The Child and Family Network Centers (CFNC)

About

CFNC was started in 1984 by a group of mothers living in a public housing community in Alexandria after they learned that 17 of their children failed kindergarten. From that modest beginning, CFNC has continuously grown both the reach and depths of its programs in response to community need.  CFNC provides the following services, free of charge: (1) Early Childhood Education: CFNC’s preschool programs are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. CFNC uses the High/Scope Curriculum which is nationally recognized as a language-rich curriculum that is especially effective with minority children living in poverty.  (2) Family Support Services: Three bilingual social workers meet with each family during home visits at the beginning of the school year and provide workshops, individual and family counseling and case management based on families’ individual needs throughout the year. Social workers and parents work together to set goals.  Achieving these goals leads to positive parenting, stable living environments, English language acquisition, higher wages, and healthy families. CFNC’s Family Literacy Program includes English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.  (3) Health Services: CFNC’s Health Services enable parents to support the healthy development of their children, resolve issues that have an impact on the health of their families, and access community-based services.