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:

(J643) Beginner Chess for Kids – Tuesdays, 10/1 & 10/8 from 6:00pm-6:45pm – For children in 1st – 5th grade. This beginner class will teach you enough to get started playing chess. Learn how each piece moves and some basic strategies.

(J672) Homeschool Meetup – Wednesdays, 10/2 & 12/11 from 12:00pm-1:00pm – For homeschool families with children ages 5 – 10 years old (older and younger siblings welcome). Explore the wide range of homeschooling resources offered at MCPL. Will have games and activities available for all ages!

(J642) Kids’ Chess Club – Tuesdays, 11/12 & 12/10 from 6:00pm-6:45pm – 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.

(J677) Lego Builders – Wednesdays, 9/25, 10/16, 11/13, 12/4 from 5:30pm-6:30pm – For children in 4th – 5th grade. Share your love of LEGO and make new friends. Get creative with a new LEGO game or building challenge.

(J676) Little Lego Builders – Wednesdays, 9/25, 11/13 from 5:30pm-6:15pm – For children in 1st – 3rd grade. Share your love of LEGO and make new friends. Get creative with a new LEGO game or building challenge.

Teen Programs:

(T880) Career Conversations – Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm – For teens entering 6th – 12th grade and first/second year college students. Teens are invited to learn about career paths from a panel of workers from specialized job fields who will give insights into their professions. Following the presentation attendees will have an opportunity to chat with panelists one-on-one.

(J703) The Great Give Back – Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 10:00am-1:00pm – For all. Join us at the library for a fun-filled community service event! All are invited to drop in! The mission of The Great Give Back is to provide a day of opportunities for patrons of Suffolk County libraries to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences.

(T843) Homeschool Hangout – Wednesdays, 10/2 & 12/11 from 12:00pm-1:00pm – For teens entering 6th – 12th grade. For homeschooled teens in 6th-12th grade. Bring a friend or meet some new ones when you spend time participating in fun activities in the Underground.

(T849) Teen Writer’s Café – Tuesdays, 10/15, 11/19 & 12/17 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!

(T844) Tell Us About It Book Club – Tuesdays, 10/15, 11/12 & 12/10 from 4:00pm-5:00pm – For teens entering 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.

(T867) Zine Club – Tuesdays, 10/22, 11/26 & 12/17 from 4:30pm-5:30pm – For teens entering 6th – 12th grade.
Join us in designing and swapping Zines about a favorite topic or interest. Supplies will be provided to create and self-publish your own Zine, or mini-magazine.

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.