Education Resource Center / Homeschooling

Library Services for Homeschoolers

The Education Resource Center (ERC) at Middle Country Public Library offers support and enrichment for Middle Country residents, educators, and homeschooling families with children age 5 and older by providing access to the Educational Resource collection featuring science equipment and kits, math manipulatives, curricula and educational games, online resources including subscription databases and ERC specific programming.  The ERC collection and programming is funded with support from the Long Island Community Foundation.  Education Resource Center cards are available to out-of-district homeschooling families. For more information, please contact Deborah Hempe at (631) 585-9393 ext. 223 or hempedeborah@mcplibrary.org. For those interested in booking a meeting room for educational purposes, please complete the linked form, and a librarian will contact you soon.

Programs for ERC Cardholders

The following programs are open to ERC cardholders for the Winter season. Registration opens on Thursday, December 14, 2023.

School Age Programs:

Beginner Chess – Tuesdays, 7/16 & 7/23 from 2:00pm-2:45pm – For children entering 1st – 5th grade. This beginner class will teach you enough to get started playing chess. Learn how each piece moves and some basic strategies.

Build It! (K – 2nd grade) – Saturday, July 20, 2024 from 10:00am-10:45am – For children entering K – 2nd grade. Let’s work together as a team to build structures using all kinds of materials!

Build It (3rd – 5th grade) – Saturday, July 20, 2024 from 11:00am-11:45am – For children entering K – 2nd grade. Let’s work together as a team to build structures using all kinds of materials!

Every Day is a Holiday – Tuesdays, 7/16, 7/30, 8/7, 8/9, 8/23 from 1:00pm-1:45pm – For families with children entering Pre-K – 2nd grade. Everyday is a holiday! Drop-in and create a simple craft based on some fun holidays while supplies last.

Kids Chess Club – Tuesdays, 8/13 & 9/17 from 5:30pm-6:15pm – For children in 1st – 5th grade. Join our chess club, and play against other kids. All skill levels are welcome! Mr. Lombardi will be there if you need a little reminder of the basics.

Summer Sparks STEM  Workshop– Wednesday, August 14, 2024 from 11:00am – 12:00pm and 2:00pm – 3:00pm –  For children entering 4th – 8th grade. Calling all young scientists and engineers! Join the Long Island Explorium as we dive into the world of STEM. Get ready for exciting challenges, experiments, and discoveries that will spark your curiosity in this hands-on program.

Teen Programs:

Friday Night Teen Programs – Every Friday from 6:30pm – 8:00pm – For teens entering 6th – 12th grade. Want a place to go with your friends to play games & hangout together? A place that’s fun and best of all, FREE! Join us for teen programs every Friday night at Selden.

Introduction to Zines – Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 5:30pm – 6:15pm – For teens entering 6th – 12th grade. Learn all about what a Zine is and how to make your very own mini-magazine.

Teen Writer’s Club – Tuesdays, 7/16, 7/20, 7/17 from 6:45pm – 8:00pm – For teens entering 6th – 12th grade. Do you LOVE to write? Meet up at the library to explore poetry, prose, fan fiction and more. Share your own work and participate in fun writing challenges!

Tell US About It Book Club – Tuesdays, 7/9 & 8/13 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm – For teens 6th – 12th grade. Join a group of teens who love to read! Talk about what books you love or what you didn’t like so much. Get some recommendations from other readers.

Online Resources

Middle Country Public Library offers a wide variety of online databases providing learning experiences for all ages on a wide variety of topics which can be accessed with your Middle Country Public Library card or ERC card.

                     • MCPL cardholders click here for all a list of all Kids Databases and Online Resources for teens.

                     • ERC cardholders click here for a list of all ERC Databases.

Featured Databases

BookFlix

Scholastic BookFlix is an online literacy resource that pairs classic video storybooks from Weston Woods with related nonfiction eBooks from Scholastic to build a love of reading and learning. This engaging resource will help early readers develop and practice essential reading skills.

Educate Station

Educate Station provides ready-to-use, hands-on activities for Pre K – 5th grade. Learning plans and worksheets are provided for ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies and Social Emotional Learning subject areas. The Educate Station team is committed to inspiring joyful learning and supporting kids, teachers, and parents.

Muzzy Online

In Spanish, French, English, German and Italian, MUZZY Online is a comprehensive, interactive and fun way for kids to learn a second language.

Prenda Code Club

Learn the basics of coding! Make websites, video games, apps, animations, programs, and more. This is a self-paced learn-to-code program for ages 8-18.

Recommended Websites

National Home Education Research Institute

New York State Homeschooling Regulations

Learn and keep up to date on New York State regulations.

NYSED Home Instruction Laws and Regulations

Key laws and requirements related to homeschooling.

New York State Home Instruction Questions and Answers

FAQs covering home instruction, individualized plans, evaluations, suggested strategies, and more.

Cathy Duffy Homeschool Reviews

This site features articles and reviews of books related to homeschooling, education and related political and spiritual issues.

The Homeschool Mom

This portal of free resources available online includes information about many topics including ordering free curriculum, online unit plans, lesson plans, and worksheets, as well as information on supplementing or creating a homeschool curriculum.

The Well-Trained Mind

This site offers a step-by-step, grade-by-grade, subject-by-subject guide to the classical pattern of education called the trivium.

A2Z Homeschooling

An inclusive, non-faith-based homeschooling site offering homeschool help and information for all homeschoolers looking for educational resources without religious influence.

Consumer Affairs: Online Homeschools Guide

Searching for an online homeschool curriculum? Compare the best companies using consumer reviews and our comprehensive buyers guide.