Family Support
OUR SUPPORT PHILOSOPHY
Building resilience, connection, and confidence for families across Cape Cod
At Cape Cod Children’s Place, our Family Support programs are designed to meet families where they are—whether that’s at a playgroup, in a parenting workshop, or through a one-on-one consultation. We offer free, inclusive services for caregivers and children from birth to age 6 across Cape Cod.
From developmental screenings to support groups, our goal is to strengthen families, build community, and celebrate every child’s growth.
Family Programs
Click on the buttons below to explore our programs:
Playgroups
Join our free, multi-week playgroups designed to help families connect, explore, and grow together.
Held in libraries, parks, and trails across Cape Cod, each group includes storytime, school readiness activities, and caregiver support.
Cape Cod Children’s Place playgroups are designed as parent-child engagement series, where families build connection, confidence, and community through shared experiences. Each series typically runs for multiple weeks, and families are encouraged to attend all sessions to the best of their ability—consistency helps children thrive and relationships grow.
Our playgroups are hosted in a variety of welcoming spaces across Cape Cod, including libraries, playgrounds, community centers, and local conservation trails. No matter the setting, each group is rooted in the Five Protective Factors and the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) framework, supporting:
Literacy & Language Development – Every group includes a storytime or literacy moment, whether it’s a book under the trees or a song in the library.
School Readiness – Activities foster curiosity, routine, and social-emotional growth.
Caregiver Confidence – Parents and caregivers receive tools, encouragement, and peer connection.
Community Building – Families connect with each other and with local resources.
Joyful Exploration – Nature walks, sensory play, music, and movement are woven throughout.
These groups are free to attend thanks to generous funding from MA EEC, CFCE, and local town grants. We welcome families of all backgrounds and abilities, and we do our best to accommodate siblings when space allows.
Service area: Barnstable to Provincetown
Parenting Workshops
Join our free workshops designed to support caregivers with practical tools, shared wisdom, and community connection.
From toddler tantrums to teen transitions, our sessions offer guidance rooted in compassion and real-life experience.
Our workshops are built on the belief that parenting is a journey best supported by community, shared learning, and practical tools. Each session is designed to be welcoming, judgment-free, and rooted in real-life challenges and joys. We offer both one-time events and multi-week series, often co-facilitated by experienced educators and peer leaders. Sample topics: Building strong family foundations – Strategies for nurturing connection, resilience, and emotional well-being at home.
Fatherhood and male caregiving – Supportive spaces for dads and father figures to grow in their parenting roles.
Understanding Your Child’s Emotional Needs – A workshop focused on recognizing children’s cues, strengthening connection, and supporting emotional regulation.
Positive behavior guidance – Tools for navigating challenging behaviors with empathy and consistency.
Supporting speech and language development – Understanding milestones and encouraging communication through play and daily routines.
Navigating transitions – From potty training to school readiness, we offer guidance for big changes in little lives.
Technology and digital safety – Helping families set healthy boundaries around screen time and online engagement.
Body safety and protective conversations – Empowering caregivers to talk with children about boundaries, safety, and seeking help.
Consultations & Support Groups
We offer free 1:1 consultations, home visiting and support groups
Whether you’re navigating a tough moment or looking for ongoing connection, we offer free 1:1 consultations, home visiting and support groups for caregivers across Cape Cod. You don’t have to do this alone.
Our support groups are small, intentional spaces where caregivers can connect, reflect, and grow alongside others with shared experiences. Most of our current groups are offered through the First Steps Together program, which supports parents in recovery and those navigating complex life transitions.
Current offerings may include:
Mindful Parenting – Tools for staying present, grounded, and connected in daily family life.
Dads in Recovery – A supportive space for fathers navigating parenting and recovery.
Group availability may vary based on funding and community need. If you’re interested in joining a group—or have an idea for one—we’d love to hear from you.
We’re always listening to families. If you’re looking for a group that doesn’t yet exist, reach out—we may be able to help.
Provincetown Family Resource
Families in Provincetown can access free, confidential support through our local Family Resource site
From parenting guidance to financial aid applications, we’re here to help you navigate life’s challenges. Contact Charlotte Fyfe, Family Support Specialist at 508‑237‑2688 or email Charlotte Fyfe.
SERVICES OFFERED:
- 1:1 consultations for families with children birth to 18
- Parenting information and guidance
- Referrals to medical care, housing, counseling, food, clothing, and more
- Support groups and community connections.
Provincetown families may apply for financial aid through the John Henry Trust, which supports children birth to 18 with needs related to medical, dental, housing, transportation, and childcare. Income and residency restrictions apply.
Applications are available in English and Spanish below:
Families on a Recovery Journey
Building resilience, healing, and hope for families on the path to recovery
Substance use disorder (SUD) does not just affect one person in a family – the whole family is impacted – children, partners, parents, siblings, etc. We provide collaborative, community-based services to strengthen recovery, resilience, and long-term stability for families impacted by substance use. If you or someone you love has been impacted by SUD, we are here to help. Services are provided by parents and peers who are in recovery themselves or who love someone who has been impacted. Their lived experience and specialized training allow them to support parents — whether they have custody or not — and their families on a path toward hope and healing.
Whether you’re expecting a child, parenting young children, or working toward reunification, our team is ready to meet you where you are.
SOPHIE'S JOURNEY WITH FIRST STEPS
First Steps Together is supported by a SAMHSA grant administered by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, with additional funding from RIZE Massachusetts.
reach out to learn more
Your privacy matters.
All inquiries are confidential.
Ages & Stages Questionaire (ASQ)
ASQ - Trusted tools used to check a child’s development from 1 month to 5½ years old
Wondering how your child is growing and developing? Our ASQ screenings offer a simple, supportive way to check in on milestones and celebrate progress. Meet with our coordinator or complete it on your own.
What it is:
The Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3™ and ASQ:SE-2™) are trusted tools used to check a child’s development from 1 month to 5½ years old. Each questionnaire looks at key areas like communication, motor skills, problem solving, and social-emotional growth.
Why It Matters:
Screening helps families celebrate milestones, understand what’s next, and identify any areas where extra support might be helpful. It’s not a diagnosis—it’s a first step toward understanding your child’s unique path. Early support can make a big difference.
How to Participate:
You can meet with our ASQ Coordinator, Kathe Medwin, to complete the questionnaire together and discuss next steps. Call us to set up a time. Prefer to do it on your own? Use the ASQ forms below to complete the screening independently.
ASQ FORMS:
ASQ-3 & ASQ:SE-2
Help Paying For Childcare
We help families connect with tuition subsidy programs across the region
We know childcare costs can be a challenge. Cape Cod Children’s Place helps families connect with tuition subsidy programs across the region — even if your child attends another center. We’re here to point you in the right direction.