Center for Parents and Teachers

120 Meriam Road
Concord, MA 01742

Contact Person: Pat Nelson
Phone: 978-318-1510 ext. 145
Fax: 978-318-1538
Email: pnelson@colonial.net

The Center for Parents and Teachers provides high-quality, low-cost workshops, training sessions, and forums for parents and teachers. In response to community needs and concerns, our programs address topics relevant to children of all ages, from pre-school through high school. We also maintain a lending library of curriculum materials for early childhood teachers. Volunteers are needed to provide childcare in our fully equipped classroom during morning workshops for parents. Childcare providers can bring their own small children with them.

“When I came to the first session I felt like a load was lifted off my shoulders. It has empowered me as a parent.”

The Center for Parents and Teachers was founded in 1987 with a grant from Massachusetts Department of Education. When the state grant program ended in 1991, a committed group of parents and teachers worked together to develop an alternative funding base and created a unique public/private collaboration. The Center is housed at the Concord Public Schools and is funded through program fees and contributions from the Community Chest, local businesses and other grant-making organizations. An Advisory Board meets regularly and participates fully in program development and fund-raising.
The Center provides two basic services:
• High quality, low cost classes and forums that foster parent effectiveness
• Professional development workshops, educational resources and classroom materials that enhance preschool and elementary education.

“Moms of challenging children become isolated and this class breaks down the barrier. It’s a lifesaver.”

Families today can be stretched and stressed in many ways – balancing work and home, incessant media influence, unrealistic expectations of success, issues of sexuality and substance abuse. To help parents traverse these daily challenges, the Center for Parents and Children brings to Concord inspiring speakers and insightful group leaders. Programs are developed that respond to the particular needs of parents and educators. In that process the Center has created a community committed to children. Evaluations of Center offerings are always very positive – with a growing demand.


Each year more than 1,000 parents attend Center workshops and forums and over 90 early childhood educators participate in professional development activities.