A long line had formed at Newport Creamery. My daughter and I were midway in the line, waiting on our designated “X” when an older gentleman started talking through his mask to us about how he didn’t mind the wait and it was nice to get to know his neighbors. After telling me that he…
This week, Children’s Friend continued on its “reopening” journey. We welcomed back almost 300 preschool children into our Summer Learning and Enrichment Program. Our summer program is operating out of 9 sites, with reduced classroom capacity, health screenings, enhanced cleaning protocols, and strict safety measures in place. It was great to see more of…
Here on our blog, we’ve been posting frequently about racism and its impact on the children, families, and communities whom we serve and with whom we partner. All over the country and world, we see a heightened response to the ongoing systemic oppression of people who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color – and…
At Children’s Friend, the recent injustices and anti-racism protests spurred a series of scheduled staff conversation circles. This is a time for staff to share their experiences and perspectives on racism, the current climate of our personal and professional communities, and the relationship of COVID with social injustices. So far, we have met eight…
This weekend we welcomed the start of a new summer season. The spring of 2020 has undoubtedly challenged us all in ways we could have never imagined. As such, we are all looking forward to the joys that warm, summer days can bring. Summer is a great time for kids and families to enjoy different…
We are just one week away from Father’s Day. Do something different this year. Skip the usual tie, coffee mug, or joke gift. Honor your Dad this Father’s Day by investing in a powerful program that serves Fathers in need. Fathers play a significant role in the lives of their children. You know how well…
With extensive planning, our child care program has re-opened and our hallways are filled once again with laughter and song. Our first week of operation has proven once again what an amazing team we have at Children’s Friend. We have implemented new policies, procedures, and protocols ensuring the health, well-being, and safety surrounding our staff,…
The killing of George Floyd has once again brought into the spotlight, for all to see, the racism and discrimination that is experienced on a daily basis in our country. To our families, friends, employees, and community I want to confirm that Children’s Friend stands against racism, oppression, and violence in all forms. Our…
This week Rhode Island begins Phase 2 of its COVID-19 reopening process. In coordination with this process Children’s Friend has reopened child care services at the following five sites: Berkshire, Dean, Dexter, Friendship, and Hartford. We are thrilled to have the sights and sounds of our young children in our classrooms once again. The work…
In the introduction to “Creating Communities of Opportunity,” the third episode of the Brain Architects’ special COVID-19 series, the hosts write: “While the current coronavirus pandemic is affecting all of us, it isn’t affecting all of us equally. As we work together to try and halt the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, we must also…
