Resources
Get the info you need fast! Here you'll find all the links from the rest of the site in one easy place.
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Links for Education
- ELA and Math TestsCLICK HERE >>
Sample Tests
Taking (test) sample tests is a great way to prepare for the New York state ELA and Math Tests. Here you’ll find recent ELA and Math Tests that you can download and go over with your child.ELA Tests
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2005>>Math Tests
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2006>>Quick Test Preparation Tips>>
Fast, practical hints on how you can help your child develop good study habits and prepare for important tests such as the ELA, Math, and Regents. For example, make sure your child eats a good breakfast on test day.Making Sense of Your Child's Test Scores>>
For a helpful worksheet on how to understand your child's ELA and Math test scores, scroll down to NYSTP English Language Arts 2008 and select English (or whichever language is most comfortable for you). There is also a worksheet for understanding Math test scores.What English Skills Your Child Needs to Learn in Each Grade>>
Are you wondering exactly what the ELA test covers? Click here to find out the skills--such as being able to find facts in a newspaper article--that students must demonstrate to pass the ELA test. There are sections for grades 3-4, grades 5-6, and grades 7-8 along with activities you can do together.What Math Skills Your Child Needs to Learn in Each Grade>>
Learn about which math concepts are usually taught in each grade. - Regents Exams and PSATCLICK HERE >>
New York State Regents>>
Taking lots of Regents sample tests from previous years will help high school students get ready. The Department of Education offers up to 30 practice tests for each subject.Regents Subject Area Reviews>>
Worksheets! Vocabulary lists! Illustrated subject outlines! Studying for the Regents doesn’t have to be boring. Brush up on major concepts and important facts for several Regents subject areas here.What’s the PSAT?>>
Get your questions about the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) answered in this guide to the test. Find test-taking help, information about the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, and practice tests. - Helping Your Child Succeed in School CLICK HERE >>
Helpful Tips for Getting to School on Time>>
A stress-free morning and arriving to school on time both help children do their best in school. Getting as much ready as possible the night before can help create a calmer morning. Find more tips to help your family get ready for the day.Questions to Ask Your Child’s Teachers>>
Asking your child’s teachers questions during a conference shows them that you care about your child’s education. Here you’ll find lots of questions you might want to ask. Find questions for if your child is struggling, doesn’t get along with his/her teacher, if you don’t get along with his/her teachers, or even if your child doesn’t have any problems.Tips to Get the Most Out of Parent-Teacher Conferences>>
These seven tips will help you make the most out of the time you have with your child’s teacher. For example, spend time talking with your child about school beforehand to make sure you know the important points to cover during the conference.20 Ways You Can Help Your Children Succeed In School>>
Find excellent help on:
- making your home a good place for learning and studying
- finding extra services, such as tutoring, if your child is struggling in school
- knowing your rights as a parent of a public school student
- learning about the most important people at your child's school
Fun Reading Activities You Can Do With Your Child>>
How can you use a recipe, junk mail, an empty jar, or even your child's own name to build language skills at home? Learn how at this site. You'll find free, fun reading activities that you can do with your child to build language skills. There are sections for grades 3-5 and grades 6-8.Math and Reading Help for Kids>>
List of links to articles that deal with just about everything related to studying math, but that don’t go in depth about specific math concepts. Find resources about math anxiety, homework-help tips, at-home math activities, and more from the American Library Association.10 Ways to Help Your Kids Do Well in Math>>
Great tips on how you can help your child master math concepts from the Family Education Network. - Homework Help CLICK HERE >>
Homework New York City>>
Get free homework help with any subject online. You can chat live or talk on the phone, one-on-one with a New York City teacher. Learn about New York City’s Dial-A-Teacher hotline or call them directly at (212) 777-3380.The Beehive>>
Helpful links and homework resources for every grade and every subject area.Live Homework Help at NYC Public Libraries>>
Log in to a computer at a NYC public library and get help from real, live tutors online. Tutors are available for live homework help in math, science, social studies, English, and college prep. Spanish-speaking tutors are available too!Even MORE Homework Help Resources!>>
Explore a kid space and teen space for homework help, or ask Dr. Math a question about a tough math assignment. The NYC Department of Education offers lots of helpful links to homework resources. - Free Afterschool Programs for K-12 StudentsCLICK HERE >>
New York City offers many free, high-quality afterschool programs where students in grades K-12 can learn new skills, get homework help, play sports, go on field trips, and eat healthy snacks. Browse the programs below to find one that works for you and your family.
