Village Voices 
Network members' voices are heard bringing good news and sharing highlights from around our community.
 
March Network Connection Meeting Highlight:
The meeting focused on programs and enrichment opportunities for children ages 0-6 years.  The group concluded that while 40% of children may not be school-ready, our Network has many opportunities and resources to improve school-readiness.
We brainstormed ways to share and get involved in programming by our co-hosts including: (1) Flash Rhyme Mobs, (2) The Week of the Young Child, and (3) Family Play Week. 

Thank you to our co-hosts:  Countdown to Kindergarten, Boston Children's Museum, and First Teacher.  See relevant resources and descriptions of their events throughout this newsletter. Another BIG thank you to Frugal Books for joining us and bringing a book fair to our meeting!

Introducing Vital Village's Newest Staff:

Yusuf Ali
Passionate about holistic healthy lifestyles and working toward empowering and providing families & individuals with resources in the areas of food access, access to wealth, and civic engagement, Yusuf joins our team as Network Coordinator! Read his full bio here.
 
Network Events
Connect with Vital Village Network at these upcoming events. Click on event titles to learn more and RSVP.

6-8pm 
@ Boston Medical Center, 72 E. Concord Building
Network Connection Meeting highlighting how Vital Village members are reducing social isolation within communities and families by advancing peer support networks throughout the family cycle.

12-2pm @ Boston Medical Center, 85 E. Concord Building Room 1130
An opportunity to share innovations in breastfeeding, coordinate resources for new parents, and connect with a larger network of support groups.

Community Events
Join Vital Village Network partners and other community organizations at these upcoming events. Click on event titles to learn more and RSVP.

8:30-11:30am @ Bolling Building 6th floor Community Room
Opportunity to support DPC members as they consider and prepare for the next step in their professional journey after a year of service in BPE's Teaching Academies, providing academic and social-emotional support to students. Interested in being on a panel or attending? Please email Erika Werner, Program Director, at 

April 16-20: The Week of the Young Child
Event times vary @ Boston Children's Museum, 308 Congress St
Check out Boston Children's Museum calendar to spend the week of school vacation celebrating our youngest learners! Participate in events everyday from Music Monday to Family Friday. 

April 21: Family Yoga Saturday at First Teacher
11-12 @ First Teacher, 221 Blue Hill Ave, Roxbury
Every month on the third Saturday, First Teacher hosts an easy, relaxing, family-oriented yoga. We learn ways to calm and center ourselves.  Space is limited, so please RSVP by Thursday, April 19, 2018 to rsvp@firstteacherboston.org. Or drop in every Friday from 11am-1pm for First Teacher's weekly play group! 

April 25: Flash Rhyme Mobs for Talk, Read, Play Day 2018
11am @ Various locations
Countdown to Kindergarten is working with our partners in education, childcare, the community and health care to distribute over 5000 pieces of information supporting parents of children birth-5 in their roles as their children's first teachers. We will also host a synchronized Flash Rhyme Mobs all over the city where over 2000 kids will recite rhymes, songs, and poems. Interested in hosting a Flash Rhyme Mob? Check out resources here. Email countdowntokindergarten@gmail.com for more information.
 
Opportunities
Check out job, volunteer, and learning opportunities available in our community.

Become a Foster Parent with the Department for Children and Families
Foster parents give children a temporary place for healing and an extended family to lean on until they can return to their own home. Learn how you can open your heart and hom e to a  c hild in need. Check your eligibility and learn how to apply here

Visitor Experience Associate (Paid Position) with Boston Children's Museum
Visitor Experience Associates (VEAs) serve a dual role in promoting the Museum's 5-Star experience for all visitors by receiving cross training for both the admissions desk and museum exhibits. VEAs provide great customer service, maint
ain exhibit spaces according to our safety, security and cleanliness procedures; support museum activities, programs and events; and demonstrate value for inclusion and access for all visitors.   See the position description
 and application for more information.

Director, Investment (Paid Position) at Boston Schools Fund
BSF is hiring a Director, Investment to conduct investment diligence and support a diverse portfolio of high-quality schools. See the job description and application instructions here.

Managing Director (Paid Position) at  Boston School Finder
The Managing Director will help to manage the development of Boston School Finder, focused on web applications, operations, and long-term viability a nd strategy. To apply, please send  resume and cover letter  to  contact@bostonschoolfinder.org  with "Managing Director" as subject line. 
 
Resource Connector
Learn more about resources relevant to children and families in our community from our community. 
 
Talk, Read, Play by Countdown to Kindergarten offers many resources to support families with children from birth to 5 years old. Find age-appropriate activities for your child as they develop in early childhood, the park nearest to your family, or information on how to sign up for one of their many playgroups around Boston!

These center-based programs serve children, families and expectant mothers living in the Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan and Jamaica Plain neighborhoods of Boston. Early Head Start serves infants and toddlers, ages 4 months - 3 years and Head Start serves preschool-age children and operates on a traditional school-year schedule. To apply for enrollment, email candrad1@dimock.org or tbrowne@dimock.org or call 617.442.8800 ext. 1390 or ext. 1219. 

Baby Basics and Play Groups at Smart from the Start Baby Basics is an ongoing weekly support and educational program for parents and caregivers with babies 0-12 months. Families learn about everything from infant brain development, breast feeding, infant massage to time management and how to care for older siblings when a new baby comes home. See the program calendar to find a group and more contact information.

Registration is open for a unique FREE week of family activities in Roxbury including: science, technology, engineering, art, math, music, and lots of family fun. Designed for families with at least one child 0-5. Dates for two sessions include: July 9-13 & July 16-20. For more information call 617-238-7275 or email info@firstteacherboston.org
 
Scoop on the Stats
Explore data related to child and family well-being in our community.
 
Don't let the cold weather fool you, summer is on its way! Have you started looking for summer enrichment opportunities for your children? There are many programs around Boston that will help prepare students for their upcoming school year. The Vital Village Data Dashboard has mapped programs and activities for kids aged 0-6 years and kids 6+ on the Community Resources Map

Most of the mapped opportunities are free or low-cost. For even more programming options, visit PartnerBPS.org or check out Boston Public School's  Summer Stuff for 2018! Some tips for getting involved in summer activities:
  • Find programs from these resources, then visit websites, call, or email to get more info.
  • Apply early and save time by looking for online applications.
  • Many camps and programs offer scholarships or reduced fees based on what a family can pay. Just ask!