In these trying times, we have come to rely on, and collaborate with, many of our community partners to provide an array of services for vulnerable children and families. Central Falls has been one of our hardest-hit communities, and many of our clients are still experiencing the devastating impacts of COVID-19. Since the beginning…
As we mark the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 in our community, it is important to reflect upon the unprecedented impacts this pandemic has thrust upon us. We at Children’s Friend mourn the loss of life and physical suffering this virus has caused. In addition, the economic and emotional tolls have been intense in our community…
At Children’s Friend, our priority is working with the most vulnerable families for transformation towards well-being and healthy development. We know that one of the deepest roots of vulnerability is lack of access to real economic opportunity – and children are more likely to live in poverty than any other group in the United States. …
The Rhode Island Department of Education is requesting applications to expand the state’s Pre-Kindergarten program. This expansion will add over 300 high-quality Pre-K seats, for four-year-olds, in the 2021-2022 school year. This year there are new and innovative service delivery models, built on existing programming that will be available to families. Options include full traditional…
Spotlight on the Unsung Heroes at Children’s Friend In honor of Valentine’s Day yesterday, I wanted to spread some love and highlight two of our teams here at Children’s Friend. These two teams don’t often get the limelight. Still, they are essential to our work every day — our Facilities and Information Services (IS) teams….
At Children’s Friend, we continue to prioritize the safety of our clients and staff. Clients receive home visits as needed and in accordance with the Center for Disease Control and RI Department of Health guidelines. Children on-site, in our classrooms, continue to remain in stable pods with their stable teaching team. We have begun to…
Despite the challenging times, the work of promoting the well-being and healthy development of Rhode Island’s youngest and most vulnerable children continues. One part of this work is ensuring that we continue to make investments in the future. The Early Childhood Care and Education Capital Fund – a $15 million dollar state bond, also known…
Last month, we shared PBS’s recent series about childhood trauma, “Invisible Scars” and talked about how Children’s Friend works to prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences. Today, we are sharing a follow-up. As part of this series, Dr. Jack Shonkoff of the Harvard Center for the Developing Child sat down with the PBS News Hour to answer…
High-quality early childhood environments are critical for children’s health and well-being, and as we operate classrooms in the pandemic, the safety of our children and staff is our number one priority. After a brief pause in providing child care early on, Children’s Friend developed policies and protocols allowing us to return to safely operating…
The hatred and violence displayed during the deadly siege on our Capitol last week were both shocking, yet at the same time not that surprising. Our country continues to grapple with the threat of COVID and the deep political turmoil that led to last week’s events. I am reminded that the Children’s Friend mission to…
