DepartmentResources for Patients Close [Back to Overview](/departments/pediatric-primary-care/adolescent-medicine/teen-and-tot-program)## Explore department Request an Appointment ## Request an Appointment Request an Appointment ##### By Phone For general scheduling or help finding the right provider, call to speak to a member of our care team. ##### Schedule Online If you’ve already seen a provider in this department, you can request a follow-up with them in MyChart. [Schedule With MyChart](https://mychart.bmc.org/) Close Dialog Refer a Patient ## Refer a Patient Refer a Patient Hours of Operation: Monday–Thursday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Phone: [617.414.5946](tel:617.414.5946) Close Dialog ## Teen and Tot Program # Resources for Patients Explore Teen and Tot Program ## Free Parent–Child Events Below is Boston Public Library’s monthly calendar of free activities for parents and children. Activities are offered in the children’s room at various BPL locations as well as at four [Family Nurturing Center of Massachusetts](https://familynurturing.org/ "Family Nurturing Center of Massachusetts (familynurturing.org)") locations in the greater Boston area. [Get a Boston Public Library Card](https://www.bpl.org/get-a-library-card/ "Get a Library Card | Boston Public Library (bpl.org)") [![Boston Public Library/Family Nurturing Center of MA calendar of free activities for children and families, June 2026](/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Pediatrics___Teen_and_Tot_Program/BMC-Teen-and-Tot-Program-Activity-Calendar-June-2026.png)](/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Pediatrics___Teen_and_Tot_Program/BMC-Teen-and-Tot-Program-Activity-Calendar-June-2026.png "View full size: Boston Public Library/Family Nurturing Center of MA calendar of free activities for children and families, June 2026") [More BPL Resources for Kids](https://www.bpl.org/kids/ "For Kids | Boston Public Library (bpl.org)") [More Family Nurturing Center Events](https://familynurturing.org/calendar/list/ "Events Calendar: List View | Family Nurturing Center of Massachusetts (familynurturing.org)") ## Pregnancy and Parenting Resources at BMC ### [Bump & Beyond](/bump-beyond) BMC’s Bump & Beyond supports you at every stage of pregnancy, keeping you informed, empowered, and connected with the resources you need to navigate pregnancy and postpartum. ### [Childbirth Education Classes](/departments/obstetrics-and-gynecology/obstetrics/labor-delivery-and-postpartum-care/patient-resources/childbirth-education) Childbirth classes to help you learn what to expect during the labor and the birth process ## Local/Regional Pregnancy and Parenting Resources We recommend the following Boston-based organizations to families needing additional support in their journey, including during pregnancy. ### [Boston Healthy Start Initiative](https://www.boston.gov/government/cabinets/boston-public-health-commission/childrens-and-newborn-health/healthy-start-initiative) Program for pregnant and parenting individuals who self-identify as Black and live in Boston—providing resources, health education, and advocacy for enrolled families ### [Healthy Baby Healthy Child](https://www.boston.gov/government/cabinets/boston-public-health-commission/childrens-and-newborn-health/healthy-baby-healthy-child) Home visit program for pregnant and parenting families with children under five years old who live in Boston ### [Room to Grow](https://www.roomtogrow.org/) Works with families from the third trimester through toddlerhood to support child development, assist with material needs, and connect parents and caregivers to community resources More Recommended Community Groups and Resources More Recommended Community Groups and Resources ### Parenting Joyously and Responsibly ##### Classes and Meetups - [Children’s Trust](https://childrenstrustma.org/for-parents "For Parents | Children’s Trust (childrenstrustma.org)"): Baby-friendly meetups and drop-in space, home visits for parents under age 23, and parenting classes including a program for new fathers - [Family Nurturing Center of Massachusetts](https://familynurturing.org/ "Family Nurturing Center (familynurturing.org)"): Local parenting classes, enrichment events for young children, and resources - [Family Resource Center (Boston–Suffolk County) Operated by the Home for Little Wanderers](https://www.thehome.org/programs/family-resource-centers/ "The Home’s Family Resource Centers | The Home for Little Wanderers (thehome.org)"): Parenting, ESL, and financial literacy classes and programs for children and youth ##### Tipsheets and Tools - [The Basics: Insights](https://thebasics.org/basics-insights/ "Insights | The Basics (thebasics.org)"): Phone messaging program that helps parents and caregivers incorporate early childhood enrichment into daily routines from birth through age 5 - [Developmental Milestone Tracker from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)](https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones/ "Developmental Milestones: Learn the Signs. Act Early | United States Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (cdc.gov)"): Learn what new skills and abilities children typically learn at each age - [Small Moments Big Impact](https://smallmomentsbigimpact.com/ "Small Moments Big Impact (smallmomentsbigimpact.com)"): How to make your visits with your child’s pediatrician and other medical providers more helpful and less frustrating ### Basic Needs (Food, Clothing, Housing) ##### General Low-Income Resources - [City of Boston Low-Income Resources](https://www.boston.gov/low-income-resources "Low-Income Resources | City of Boston (boston.gov)"): Guide to local help with needs like food, heating, and public transportation fares/passes - [Department of Transitional Assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food Cards](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-transitional-assistance "Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (mass.gov)"): Assists families in meeting basic needs and achieving long-term economic self-sufficiency - [Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/women-infants-children-nutrition-program "Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (mass.gov)"): Register for WIC to receive healthy foods, breastfeeding support, and more, free of charge to families who qualify ##### Housing and Rental Assistance - [Bridge over Troubled Waters](https://bridgeotw.org/ "Bridge over Troubled Waters (bridgeotw.org)"): Shelter, medical care, and support for homeless/unhoused, runaway, and at-risk people ages 14–24 - [Metro Housing|Boston Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) Program](https://www.metrohousingboston.org/our-programs/homelessness-prevention/residential-assistance-for-families-in-transition/ "Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) | Metro Housing Boston (metrohousingboston.org)"): Rental assistance for people facing eviction, loss of utilities, or other housing emergencies - [Young Parenting Living Program (YPLP) at St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children](https://www.stmaryscenterma.org/young-parenting-living-program "Young Parenting Living Program | St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children (stmaryscenterma.org)"): Housing and skill-building for pregnant and parenting teenagers and their infants/toddlers ### Early Days: Breastfeeding, Nutrition, and Sleep ##### Breastfeeding - [BMC Breastfeeding Program](/node/123076 "Breastfeeding: Boston Baby Cafés | Boston Medical Center"): “Baby Café” support groups, both in-person at Boston Medical Center and online - [Baby Cafe USA](https://www.babycafeusa.org/ "Baby Café USA: Your First Choice for Breastfeeding Support (babycafeusa.org)"): A list of free lactation support groups around Massachusetts - [La Leche League International](https://llli.org/ "La Leche League International: Breastfeeding Support (llli.org)"): One of the oldest breastfeeding support organizations in the United States, with online support groups and many resources - [Little Cocoa Bean](https://www.littlecocoabeanco.com/ "Little Cocoa Bean Company (littlecocoabeanco.com)"): A tot café located in the lobby of the Boston Children’s Museum that also offers classes and events for families with young children ##### Whole-Family Nutrition - [BMC Teaching Kitchen](/node/125871 "The Teaching Kitchen | Boston Medical Center"): Educational “Nourishing Our Community” nutrition programs and cooking classes at Boston Medical Center - [Kids Eat in Color](https://kidseatincolor.com/blog/ "Blog | Kids Eat in Color (kidseatincolor.com)"): Recipes and expert articles about nutrition for young children and helping picky eaters - [Solid Starts](https://solidstarts.com/ "Solid Starts: How to Introduce Any Food to Babies (solidstarts.com)"): A resource on introducing first foods (“solids”) to infants and toddlers ##### Infant and Toddler Sleep - [Baby Sleep Science](https://www.babysleepscience.com/ "Baby Sleep Science: Infant and Toddler Sleep Consultants (babysleepscience.com)"): Information on sleep in infants and young children - [Huckleberry](https://huckleberrycare.com/ "Huckleberry: Expert Sleep Help for All Families (huckleberrycare.com)"): A phone app with expert guidance on sleep, including recommended schedules and sleep tips ### Education ##### High School Diploma and General Equivalency Degree (GED) Programs - [Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF): Adult Education](https://www.boston.gov/human-services/bcyf-adult-education) - [Excel High School via Boston Public Library](https://excelhighschool.org/library/bpl) - [Catholic Charities of Boston: High School Equivalency Programs](https://www.ccab.org/adult-education-workforce-development/high-school-equivalency-programs/) - [Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD): University High School](https://bostonabcd.org/service/university-high-school-2/) - [Boston Public Schools: Adult Education Program](https://sites.google.com/bostonpublicschools.org/adult-ed-virtual-learning/) - [Community Schools of Brockton: Adult Learning Center](https://www.brocktoncommunityschools.com/CourseCatalog/Adult-Learning-Center/) ##### Community College Programs - [Quinsigamond Community College (Worcester, MA): QCC for Free](https://www.qcc.edu/qcc-for-free) - [Bunker Hill Community College (Charlestown, MA): BHCC for Free via MassEducate or MassReconnect](https://www.bhcc.edu/freecommunitycollege/) - [Bristol Community College (Fall River/New Bedford, MA): Adult Education Transition to College Program](https://bristolcc.edu/learnatbristol/prepareforcollege/adulteducation/adulteducationtransitiontocollegeprogram.html) - [Bunker Hill Community College (Charlestown, MA): Transitions to College Program](https://www.bhcc.edu/adulted/transitions/) - [Cape Cod Community College (West Barnstable, MA): Transitions to College Program](https://www.capecod.edu/transition/) - [Massasoit Community College (Brockton, MA): Transition to Community College Program](https://massasoit.edu/adult-basic-education-info/transition-to-community-college/) - [Mount Wachusett Community College (Gardner, MA): Corporate, Career, Adult & Community Education](https://mwcc.edu/corporate-career-and-continuing-education/) - [Commonwealth of Massachusetts: MassEducate Free Community College Statewide Program](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/free-community-college) ##### College and Career Readiness Resources - [JVS Boston Vocational Services](https://www.jvs-boston.org/) - [Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) Education Resources](https://bostonabcd.org/service_categories/education/) - [Boston Public Schools: Adult Education Program](https://sites.google.com/bostonpublicschools.org/adult-ed-virtual-learning/) - [The Literacy Project: Adult Education in Massachusetts](https://www.literacyproject.org/) - [Massachusetts Education and Career Opportunities (MassEdCo): Adult Learners](https://www.massedco.org/adult-learners) ### Employment - [City of Boston Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity](https://www.boston.gov/departments/youth-employment-and-opportunity "Youth Employment and Opportunity | City of Boston (boston.gov)"): Job-related resources and trainings for young people in Boston - [Employment Options, Inc.](https://www.employmentoptions.org/ "Employment Options, Inc. of Marlborough, MA (employmentoptions.org)"): Community, education, employment, and other support for people in mental health recovery - [MassAbility (formerly Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission)](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massability "MassAbility | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (mass.gov)"): Training, employment, and connection with federal benefits for people with disabilities - [MassHire Career Centers](https://www.mass.gov/masshire-career-centers "MassHire Career Centers | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (mass.gov)"): Search for employment and training programs near you, get help with your resume or job interview skills, or attend a job fair - [MA Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-labor-and-workforce-development "Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (mass.gov)"): Learn about our register for unemployment, Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML), or worker’s compensation benefits - [More than Words](https://shop.mtwyouth.org/pages/faq-for-youth "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Youth | More than Words (shop.mtwyouth.org)"): Local independent bookstore that empowers people ages 16–24 with paid jobs and a career training program ### Activities and Education for Young Children ##### Kid-Friendly Events and Programs - [Boston Centers for Youth and Families](https://www.boston.gov/departments/boston-centers-youth-and-families "Boston Centers for Youth and Families | City of Boston (boston.gov)"): Community centers and public swimming pools located throughout Boston as well as youth and adult classes and summer programs - [Boston Public Library](https://bpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events "All Events | Boston Public Library (bpl.org)"): Free programs for children of different ages including story times, sensory play, and music classes, at locations around the city, as well as free adult education classes and free or discounted museum passes to kid-friendly locations like the Boston Children’s Museum, Museum of Science, and New England Aquarium - [Countdown to Kindergarten](https://www.countdowntokindergarten.org/ "Countdown to Kindergarten (countdowntokindergarten.org)"): Boston Public Schools program that connects families to early learning opportunities - [Julie’s Family Learning Program](https://www.juliesfamily.org/ "Julie’s Family Learning Program (juliesfamily.org)"): Comprehensive and supportive educational services for adolescents and young adults and their families ##### Free or Affordable Daycare, Child Care, and Preschool/Pre-K - [Boston Public Schools Pre-K](https://www.bostonpublicschools.org/students-families/universal-pre-k-boston/about "Boston Pre-K | Boston Public Schools (bostonpublicschools.org)"): Information about universal high-quality free public pre-kindergarten for children ages 3 and 4 - [Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) Head Start](https://bostonabcd.org/service/specialized-child-care-programs/ "Specialized Childcare | Action for Boston Community Development (bostonabcd.org)"): Daycare and preschool spots held for children of teen parents - [MA Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA)](https://www.mass.gov/child-care-financial-assistance "Child Care Financial Assistance | Commonwealth of Massacusetts (mass.gov)"): Financial aid (vouchers) for daycare and out-of-school time (before school, after school, and vacation/summer camp) child care ### Mental Health ##### 24/7 Crisis Lines - BMC Behavioral Health Emergency Hotline - [Website](/node/172753 "Community Behavioral Health Center | Boston Medical Center") - Call: [800.981.4357](tel:800.981.4357) - National Maternal Mental Health Hotline - [Website](https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline "Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) National Maternal Mental Health Hotline | United States Health Resources & Services Administration (mchb.hrsa.gov)") - Call: [833.943.5746](tel:833.943.5746) ([833.TLC.MAMA](tel:833.943.5746)) - Parents