Family Resource Center
The AHM Family Resource Center received its first grant in 1996 from the Connecticut State Department of Education and has collaborated with the four regional Elementary Schools, the Middle School and the High School in various programs and services.
The philosophy of Family Resource Centers is that healthy development and good education begin with access to support services from birth. When these services are offered in schools, services are readily accepted and accessible to families.
Family Resource Center programs are now open to both residents & non-residents as of 12/28/22.
Family Resource Center Director:
Becky Murray
Contact Information:
Cell: 860-573-1260
GHS Classroom: 860-228-0871
KinderRHAMa Classroom: 860-228-5310.
Email: BeckyM@ahmyouth.org
Family Resource Center Associate:
TBD
Contact Information:
GHS Classroom: 860-228-0871
Email:
Programs & services currently being offered!
*Please register all babies who will be attending on birth-5 classes. Thank you!
Registration can be completed online in the tabbed sections below. Please email Becky Murray at BeckyM@ahmyouth.org, if you have any questions or difficulties with the registration process.
Do you have questions about your child’s Development? Would you like to know how you could support your child’s development and know what they will be doing next? The FRC offers free developmental screenings! Screenings are offered at the FRC at Gilead Hill, or your home, based on your preference.
These screenings are for children ages 4 months to 48 months, using the Ages and Stages questionnaire. Through playing with your child and speaking to you, we will look at your child’s development in the areas of language, fine and gross motor skills, social/emotional, and problem solving. We can offer feedback to parents or caregivers and suggestions to further your child’s development. The screening takes about an hour, and is confidential.
If you would like your child to be screened, or have any questions, please contact:
- Rebecca Murray at 860-228-0871 or email BeckyM@ahmyouth.org
Sparkler is a FREE mobile app for CT families that helps parents support their children’s growth from 0-5. Please see attached flyer for instructions to sign up!
KinderRHAMa_ENGLISH_APRIL2021_Sparkler Handout for FAMILIES w QR Code
GileadFRC_ENGLISH_APRIL2021_Sparkler Handout for FAMILIES w QR Code (1) (1) (4)
First Steps in Music Class – Winter Session
Come and make music with Miss Mallory at First Steps in Music! This program is geared towards children ages 0-5 and their grown-ups. Children and adults are engaged in a variety of activities including bounces, finger wiggles, action songs, vocal exploration, movement exploration, playing instruments, ball rolling, and more! First Steps in Music is a wonderful opportunity for children to have fun, interact with other children, and bond with their grown-up, all while beginning their journey to becoming tuneful, “beat-ful”, and artful. “From small musical acorns grow mighty musical oaks.” -Dr. John Feierabend.
TIME: Wednesdays 9:30 am – 10:15 am
Cost: $125.00 per family for 8 sessions. *Please register all babies who will be attending. Thank you!
Instructor: Mallory Kokus
SESSSION 1: 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8. *Make-up 3/15 if needed.
SESSION 2: 3/22, 3/29, 4/5, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17. *Make-up 5/24 if needed. No group 4/12 due to school vacation.
Location: AHM’s building at 25 Pendleton Drive, Hebron.
Fun with Dinosaurs! Winter Session
Dinosaur activities, books, and games! For children 1 ½-5 and adults but younger siblings are welcome. Includes a themed snack!
TIME: Mondays 9:30-10:30 am
Dates: 1/9, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/27. No class 1/16 due to MLK Day, and no class 2/20 due to President’s Day.
Location: Gilead Hill School, Family Resource Center.
Cost: $45.00 per family for 6 sessions.
The AHM Family Resource Center offers home visits for families living in Andover, Hebron, or Marlborough and Columbia with a child between the ages of birth and five. We utilize curriculum from the National Parents as Teachers program.
Home Visits provide families with information about child development through observation, activities, talking to parents, and play. The curriculum, which is tailored to the age and developmental stage of each child, helps parents understand their child’s behavior, what to expect next, and gives parents strategies for challenges they are facing in parenting.
Visits are offered at the FRC at Gilead Hill, or your home, based on your preference.
