½ years old, discussions occur with the family of a child receiving services to review options available when the child turns 3 and to assist the transition to services provided by the public schools.
www.massresources.org/early-intervention.html
Prior to age three, every family is entitled to a developmental assessment for their child and may have their child re-assessed every six months.
Any individual may make a referral to early intervention. However it is a voluntary service and it is the family’s decision to pursue an evaluation and if needed, services. To obtain an assessment, the individual or family would contact Thom Charles River (see below), which is responsible for early intervention evaluation and services for Watertown.
Thom Charles River Early Intervention Program
Thom Child & Family Services offers intervention and support for Watertown children, birth to three year old, who have developmental difficulties due to identified disabilities or whose development is at risk due to certain birth or environmental circumstances.
411 Waverley Oaks Rd. Building #3, Suite 305, Waltham
781-894-6564
Age 3 and Older – Services provided through Watertown Public School
Once a child has reached three years of age, he/she may be eligible for services through the Watertown Public Schools. These services are available after screening and evaluation.
Any parent may request a screening of their child to determine if the child is eligible for services of the Watertown Public Schools.
Early Childhood Center, Watertown Public Schools
For screening, 617-926-7765
Playground Guide
Annual Events in Watertown
Gore Place Activities
52 Gore Street, Waltham|www.goreplace.org|781-894-2798
It offers The Annual Sheep-Shearing Festival in April, Family Fun Day in July, Farm Autumn Fest in October, and Tea with Santa in December.
Taste of Watertown/Belmont
www.wbcc.org |617-926-1017
This event is usually held in April or May. Area restaurants offer “tastes” of their specialties to spotlight rich local resources and ethnic diversity. For more information on this event contact the Watertown/Belmont Chamber of Commerce
Faire in the Square
www.faireonthesquare.org
Usually held in September, the Faire is lots of fun for the entire family with games, rides, local vendors, and performances. The Faire on the Square takes place at Saltonstall Park. There is no admission charge.
Family Concerts at Saltonstall Park
www.ci.watertown.ma.us
Thursday evenings, June-August | 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Great free fun for the entire family. Pack a picnic, bring a lawn chair or blanket and sit outdoors listening to a live summer concert. Enjoy a great variety of live bands sponsored by the Town of Watertown.
Memorial Day Parade
Takes place in May. The parade route follows Mt. Auburn Street through Watertown Square ending at Town Hall on Main Street. For more information please contact the Veterans Office at 617-972-6416.