Parent Resources
Getting the right help and guidance for parents with school-aged children (and parents who are expecting) is vital for the success of both parents and children in this new country they call “home”. In addition to the I-RISE Refugee School Impact team, these resources can also help.
State Government Resources
DHS Division of Family Development
The New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development (DHS/DFD) works in partnership with service providers and other state and municipal agencies to help families access quality programs and services. This page provides an overview of some of the services offered, including:
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- Child Care Help Line (Resources and referrals)
- Early Intervention Services (Developmental Delays or Disabilities)
- Families First Discovery Pass (Discounts for Arts programs)
- Home Visitations (For pregnant women and new mothers/fathers)
The main focus of NJ Parent Link is to meet the information and resource needs of expectant parents and families with young children (newborns to children entering kindergarten; resources for older children and teens may also be found on this page)
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- Before, during and after pregnancy care
- Breastfeeding support
- Infant/child health and safety
- Family health and nutrition
- Infants & children with special needs
- In case of emergency
Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies
Community Child Care Solutions
Community Child Care Solutions, believes that all children deserve the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential. They are dedicated to providing the highest quality of services to children, their families, and child care professionals through education, advocacy, referrals and access to financial assistance. Serving Somerset and Middlesex counties.
Child Care Connection is a child care resource and referral agency serving the greater Mercer County area. The website also offers helpful information and checklists on topics such as:
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- Choosing a quality family child care provider
- Choosing a back-up care program
- Child care center inspection reports
- Child care regulations in New Jersey
- Choosing a quality summer camp program
- American Camp Association (finding a summer camp)
CCANJ promotes a universally accessible, affordable & high quality system of early care & education that is responsive to parental choice. Child Care Aware of New Jersey is a non-profit organization composed of child care resource and referral agencies serving the twenty-one counties of New Jersey.
Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agencies offer FREE and confidential consultations and referrals to all parents in need of child care services.
CCR&Rs help parents to:
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- Locate, evaluate, and select the best child care that meets the needs of their child and family
- Select the best care for children with special needs
- Look for indicators of quality in a child care program
Additional Resources
NJ Family is a website with all things family including:
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- Fun and educational things to do in NJ
- All things Summer Camps (including finding one suitable for your child and your budget)
- Section just for parents
Find Free or Low-Cost Tutoring for Your Child
This GreatSchools.org article lists organizations that can provide free or low-cost tutoring.
A tutoring platform founded by students for students that provides FREE tutoring – all services are conducted virtually.
Please note: All services listed above have not been vetted by Interfaith-RISE, so please research thoroughly before you commit.