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)>>
Visit this web site to find the locations and contact info for the afterschool programs closest to you.New York City Youthline—1-800-246-4646>>
Youthline offers free information to youth, families, and communities about afterschool programs, community centers, bus/subway programs, youth employment opportunities, and much more.Out of School Time (OST)>>
New York City offers 644 free, safe Out of School Time programs for elementary, middle school, and high school students after school, during holidays, and in the summer. Programs offer homework help, healthy snacks, and recreational and cultural activities.Beacon Programs>>
Photography, tutoring, basketball, chess, martial arts, and college prep are just a few of the activities offered to elementary, middle school, and high school students at the 80 Beacon programs throughout New York City. Beacons also offer adult programs such as GED, ESL, parenting skills, family relations, and tenant education.Neighborhood Development Area Programs>>
Students in grades 1-12 can participate in programs that will help them improve academic performance, develop leadership skills, and get ready for college or an advanced training programs.The After-School Corporation>>
Visit the After-School Corporation (TASC) web site or call (212) 547-6950 to find out if your child’s school has a TASC-sponsored afterschool program. These programs offer academic, arts, and sports activities for kids in all grades. - Public Libraries! CLICK HERE >>
Public libraries in New York City offer homework help, computer training classes, literacy programs, language classes, and much more! All you need to access the many free services offered is a public library card.
New York Public Library>>
(212) 930-0800Brooklyn Public Library>>
(718) 230-2100Queens Public Library>>
(718) 990-0700USING YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY>>
At this site, you’ll find information on how to find the library closest to you, how to look for books using the card catalog, and learn about the other activities--such as story hours and workshops--offered by libraries. - Links for Students CLICK HERE >>
Tips for Getting to School On Time for High School Students>>
Do you have trouble getting to school on time? Check out these tips to make your mornings less stressful and your time at school more productive.Answering Essay Questions>>
Don’t let essay questions stress you out! Click here for help on staying calm on test day, planning your answer, and writing a great essay.Top Test Studying Tips>>
Get the most out of studying for tests with these tips. Learn about test-taking strategies, making your own study aids, and setting up a study group.All About Diplomas>>
Not sure what the difference is between a local and Regents diploma? Find out everything you need to know about what’s required to graduate from high school in New York.Cyberchase Math Game>>
Cyberchase is a site for kids based on the animated educational show on PBS that teaches kids math concepts. Geared toward 8- to 12-year-olds, the site offers lots of games as well as downloadable activities parents can do with their kids.Cool Math 4 Kids>>
This site is an “amusement park of math for kids.” It’s full of games, puzzles, and other activities that kids can do on their own. It also has worksheets and tutorials that kids and parents can do together.
