Welcome! The Richard I. and Joan L. Freedman Center for Child and Family Development was established at The Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology (MSPP) to help connect children and families with appropriate information, providers, resources, and one another to serve their mental health and wellness needs.

Now Registering!

Free Support Groups

New Babies/New Moms Group

Groups for first-time moms with babies up to 6 months. Click on the date to register. Read more...
Next 6-Week Series Begins:
Wed June 5 @ 10:30AM-12:00PM
Tues July 2 @ 10:30AM-12:00PM

Each group meets with a professional facilitator and provides a wonderful opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, make new friends, and get some support. Discuss developmental issues, expectations as new parents, changing relationships with family members, child care options, and much more.

New Babies/New Parents Group

Groups for first-time parents with babies up to 6 months. Click on the date to register. Read more...
Next 8-Week Series Begins:
Fall 2013 TBD

Services to Newton Early Childhood Programs and Providers

Since January 2012, the Freedman Center has provided over 90 Early Childhood Consultation services to Newton Early Childhood programs, FREE OF CHARGE with a grant through The Newton Partnership (TNP). The funding for these services ended March 30, however, we hope that you will continue to turn to The Freedman Center (formerly WarmLines) when you have consulting needs. Read more...

Click to View Examples of the Types of Consultations We Offer

NEC Services Request Form (xls)
NEC Services Request Form (pdf)

Parenting Tips

Fostering Baby's Growth and Development with usic

By Madeleine Tepper, M.A., C.A.G.S., Freedman Center staff member, licensed School Psychologist, and graduate of MSPP.
Sharing music with your baby can provide him or her with an experience that enhances an infant's overall well-being. Just as you would not wait to read to your baby until he or she could speak, it is valuable to provide musical experiences before they are able to move or sing. Read more...

Helpful Links in response to the bombings in Boston from MSPP Interface

Talking to Children About the Bombings, by The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. April 16, 2013.

Practicing Self-Care After Traumatic Events, by Riverside Community Care Trauma Center. 2012.

Read more at msppinterface.org...

New! Music & Movement...

with Sprouting Melodies® and Roman Music Therapy on Mondays!

Come Experience Magical Music Moments™ with Your Little One! Sprouting Melodies®, a development-oriented program, encourages musical, social, physical, and emotional growth and learning through the use of songs, instruments, and movement!

Spring music sessions offered with age appropriate groupings:
    Spring Session 1 is Underway!

Register

FREE FUN Playtime!

Reconnect with old friends - and make new ones! Your child up to age 4, and a care-giver, are invited to join us for a fun, free, PLAYTIME! This is a great opportunity to play in a friendly, nurturing environment. A mixed ages group is offered on Thursday and Friday afternoons this spring. A new Infant Only Playtime (0-12m) will run for four sessions on Fridays on May 31, June 7, June 14, and June 21 at 10:30 am to 12 noon. *SPACE IS LIMITED and admittance will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Read more...

Spring 2013 Schedule thru June 21:

MIXED AGES:
Thursdays @ 3:00-4:30PM &
Fridays @ 3:00-4:30PM

INFANTS ONLY:
4-sessions May 31, June 7, 14, and 21
Fridays @ 10:30am-12:00pm

For Expectant Parents:
The New Child Project

2-Session Series:

Wed June 5 & Wed June 12 @ 5:45-8:45 PM

Strengthen and protect your relationship, and develop parenting strategies. Read more... To register, please go to www.newchildproject.org. For more information, please contact Lorenza Holt at lorenzaholt@gmail.com or 617-953-3606

New Moms, New Parents, Music and Expectant Parents Photos by Jenny Devereaux www.jennydev.com

* Wait Lists

If the group or class for which you would like to register is FULL, please register for the next program offered. To be put on a Wait List for the program or series that is not open, you may email us at freedmancenter@mspp.edu or call 617-332-3666 x1250 and leave a message for us. When you contact us, please leave your name, which program you want, a phone number, and email address. We will contact you if we are able to accommodate you in the program.

Wondering About Mental Health and Wellness?

...Visit our MSPP INTERFACE site at www.msppinterface.org