CNC Updates June 2026

Dear Families,

June is marking the time when some of our ongoing, weekly programs come to a pause. Some will return for the summer while others will take a break until the fall. Please make sure to check our calendar. We have included our program calendar for the summer to help you make plans. We hope to have confirmation of continued funding soon and will update if there are any changes.

• We are very excited for the upcoming "Learning on the Move!" event on Sunday, June 7th! This event is similar to the Big Machines on the Mountain that we have held in the past but a different location and slightly different program. There will be large vehicles to check out and fun activities and information from local programs and libraries from 10:00-11:15. We expect a visit from Smokey the Bear if he is available! At 11:15 we have a performance inside the school with Tom Knight! We have incredible door prizes and will do the drawing right after Tom Knights performance. Join the Union 28 schools, CNC and others in a kick-off to summer and learning on the move! RAIN OR SHINE!
• NOW accepting registrations for the waitlist to participate in the Parent Child Plus early literacy home visiting program to begin in the fall of 2026 Families with children 18-36 months old are eligible if you live in Erving, Leverett, New Salem, Shutesbury, or Wendell. If you would like to learn more about the program, contact Gillian. Participating families receive FREE books and educational toys to keep!
• If you are looking for resources for your family, please reach out to us or access local resource information on our website.
• Families can now sign up for Child Care Financial Assistance CCFA wait list through the new portal on Mass.gov! There is still a waitlist for receiving financial assistance but if you haven't applied and expect to be eligible or would like to learn if you are, you should get registered now. See the flyer below for more information
• Our CNC Advisory Council meeting is looking for additional families to participate. Our meetings are virtual and last just an hour. If you are interested in learning more about the Council and would like to join, please contact Gillian. Input and participation from families with children under four years of age supports the CNC program.

• STORYWALKS are now being posted at the Erving Public Library . In addition we are collaborating with the Swift River School Run Club to have StoryWalks posted along the Swift River School track through the summer. The New Salem Library is also sharing CNC StoryWalks and their own throughout the summer on the Quabbin Overlook trail in the center of New Salem. The Leverett StoryWalks are paused during the construction at the library but we will keep you update if we begin posting there.

• PLEASE NOTE! The CNC Children's Closet: will be taking a PAUSE in clothing, toy and book, baby gear donations for the month of July due to reduced staffing. We will update you about August. The Closet hours are on the program calendars.

CNC staff can be reached by emailing cnccoord@erving.com or, call, text (978) 935-4909. Please reach out with any questions.

See you soon!

Gillian & Brieta

P.S. Make sure to continue scrolling so you don't miss anything!

CNC has incredible support from the New Salem Academy and the Union 28 schools to be offering this event on June 7th. All are welcome. Bring friends and celebrate community, family, and learning over the summer while having fun!

CNC receives incredible support from our local libraries to be able to offer additional sessions of our programs. In addition the Leverett Library is holding library playgroups on July 3, 10, 17 and 24th with Sarah. Jak will return on July 31st and continue through August. Shutesbury Public Library is supporting CNC is hosting additional sessions of Tales & Tunes with Katie on Wednesdays. You have choices on Wednesdays!

What is ASQ, exactly?

ASQs help families reflect upon and review their child’s strengths, interests, attributes and areas that may need support.

Here are the five important areas of development that each questionnaire looks at:

1. Communication: Your child’s language skills, both what your child understands and what he or she can say.

2. Gross Motor: How your child uses their arms and legs and other large muscles for sitting, crawling, walking, running, and other activities.

3. Fine Motor: Your child’s hand and finger movement and coordination.

4. Problem Solving: How your child plays with toys and solves problems.

5. Personal-Social: Your child’s self-help skills and interactions with others.

Complete the form on the CNC website . The questionnaire responses will go to CNC Coordinator, Gillian, and she will be in touch with information to support your child's continued growth and development.

Please be in touch if you have any questions or would like to complete the questionnaire on paper.

Please note we are not accepting donations in July due to reduced staffing. We will update you about August.

While we are temporarily pausing donations. Please feel free to visit or check with the these other locations that accept children's clothing:

Northfield Clothing Closet

The Nest Community Closet

The Village Closet