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Links for Health
- Public Health Insurance CLICK HERE >>
Earn Benefits>>
This site offers detailed and easy-to-understand descriptions of a variety of public health insurance and nutrition programs that could be available to your family. Find out quickly if you qualify for a program by checking out its eligibility chart.The Office of Citywide Health Insurance Access (OCHIA)>>
OCHIA offers valuable information on free and low-cost public health insurance programs that can help you pay for healthcare for you and your family. Visit the web site or call 1-866-432-5849.New York State Department of Health >>
The New York State Department of Health provides a list of health insurance programs with links.New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene>>
You and your family could be eligible for free health services in New York City. Search a list of clinics and other locations where you can get help filling out an application for public health insurance programs.The Beehive: Paying for Healthcare>>
Learn the basics of Medicaid, Medicare, and other public health insurance options that could be available for you and your family. Enter your zip code to find local programs. - Private Health Insurance CLICK HERE >>
Healthy New York>>
This program offers low-cost health insurance to working individuals and families who are not eligible for government or employer-subsidized health insurance. Visit the web site or call 1-866-HEALTHY NY (1-866-432-5849).Health Information Tool for Empowerment (HITE)>>
This is a great online tool that allows you to search a database of thousands of organizations providing health and social services for uninsured, underinsured, and low-income individuals. An online calculator can help you determine if you’re eligible for one of New York’s free or low-cost health insurance programs. Visit the web site or call 1-866-370-HITE (4483).The Beehive: Paying for Healthcare>>
Do you know about all your health insurance and healthcare payment options? Learn about the four types of private health insurance—HMO, PPO, FFS, POS—and local health programs that might be available to you.Simple Guide to Health Insurance>>
This helpful guide breaks down different health insurance options, offers questions to ask yourself when deciding on health insurance for your family, and provides definitions to common terms used by insurance networks. - Finding a Doctor CLICK HERE >>
The Beehive: Finding a Doctor>>
Find out which kind of doctor or specialist you need to see and then search for a doctor or health care clinic at one of the links provided on this site.The New York State Physician Profile>>
This is a searchable database of all the licensed doctors in New York State. You can search by name, location, specialty, or hospital. Doctor information includes which health plans they accept. - Early Intervention CLICK HERE >>
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene>>
Early help makes a difference in child development. The NYC Department of Health provides a lot of information for families about early intervention, such as signs to watch out for in your child, available services, provider directories, and other facts. Visit the web site or call 212-219-5580.New York State Department of Health>>
A step-by-step guide to everything a family can expect as they start the early intervention process. - Dental Health CLICK HERE >>
Caring For Your Child’s Teeth>>
This dental health guide for parents offers basic information on what to expect when you bring your child to the dentist, how to prevent cavities, and what to do if your child has a tooth problem.Brush Up on Healthy Teeth>>
This helpful dental-health reminder includes quizzes, fact sheets, and tips for parents on the best ways to care for their children’s teeth.Keeping Your and Your Family’s Teeth Healthy>>
A quick guide with tips for children, teens, and adults on maintaining good dental health. - Positive Parenting CLICK HERE >>
Child Development and Positive Parenting>>
Learn about the developmental milestones you can expect your child to reach during certain ages and find out how to become an even better parent through positive parenting skills at every age.Toddlers (2-3 years): Click here>>
Preschoolers (3-5 years): Click here>>
Middle Childhood (6-8 years): Click here>>
Middle Childhood (9-11 years): Click here>>
Adolescence (12-14 years): Click here>>
Parenting Teenagers>>
Understand what your teen is going through during adolescence and learn about positive ways to get through it together. - Leading a Healthier Lifestyle CLICK HERE >>
Quick Guide to Healthy Living>>
What are the top five things you can do to stay healthy? This fun and easy-to-use site from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services can give you a basic overview of your healthcare needs and what you can do to become healthier.How Much Physical Activity Do You Need?>>
Check out the Center for Disease Control guidelines on how much physical activity children, adults, and older adults need in order to stay healthy.Family Nutrition>>
Learn all about nutrition for your family. “Inside the Pyramid” explains how to combine the different food groups in the food pyramid to get the most nutrition. Sign up for a free account to access an interactive menu planner and other nutrition tools. - Your Family’s Health CLICK HERE >>
Tips for Talking with Your Doctor>>
Talking with your doctor can be scary. Sometimes it can feel like he or she is speaking a different language. Get advice on the most important questions you should ask your doctor, key information you need to give your doctor, and what to expect during a checkup so you can get the most out of your appointment.KidsHealth>>
Almost anything you might want to know about child health can be found on this site. With sections for parents, kids, and teens, KidsHealth provides interesting and easy-to-read articles on positive parenting, child development, nutrition, pregnancy, general health, medical problems, and many more topics.Health Finder>>
This comprehensive health resource offers interactive health tools such as activity planners, online checkups, and health calculators along with health news, provider directories, and lots of information about specific health concerns.Family Doctor>>
Family Doctor is another comprehensive health resource where you can find articles and guides for hundreds of health topics. - Teen Health CLICK HERE >>
Go Ask Alice!>>
Go Ask Alice! is a health Q&A where teens and young adults can ask questions and get answers anonymously about sexuality, sexual health, emotional health, fitness, nutrition, alcohol, nicotine, other drugs, and general health.I Wanna Know>>
Get the facts on your sexual health. Teens can find info on important topics such as sex, peer pressure related to sex, sexual health, sexually transmitted infections, and how to practice safe sex. Find out what’s rumor and what’s real. - Links for Kids! CLICK HERE >>
Colgate Kids World>>
Kids can play fun games like “Attack of the Plaque Monsters” and send an email to the tooth fairy. Parents can print out tooth-brushing charts to encourage their kids to keep up with their dental health.Playnormous>>
Kids can play all kinds of interactive games like “Lunch Crunch,” “Brain Gain,” and “Bubble Trouble.” These games give kids important health information while they play. This site is great for all kids and adults, but especially for kids 6 to 15.BAM! Body and Mind>>
Not sure how to deal with stress? Worried you might have a health problem? Check out BAM!, a cool site with interactive quizzes, games, and health info designed just for kids ages 9 to 13.4 Girls Health>>
Girls can take quizzes and polls, create their own stories, get free stuff, get advice on how to deal with problems like bullying and fights with friends, and learn all about health issues at GirlsHealth.gov. This site is great for girls ages 10 to 16.