For more information, please contact:
- Rebecca Murray at 860-228-0871 or email BeckyM@ahmyouth.org
Information on KinderRHAMa Preschool for 2023-2024 will be coming soon!
Limited Space available on M/W/F
If you would like to be placed on a waitlist, please contact Becky Murray at BeckyM@ahmyouth.org.
Preschool session options:
- 3-year old Program – Tues, Thurs, 8:30am-12:00pm, $2205/year
- 4-year old Program – Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30am-1:00pm, $3960/year
- 3-year old Extended Day – Tues, Thurs, 7:00am-3:00pm, $3195/year
- 4-year old Extended Day – Mon, Wed, Fri, 7:00am-3:00pm, $4790/year
- Combined 3 & 4 Year Old Class – Mon-Fri, 7:00am-3:00pm, $6585/year
Registration Dates for KinderRHAMa Preschool 2022-2023 will be open on the following schedule:
- 3/7/22-Current Families and siblings
- 3/14/22-School families
- 3/28/22-New Families
For more information, please email Becky Murray at BeckyM@ahmyouth.org.
KinderRHAMa Preschool Camp
Children will work on social skills, gross and fine motor and school readiness skills in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying summer recreational activities inside and outside. There will also be enrichment activities and guest visitors!
Staffed by two early childhood teachers at the AHM KinderRHAMa classroom and play yard at RHAM High School.
Families can sign up for 1 or 2 weeks. If there is space available, parents can sign up for more weeks. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis on the following schedule:
- 3/29 Open to current preschool families, and 2021 summer camp families
- 4/5 Open to the public
Qualifications to participate:
- For children ages 3-5 – children must turn 3 by 9/1/22
- Families who live or work in Andover, Hebron, Marlborough and Columbia will be able to sign up for 2 weeks at a time.
- Campers must be FULLY POTTY TRAINED
Cost: FREE! Due to generous grant funding from Verizon Wireless and the State Department of Education, this program will be free to all applicants!
Hours: 9:00-12:00 Monday through Friday.
Dates & Themes:
- Week 1: June 27 – July 1: Summer Safari!
- Week 2: July 5-8 – Super Science Week! (No camp July 4)
- Week 3: July 11-15 – Disney Spectacular!
- Week 4: July 18-22 – Dinosaur Island!
- Week 5: July 25-29 – Space Week!
- Week 6: August 1-5 – Pirate Week!
- Week 7: August 8-12 – Ocean Commotion!
- Week 8: August 15-19 – Circus Week!
Sorry this camp is at enrollment capacity!
If you would like to be placed on the waitlist, please email Becky Murray at BeckyM@ahmyouth.org with the following information:
- your child’s name
- your name
- phone number
- the week(s) you would like
Let’s Build It! Construction Themed Play
We will be using blocks, duplos, magna-tiles, recyclables and boxes to construct (and knock down!) different structures. Includes a themed snack!
Time: Fridays 10-11:00 am
Dates: 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3, 4/17. No class 4/10 due to school vacation.
Cost: $45.00 per family for 6 sessions
Age: Children 2-5 years old plus parent or caregiver
Location: Gilead Hill School, in our Family Resource Center!
Information on Child Development and Parenting will also be available!
Messy Hands – Winter Session
Sensory play allows children to engage their five senses by exploring different textures. In this group, children will get the chance to explore a variety of different messy materials in a relaxed setting while creating, constructing, and exploring!
Materials may include: fingerpaints, playdough, slime, water play, shaving cream, & other substances. Please come dressed in VERY casual clothing, smocks will be provided!
Time: Fridays 10-11:00 am
Session 1: 1/13, 1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10 , 2/17. *make-up 2/24
Session 2: 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/21, 4/28. *No group 4/7, 4/14 due to school vacation.
Cost: $40.00 per family for 6 sessions
Age: Children 2-5 years old plus parent or caregiver
Location: Gilead Hill School, in our Family Resource Center!
For more information, please contact:
- Rebecca Murray at 860-228-0871 or email BeckyM@ahmyouth.org
- Laura Beeler at 860-228-0871 or laurab@ahmyouth.org
Information on Child Development and Parenting will also be available!