Helping Parents’ Parenting Stress Hotline - [Website](https://parentshelpingparents.org/stressline "24/7 Parent Stress Line | Parents Helping Parents (parentshelpingparents.org)") - Call: [800.632.8188](tel:800.632.8188) - Postpartum Support International (PSI) HelpLine (in English and Spanish) - [Website](https://postpartum.net/ "Postpartum Support International (postpartum.net)") - Call: [800.944.4773](tel:800.944.4773) ##### Therapists and Support Groups - [MA Department of Mental Health (DMH) Recovery Learning Communities](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/recovery-learning-communities "Recovery Learning Communities | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (mass.gov)"): Peer support at various locations statewide for people struggling with their mental health - [MA Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) Resource Directory](https://www.masshelpline.com/bhhldirectory/ "BHHL Resource Directory | MA Behavioral Help Line (masshelpline.com)") - Parents Helping Parents: [Virtual Support Groups](https://parentshelpingparents.org/virtual-support-groups "Virtual Support Groups | Parents Helping Parents (parentshelpingparents.org)") - [Therapy Matcher](https://therapymatcher.org/ "Therapy Matcher (therapymatcher.org)"): Free, personalized, and confidential referrals to licensed independent clinical social workers across Massachusetts ### Money Matters: Banking, Financial Education, and Saving for the Future - [BMC StreetCred](/node/174964 "StreetCred | Boston Medical Center"): Tax preparation assistance for families whose children are patients at Boston Medical Center - [BabySteps](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/babysteps "Office of Economic Empowerment: BabySteps | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (mass.gov)"): Massachusetts program to promote long-term saving for your child’s future education, with additional funds available for children whose families receive SNAP benefits - [Bank On Boston](https://www.boston.gov/departments/center-working-families/bank-boston "Bank On Boston | City of Boston (boston.gov)"): City of Boston program that connects residents with safe, affordable, and reliable financial products, such as checking and savings accounts specifically designed for teens and young adults - [Boston Builds Credit](https://www.bostonbuildscredit.org/ "Boston Builds Credit (bostonbuildscredit.org)"): Help with establishing and improving your credit score, which helps when applying for loans and mortgages and with building wealth over the long term - [Compass Working Capital](https://compassworkingcapital.org/ "Compass Working Capital (compassworkingcapital.org)"): Financial coaching and savings programs - [Financial Assistance for Homebuyers](https://www.boston.gov/departments/housing/find-financial-help-owning-home "Financial Assistance for Homebuyers | City of Boston (boston.gov)"): City of Boston program for first-time homebuyers - [Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) Program](https://www.metrohousingboston.org/our-programs/homelessness-prevention/residential-assistance-for-families-in-transition/ "Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) | Metro Housing Boston (metrohousingboston.org)"): Rental assistance for people facing eviction, loss of utilities, or other housing emergencies - [Women’s Money Matters](https://womensmoneymatters.org/ "Women’s Money Matters (womensmoneymatters.org)"): Builds the financial wellness, confidence, and security of women and girls living on low incomes with a combination of workshops and personal, 1-on-1 coaching ### Navigating Healthcare as an Adult - [BMC Step-by-Step Guide to Transitioning from Adolescent to Adult Primary Care](/node/137701 "Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care | Boston Medical Center"): BMC helps all of our pediatric patients transition to adult medicine by age 23 - [Got Transition?](https://www.gottransition.org/youth-and-young-adults/ "Got Transition? Youth and Young Adults (gottransition.org)"): Resources for learning to deal with health care matters as an adult ## Quarterly Newsletter Our quarterly newsletter, “Teen and Tot Advisories,” covers health advice and safety tips for families with young children. [![Thumbnail: BMC Teen and Tot Advisories Newsletter, Winter 2026: Page 1](/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Pediatrics___Teen_and_Tot_Program/BMC-Teen-and-Tot-Program-Newsletter-Winter-2026-Page-1.png)](/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Pediatrics___Teen_and_Tot_Program/BMC-Teen-and-Tot-Program-Newsletter-Winter-2026-Page-1.png "BMC Teen and Tot Advisories Newsletter, Winter 2026: Page 1 (full size)") [![Thumbnail: BMC Teen and Tot Advisories Newsletter, Winter 2026: Page 2](/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Pediatrics___Teen_and_Tot_Program/BMC-Teen-and-Tot-Program-Newsletter-Winter-2026-Page-2.png)](/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Pediatrics___Teen_and_Tot_Program/BMC-Teen-and-Tot-Program-Newsletter-Winter-2026-Page-2.png "BMC Teen and Tot Advisories Newsletter, Winter 2026: Page 2 (full size)") *The BMC Teen and Tot Progam is supported in part by the Boston Public Health Commission’s* [*Boston Healthy Start Initiative*](https://www.boston.gov/government/cabinets/boston-public-health-commission/childrens-and-newborn-health/healthy-start-initiative "Boston Health Start Initiative (BHSI) | City of Boston (boston.gov)")*.*