Community Resources
Are you wondering what kinds of services and programs are available for your family? The Child and Family Resource Council’s “Family Resource Guide” includes resources for:
- abuse and neglect
- adoption
- childcare
- counseling
- education and training
- emergency services
- grandparent information
- health information
- illness and special needs
- parenting classes
- prenatal classes
- recreation and education
- respite care
- substance abuse
- support services
- transportation services
You can find the “Family Resource Guide” online.
Looking for activities for you and your children? Grand Rapids Family Magazine publishes a monthly calendar that can be found online.
Websites for Preschoolers
There are a number of educational and fun websites with games and activities for preschool-age children. Here are a few popular sites you may want to check out with your child. While some of them do sell products or subscriptions, all of these sites also include many FREE activities.
PNC Grow Up Great PNC Grow Up Great is a 10-year, $100 million school readiness initiative to help prepare children from birth to age five for success in school and life. The site is a collaborative effort of PNC and Sesame Street and includes wonderful activities and resources for young children and their families.
Starfall This site concentrates on reading and learning letters. There are many online storybooks as well as literacy-based games.
Sproutonline An extension of the PBS Sprout cable television channel, this site features characters like Elmo, Thomas the Tank, Angelina, Bob the Builder, and Barney. It includes games, videos, crafts, and activities.
Preschool Activity Box This site has ideas for crafts and other activities for families to do with their young children.
Sesame Street This site has educational games, videos, and other activities for toddlers and preschoolers—all with their favorite Sesame Street friends.
Nick Jr Dora, Diego, and other Nick Jr. characters are featured on this site full of games, crafts, and recipes.
Playhouse Disney Games, music, stories, and other activities are all part of this site based on the characters of Playhouse Disney—Mickey, Handy Manny, and the Little Einsteins.
Lil Fingers Lil’ Fingers is a storybook site for toddlers with educational games, storybooks and printable coloring pages.
American Library Association The American Library Association has compiled a list of kid-friendly websites that promote literacy and learning.