Parenting

We are proud to be a Family Place Library!

Family Place Libraries believe that literacy begins at birth. We are committed to building strong communities through early childhood development, parent education, and family support. Our goal is to develop a family friendly environment by transforming libraries into community centers for literacy, early childhood development, parent education and engagement, support and community information.

As a Family Place Library, we offer programs and resources for our youngest patrons and their parents and caregivers. Our parenting page is a virtual extension of our in-house resources where you can find parenting resources, information and printable handouts.

ParentTV

The West Babylon Public Library is thrilled to offer you access to ParentTV. 

ParentTV offers thousands of on-demand parenting videos and courses with content designed to support those who care for children, from pregnancy through to teenage years.

ParentTV works with leading psychologists, pediatricians, mental health specialists, nutritionists, occupational therapists and parenting educators across the globe. 

Search and find videos on general parenting, play, behavior, child development, mental health, sleep, nutrition, technology and more. Most videos are under 10 minutes in length and can be accessed on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Videos are also available in Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Hindi and Spanish languages.

To access this incredible resource all you need to do is to login with your West Babylon Public Library barcode (located on the back of your card)

Recommended Websites

The Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition of New York

Organization of 134 volunteer adoptive and foster parents groups from every region of New York State. Offers: General New York State Citizens’ Coalition for Children information, Foster Care Rates and Adoption Subsidy, Resources for Parent Groups and articles.

AGAPE Long Island

AGAPE Long Island serves families in Nassau and Suffolk counties who have adopted a child or those that have become guardians of a relative’s child.

American Academy of Pediatrics

Their “You and Your Family” section offers a parent resource guide, a pediatric referral service, an immunization schedule, child care books and updates on pediatric health issues.

Child Care Council of Suffolk

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. The Councils act as central planning and coordinating agencies for child care in Suffolk and Nassau Counties.

Common Sense Media: Kids Media Safety

Since 2003, Common Sense has been the leading source of entertainment and technology recommendations for families and schools. Every day, millions of parents and educators trust Common Sense reviews and advice to help them navigate the digital world with their kids.

Distinguished Speakers Series

The Distinguished Speakers Series provides three annual seminars to educate and inform practitioners working with young children and families on Long Island. More information.

Food Service Program Locator

Child Nutrition Programs administered by Food and Nutrition Services, provides healthy food to children through programs and community supported agriculture programs.

KiDS NEED M♥RE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and  families coping with life-threatening illnesses and traumatic interruptions of the normal childhood experience.

Long Island Coalition Against Bullying

Emphasizes the importance of bully free communities on Long Island through education, increased awareness and therapeutic outlets.

MEET THE HELPERS is a public media initiative designed to introduce children to community helpers and practice emergency preparedness. Research has shown that introducing children to community helpers in a safe and fun environment can help them react better during times of crisis.

New York State Office of Children and Family Services

The Office of Children and Family Services serves New York’s public by promoting the safety, permanency and well-being of our children, families and communities. We will achieve results by setting and enforcing policies, building partnerships, and funding and providing quality services.

New York State Parenting Education Partnership (NYSPEP)

NYSPEP’S mission is to promote and improve parenting education, in order to enhance parenting skills, knowledge and behavior.

Project SPARK (Supported Parents and Resilient Kids

SPARK works with children who have witnessed domestic abuse and their non-abusing parent or caregiver to provide needed services including individual and family counseling, support groups for caregivers, and prevention education programs.

Reading Resources

A collection of resources from the U.S Department of Education.

Smart Start Suffolk

Smart Start Suffolk is a county-wide, early childhood initiative led by County Executive Steve Bellone that addresses all aspects of a child’s development through the collaboration of intergovernmental agencies and community partners. Smart Start Suffolk streamlines access to resources in an effort to increase awareness and accessibility for all constituents.

Snack Safely

Each edition of the Safe Snack Guide is a catalog of commonly available foods (not just snacks!) free of specific allergens that are updated every 4-6 weeks throughout the year.

In addition to helping families, the Guides serve as resources for schools, youth sports leagues, scouting groups, clubs, parties, play dates, and other events where people with food allergies, celiac disease or other food restrictions must be accommodated.

Suffolk Coalition for Parents and Children

This is a countywide professional organization meeting to discuss topics concerning family support. More information.

Stop Bullying

StopBullying.gov provides information from various government agencies on what bullying is, what cyberbullying is, who is at risk, and how you can prevent and respond to bullying.

Youth Enrichment Services

YES was founded in 1987 to serve children, youth and their families on Long Island. Over the past three decades, YES has served hundreds of thousands youth and families. Their programs and services are inclusive of all youth and families.

Parent Collection

This collection pulls from several nonfiction areas to bring parenting information into a single, easy-to-find location.

Common topics include:

    • Child development
    • Family dynamics
    • Grandparenting
    • Health
    • Movement and play
    • Nutrition
    • Parenting
    • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
    • Sleep
    • Speech, language, and literacy development
    • Toilet training