Parenting Workshop with Dr. Debbie Farr
Want to learn some new techniques for parenting and get some extra support? This program can help! Learn 14 research-based strategies for enriching your relationship with your children through positive parenting. This class is appropriate for parents with children of all ages.
ENRICH Your Relationship With Your Child!
Topics to be covered include: using encouragement, naming emotions, reasoning, involvement, communication and humor.
Dates: 1/17, 1/24, 1/31
Time: 7:30-8:30 pm via ZOOM
Cost: FREE
TO REGISTER: Please email Becky Murray to register at BeckyM@ahmyouth.org
Dr. Debbie Kruenegel-Farr is a passionate parent coach, consultant, and educator. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Research with an emphasis in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Texas. Dr. Debbie is the founder of Flourishing Families and has extensive experience working with families with children of all ages all over the U.S.
For more information, please see: https://familynh.com/about-us/
Play & Learn Groups – Winter Session
This program is for parents and caregivers from Andover, Hebron, Marlborough, or Columbia, and children age birth-5 and will include:
- Activities including crafts, activities, and circle time!
- Information on child development and parenting topics
- A chance to meet other parents and children!
- Free Developmental Screenings for all enrolled children
Time: Thursdays 10-11:15 am
Session 1: 1/12, 1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23 , 3/2, 3/9, 3/16
Session 2: 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25, 6/1
Location: Family Resource Center at Gilead Hill School!
Cost: $70/Family for 10 sessions. *Please register all babies who will be attending. Thank you!
- Please enter the Gilead Hill Building through the front door and get buzzed in.
- The first time you attend, please bring your license.
- Snack provided
Play & Learn Groups – Spring Session
This program is for parents and caregivers from Andover, Hebron, Marlborough, or Columbia, and children age birth-5 and will include:
- Enjoy the playground equipment, crafts, and circle time!
- Information on child development and parenting topics
- A chance to meet other parents and children!
- Free Developmental Screenings for all enrolled children
Time: Fridays 10:30-11:30 am
Dates: 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2
Cost: $30 per Family, for 5 sessions. *Please register all babies who will be attending. Thank you!
Location: Families will meet at Veteran’s Memorial Park, Hebron.
Help your child get ready for school!
Time: Thursday, August 11th – 7:00-8:00 PM
A Zoom Presentation and Conversation with Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers
Featured speakers:
- Mrs. Jennie Morrell, Kindergarten teacher at Andover Elementary School
- Mrs. Amy Doyle, Kindergarten Teacher at Gilead Hill School in Hebron
- Mrs. Heather Holbrook, Preschool Teacher at KinderRHAMa at RHAM
The following topics will be discussed:
- Talking to your child about school
- The first days
- Separation from parents
- Communicating effectively with teachers
TO REGISTER: please contact Becky Murray at BeckyM@ahmyouth.org.
AHM’s Family Resource Center has a Staffed Child Care Network which provides free services to Home-Based Early Care providers. These include ongoing support and referrals to many resources.
- Administering Medication Class, CPR
- CT Staffed Family Child Care Networks
- Hebron Hub Family Child Care Network Meeting Schedule
- FCC Strengthening Business Practices in Your Family Child Care Business _ Online Class
- Map listing of the FCC Networks: https://www.ctoec.org/program-and-improvement-supports/staffed-family-child-care-networks/
- Book Lending library – Children’s Books
- Book Lending library – Adult Books
For more information, please contact Becky Murray at BeckyM@ahmyouth.org.
As part of a grant received from the State Department of Education and Office of Early childhood, AHM’s Family Resource Center staff were able to purchase books to be part of a lending library for families, daycare providers, and parents. We are so grateful that we were able to purchase these books, and offer this valuable resource to the communities we serve! Pictured: Jahnna Sieckowski, Family Resource Center Associate.
Visit our adult & children’s library links on the right!
Family Resource Center Resources
- CT Birth-3
Information for parents and providers who suspect their child may have a developmental delay - State of CT Early Learning Development Guidelines Information on what children should be learning from age Birth- 5 years
- CT Safe Kids
Car seat, passenger, bike safety, poison control - Access Health CT
Health insurance in CT