Services for Families
Blaze a new path.
From playgroups to parent workshops, preschool to afterschool, Pathways for Children’s services support thriving children and families.
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Early Head Start
15 months –3 | Gloucester, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rockport | No cost
The earliest years are the time of greatest development and opportunity. Give your child a healthy start with free, high-quality toddler care and family-centered services.
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Head Start
Ages 2.9-5 | Beverly, Boxford, Danvers, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Middleton, Peabody, Salem, Topsfield, Rockport, Wenham | No cost
Help your child prepare for kindergarten with our free, award-winning preschool program and family support services.
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School Age Care
Grades K-5 | Gloucester | Cost dependent on family income
Keep your kids safe, learning, and having fun in our year-round after-school and school vacation program.
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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Ages birth-5 | Beverly, Essex, Gloucester, Manchester, Peabody, Rockport, Salem | No cost
Give the delight of life-long learning to your children by building up their library with one free, age-appropriate book delivered home every month.
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Nurturing Parenting® Program
Ages birth-12 | Essex County | No cost
From newborns to pre-teens, parenting is different at every stage and with every child. Brush up on your parenting skills with our nationally recognized, 15-week family program.
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Parent Connection-in Spanish & English
For families with children of all ages | Essex County | No cost
Sometimes you just need to talk. Join other caregivers for a weekly, professionally guided drop-in support group for a caring ear and proven advice.
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Play to Learn Playgroups
Ages birth-5 | Gloucester, Rockport, & other families as space allows | No cost
Play and learn with your child, meet new families and enjoy creative activities together!
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Happiest Baby on the Block™
For new and expectant families | Gloucester and Rockport | No cost
Trusted by hospitals, doctors, and millions of parents, Happiest Baby helps caregivers learn techniques to calm and soothe crying babies.
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Family Support, Resources, Referrals, & Information
For caregivers | Essex County | No cost
We’re here for you! Reach out to connect with one of our experts for information, ideas and solutions to meet the ever-changing needs of your child.
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Parent Mentee
For Parents | Cape Ann & North Shore | No cost
Looking for a supportive relationship to help you move forward in life and parenting? Our Parent Mentors have got your back.
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Youth at Risk Resource Guide
Essex County & Merrimack Valley | No cost
The YAR Resource Guide is an easy-to-search online guide with services for youth in Massachusetts.
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Positive Solutions for Families
Ages 2-8 years old | Gloucester, Rockport, & other families as space allows | No cost
Sign up for Positive Solutions and learn positive behavior strategies and techniques to address the everyday challenges of raising a child.
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Ages & Stages Questionnaire®
Ages birth-5 | Gloucester & Rockport | No cost
Chart your child’s growth and development through the nationally recognized Ages & Stages Questionnaire®.
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Counselor in Training
Ages 16-18 | Gloucester | No cost
Are you a teenager (or do you know a teenager?) interested in a career in education? Our Counselor in Training program may be a great fit.
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Exploration Vacation
Ages 5-12 | Gloucester, Cape Ann & North Shore | $275/week
Join us this summer for learning through play, fitness, and weekly field trips at our summer program for school-age children.