When CFNC implemented its weekly food drive, we knew that our abilities were limited. That's why we partnered with Sevatec and their CEO, Sony Kakar, to provide warm meals to our families who are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. This past week, CFNC's partnership with Sevatec was featured by WJLA - check out the article written by Jay Korff!

For people living in poverty, access to the internet and digital tools is a huge obstacle. While certain demographics of society are seeing soaring rates of digital engagement, the growth for those living in poverty is significantly slower. The results of the digital divide are troubling, especially as we start to rely more and more on technology in all areas of our lives, but especially, on education. (Pew Research Center) This idea came to the forefront for CFNC after we closed our physical doors in March. We immediately implemented a virtual learning plan, utilizing ClassDojo as an online learning platform…

Our students want to read with you! Record a video of yourself reading your favorite children's book or walking our students through a fun craft and send us the file at the email below! We'll post it on our online learning platform for our students to enjoy. The video length should be no more than 10 minutes.   Questions? Contact Anna Shults at ashults@cfnc-online.org  

Times of national crisis can spark anxiety in young children. Here are some tips from our resident mental health expert, Mary Taverner, LCSW on how to support your child's mental health: Keep sleep and meal schedules consistent - Consistent routines provide a sense of safety for young children and impact our brain health. Stay active - Get your body moving! Find ways to stretch, dance, and move. Take care of yourself - No matter how old your children are, they know when you are stressed. Our ability to regulate impacts their sense of safety. Stay in touch - Social distancing doesn't…

A lot has changed in the last two weeks at CFNC, in Alexandria, and in the world. But one thing that remains the same is our commitment to the community and to our students and families. In the last two weeks, we have been blown away by the response of our supporters and volunteers. We've collected and given out over 100 bags of food to our families from drop off points in their own neighborhoods. We've also identified additional areas of need for our families, and implemented drives for the following materials: Books: Help us build up our students' home…

CFNC Family,   It’s been quite a week for our country and community, and I hope to hear you are all safe and healthy.   ACPS will be closed on Monday, and so, we will also be closing for the rest of the school year.   We are grounded in our mission at CFNC: to provide free preschool and related services to our families in their own communities. Every day, our superstar team of teachers, family support workers, and administrative team balance the health and the needs of our community. We recognize that this is an uncertain time, but we want you to…

Summer vacation is still a few months off, but it's never too early to start preparing for Summer after your child leaves school. There are a number of options for how your child can spend their Summer in Alexandria. Check out some of these ideas! Continue your child's education: No matter how you end up spending your Summer, always make sure you're still practicing some of the skills that your child learned throughout the school year. Here are some tips: Practice writing their first and last name every day in a notebook Count and write the numbers 1-15 Read a…

ALEXANDRIA – The Child & Family Network Centers’ Board of Directors announced that Jacquelyn Horstmann Didio has been selected as the organization’s new Executive Director. Didio will officially assume the position on February 3rd, 2020. Didio takes the helm from Lisa Carter who served in the position for 3 years. "As we say good-bye and thank you to our beloved Lisa Carter, we are excited to welcome our new Executive Director.  Jackie has a passion for early education and brings the strengths and skills to build on CFNC’s success and lead our organization to new heights," said Heather Jelks, President…

Take a look at who our children and families are in 2019-2020!

CFNC has been chosen as the beneficiary of Whole Foods' "Nickels for Nonprofits" program! From now until June 1, 2020, bring your reusable bag to the Whole Foods on Duke Street and a nickel will be automatically donated to CFNC. Now you can buy your groceries AND change lives - what could be better? Where: Whole Foods Market - 1700 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 When: Now until June 1, 2020 How: Bag your groceries with your reusable bag Why: Alexandria's low-income children deserve a high-quality early education that will set them up for success in school and in life! Questions?…