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Links for Work
Do you want to take an ESL or GED class? Look for links marked “ESL, GED.” These organizations offer classes in these areas, sometimes for free!
- Finding a JobCLICK HERE >>
Workforce1 Career Centers>>
Whether you’re ready to work right now or you need some help getting started, a Workforce1 Career Center in your neighborhood can provide you with a variety of tools to get you going. Workforce1 can help you find a job or a training course. You’ll also have access to computers and office supplies to search for jobs and send out resumes.
ESL, GED
Find a Workforce1 Career Center Near You>>
Search for the Workforce1 One-Stop Career Center closest to you or call 311 and ask for “Workforce1.”Neighborhood Development Area (NDA) Adult Employment Program>>
Adult Employment Programs across the city offer free workshops, classes, and one-on-one support to people who are looking for a job for the first time or who want to find a better job. ESL, GED offered at some locations. - Exploring a Career or IndustryCLICK HERE >>
NY JobZone>>
Explore new careers. Assess your skills. Define your career interests. Sign up for a free account to set up a portfolio and resumé of all your job qualifications including special skills, education, and past employment. You can search for job openings in the job database too.The Beehive>>
Discover new career options and evaluate your own interests through quizzes and surveys to find a profession that fits your personality. The virtual Career Coach can help you set up a step-by-step career plan to get a job that works for you. Set up an account for free to access all the site has to offer.Spanish: Link>>
CareerOneStop>>
Learn about the fastest-growing industries and most in-demand professions in the country in the “Explore Careers” section. Videos about a variety of professions offer an inside look at what it’s like to work in different industries. Plus there’s helpful information about writing resumes, education and training, and people and places near you where you can find job help.Spanish:
Explorando Profesiones>>
Learn about the fastest-growing industries and most in-demand professions in the country. Videos about a variety of professions offer an inside look at what it’s like to work in different industries.Workforce Connection>>
Curious about what a certain job is all about? Check out this helpful link with descriptions of dozens of jobs. - Training and Career Advancement ResourcesCLICK HERE >>
EarnMore Training and Education Information>>
Learn more to earn more! EarnMore provides information about vouchers and financial aid options that could be available for you.Office of Adult and Continuing Education>>
Free day, evening, and Saturday courses are taught by certified teachers at locations across the city. Course topics include parenting, job skills, computer skills, health careers, and technical careers. Counselors at locations around the city can help you figure out what kind of training you need, where to get it, how to apply, and how to pay for it. Plus childcare is often provided! ESL, GEDEarnMore Career Advancement Program>>
Advance your career by working one-on-one with a career advancement coach specially trained to help working people get promoted or find a higher-paying job. Qualified participants have access to free education and training, transportation discounts, and other services. ESL, GED - Opportunity NYC-Approved Training & Education ProvidersCLICK HERE >>
These courses are approved for Opportunity NYC Work and Training Rewards.
