Resources for Families
Babson Partners Club
The Babson Partners Club is made up of students and their spouses/partners and children who have joined them while pursuing their graduate degree.
The Partners Club exists to help students, their spouses, and their families get settled into their new home, meet new friends, and enjoy their time as part of the Babson Community.
The club is run by Babson partners and students and belongs to all members equally. If you would like to help or have ideas for future events please contact them at the email address below; new volunteers and ideas are always welcome.
A helpful resource they created is theUnofficial Guide to Boston for Babson Students and Partners (pdf).
Not yet a member? E-mail gradpartners@babson.edu to sign up or go to their website for more information.
Child Care
There are many options for child care in the United States. There are daycare centers, preschools, family daycares, nannies, and babysitters. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the variety of options so that you can find the one that best fits your family's needs. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Education​ provides some helpful information and suggestions when looking for a quality child care program.
Family/Home Day Care
Family child care is usually held within the private home of the care provider. They should be licensed professionals whose homes have been specially set up for child care. You can visit the provider’s home while they watch the children to see if you feel comfortable with them and their home. You should also ask for a list of references to call for further information about the provider. Usually, you will set up a regular schedule and will be required to pay for holidays and days your child is absent due to illness or vacation.
Child Care Centers/Nursery Schools
There are some excellent child care centers in the Boston area. They generally separate children by age into small groups. Because the demand for this service is high and daycare centers often have waiting lists, it is best to apply as early as possible.
Full-time Babson College students are given priority at the Wellesley Community Children’s Center (WCCC) at Wellesley College (https://www.wccc.wellesley.edu/) but the waiting list is quite long for the center and you must sign a 10 month or 12-month contract for your child. The WCCC accepts children from age 3 months to 5 years.
Most child care centers will require medical and immunization reports prior to enrollment. Nursery schools generally offer smaller programs than child care centers and are sometimes associated with or located in a church. If this is the case, you may wish to find out if religious subjects will be presented to the children.
Schools
Public Schools
The public school academic year runs from September to June. Public schools in the U.S. are tuition free and run from kindergarten (age 5) to 12th grade. To register a child you must show the child’s birth certificate/passport for the school to determine which grade your child will be placed in. You must provide documentation that you live in that school’s community. The quality of the school district can vary from town to town; many people live in specific towns because of the quality of the school system. Children must also have a medical examination and will need proof of immunizations. For more information about school immunization requirements visit www.mass.gov/dph/imm
For detailed information about a town’s school system, go to the Massachusetts Department of Education’s site. The district for the area in which you live can give you further information, including which school your child should attend.
Private Schools
Private schools generally serve children ages 5-18. They vary in size and may offer a traditional, non-traditional, or religious curriculum. There is a yearly tuition that varies according to the school.
Local Activities
The Wellesley Free Library has a children’s room and series of storytimes for kids of all ages. You can get a free library card with your ID and your Babson card for borrowing books, videos and music. The library also offers discounted museum, state park, and zoo passes.
There are many walking trails around the town of Wellesley. Find a map and more information: https://wellesleyma.gov/399/Trails
The Boston Parent’s Paper provides many ideas for classes, entertainment, schools, special events, where to buy children’s clothes or furniture, etc. Visit: boston.parenthood.com
The Sorenson Center for the Arts at Babson presents a diverse array of programming in theater, dance, music, film, video, and the literary arts. These activities are open to on-campus audiences and the general public. Visit: www.babson.edu/sorenson