Parents

Parenting Resources

Resources for families living in or around Cortland and Tompkins Counties

The Child Development Council wants you to have easy access to information on child development and parent/guardian support services. Contact us for:

  • Special needs of babies - discovering your new role
  • What to expect as your child grows - developmental milestones
  • Dealing with challenging behaviors and everyday hurdles
  • Strength-based parenting
  • Child care and afterschool options to meet your family's temperament
  • Communicating with your caregiver

Provider Recognition - Started in 1996 by a group of volunteers in New Jersey, Provider Appreciation Day is appropriately celebrated each year on the Friday before Mother's Day. The founding organizers saw the need to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for children of working parents. Momentum and support for this event has grown each year and recognition presently includes individuals and government organizations throughout the United States.

Family Support Services - Home visiting program for families with infants and toddlers

Teen Pregnancy/Parenting Program - Serves teens who are living in Tompkins County and are pregnant or parenting

Cornell Cooperative Extension - Located in Ithaca, Cooperative Extension offers parenting classes

NYS Department of Health - This site has health resources for families located in NYS

2-1-1 Tompkins - Information and Referral to Human Service Programs in Tompkins and Cortland Counties, sponsored by the Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County. Call 2-1-1 or 1-877-211-8667, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

myBenefits - The fast and easy way to find out about many health and human services programs and how to apply for them.

 Services for Children with Special Care Needs

Children with Special Care Needs Program - Provides evaluations and access to services for children with special care needs, including children with developmental delays up to 3 years old and children with special health care needs or physical handicaps up to 21 years old. Call Tompkins County Health Department at (607) 274-6644 for more information.

School Districts - Provide services for children with special care needs, age 3 and up. Call your school district for more information.

Candor (607) 659-3935

Dryden  (607) 844-8694

Groton  (607) 898-5330

Ithaca  (607) 274-2264

Lansing  (607) 533-4271

Newfield  (607) 564-9955

South Seneca  (607) 869-9636

Trumansburg  (607) 387-7551