New York City Training Guide>>
A helpful, easy-to-use training course guide that lets you search for courses by industry, job title, borough, zip code, and key words. The Department of Small Businesses sponsors the site. ESL, GEDTraining Programs in New York City>>
High-quality training programs and learning centers across the city offer courses in hundreds of job areas. The New York Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (BPSS) has licensed the schools listed on this site. ESL, GEDThese are just a few of the training options available:
- healthcare
- computers
- paralegal studies
- cooking and hospitality
- dry cleaning
- dog training
- fashion design
- hairstyling and haircutting
- automotive repair
- childcare
- bartending
- construction
- and many more!
Higher Education: Community Colleges, Colleges, and Universities>>
Search through a list of all the public and private training schools, community colleges, colleges, and universities in New York. Schools located in New York City include:- CUNY
- SUNY
- Devry
- Globe Institute
- Katharine Gibbs
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- and many more!
Online Courses>>
All you need is internet access to train for a better career. You can work towards a certificate or degree at home with one of the many online courses offered through the regionally accredited community colleges, colleges, and universities in the Sloan Consortium. - Get the Job and Keep It! CLICK HERE >>
Job Hunting Tips>>
Tips and tricks on business etiquette to help you get hired. Quizzes help you identify weaknesses in your professional behavior and FAQs offer advice on how to write cover letters and thank-you notes.Dress for Success Career Center>>
Do you have an interview, but nothing appropriate to wear? Dress for Success offers free, secondhand suits and professional work clothes for women who qualify. In addition to clothes, the program provides one-on-one job search help, resumé and cover-letter-writing lessons, interview preparation, and internet access.Bottomless Closet>>
Bottomless Closet offers free secondhand work clothes, one-on-one job coaching, and workshops for women who qualify.Expert Advice on Workplace Etiquette>>
Learn all the dos and don’ts of working in a professional office. Find advice on making a great first impression, answering phones professionally, dressing appropriately, and working well with colleagues.Career and Job-Hunting Newsletter>>
Free job-hunting newsletter! Sign up for a biweekly email newsletter that offers informative career and job-hunting articles, links, and tips for job seekers. - Choosing the Right ChildcareCLICK HERE >>
If you have a school-age child, consider registering him or her for an afterschool program. Many afterschool programs are free and include activities such as homework help, art classes, field trips, and sports. They’re often open during holidays too. Learn more about afterschool programs at the education Rewards page here.
Day Care Centers in New York City>>
Here you can search for a day care center that has an official Department of Health permit. You can also find out if a center you’re interested in has any health code violations.Smart Choices for Childcare>>
How can you tell if a day care center is safe enough for your child? What are all the different types of childcare? Find everything you need to know about choosing high-quality childcare in New York City.Childcare Aware>>
Find advice on how to budget for childcare, how to locate high-quality day care, and how to prepare for disasters and emergencies. You can also access brochures and posters on literacy and early education.Spanish: Link>>
- Subsidized Childcare OptionsCLICK HERE >>
NYC Administration for Children’s Services>>
Your child might be eligible for free childcare or a Head Start program! Check out the NYC Administration for Children’s Services’ site to see if you qualify. You can use a searchable map to find high-quality childcare providers near you.Access NYC>>
Enter your family’s information—such as number of children, income, living arrangements—to learn if you qualify for government services including subsidized childcare.Work Support
Earn Benefits Community Resources>>
Balancing family life and a job isn’t always easy, but there are lots of resources out there to help you succeed. Find everything from free-clothing programs to counselors who can help you fix your credit. - Earn Tax Refunds!CLICK HERE >>
Tax Credit Campaign>>
Find a free or low-cost tax assistance site near you.All You Need to Know About Taxes>>
Learn all about the different tax benefits working families can receive. You could be eligible to earn tax refunds in the thousands, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) worth up to $6,360. But the only way to receive the money is through declaring taxes. Filing your taxes doesn’t have to be a headache. A volunteer tax preparer located near you can help get you through the paperwork.Free Tax Assistance Program with FoodChange>>
New Yorkers are eligible for free tax assistance if they earn $40,000 or less with dependent children. Self-employed people such as taxi drivers and childcare providers are eligible for tax credits and free tax preparation through FoodChange at 12 locations across the city.
