When a group of mothers in public housing watched 17 of their children fail kindergarten, they decided to do something about it. CFNC was born, and it now serves 138 at-risk children and their families. Most live just slightly above the poverty line (average income for a family of four is only $27,000), have an 8th grade education at most, and speak English as a second language. CFNC provides, at no cost, the high-quality preschool education and related services that children and families need to prepare for success in school and in life – workshops that help parents advocate for their children’s education, support education at home, and help children transition to kindergarten. Early education, health services, and family support are provided onsite in Alexandria, where families are doubly disadvantaged, economically and linguistically. CFNC offers comprehensive care that really addresses the problem. You can be part of the solution.
Headquarters: VA-City of Alexandria
Where They Operate: VA-City of Alexandria; City of Alexandria; Arlandria; Lynnhaven; Charles Houston; West End
Age Groups Served: Pre-K (3-4); Adult (25-49)
Population(s) Served: Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members
Schools They Work In: CFNC has classrooms in the Alexandria City Public Schools
- Number of children served living at or below 250% of poverty :
136 - Number of classrooms that maintained full 2-year state licensure:
8 - Number of children who demonstrated an average developmental gain of three times the national average in FY2016:
155 - Number of children that received hearing, vision, and dental screenings in FY2016:
175 - Number of parents who achieved two or more goals - such as English acquisition or job stability - in FY2016:
131
Awards & Recognition
• In collaboration with Northern Virginia Families Services, CFNC began the first Spanish-speaking perinatal support group for Latino women in Spring 2012. The biweekly meetings have averaged three to six participants per class, and attendance is growing by word of mouth.
• CFNC became one of the first programs in the country to receive accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children. To achieve NAEYC accreditation, early childhood education programs are measured against the most robust and rigorous national standards on education, health, and safety.
• The Child and Family Network Centers is among the first preschool programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia to receive a 4-star rating as part of the Virginia Star Quality Initiative, a quality rating and improvement system for early learning programs.
• The Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington selected The Child & Family Network Centers to be featured in the 2010-2011 and 2014-2015 Catalogue. CFNC was one of 70 outstanding nonprofits to be featured that year. “Charities were selected for excellence, cost-effectiveness, and impact,” said Barbara Harman, President and Editor. “These are certainly among the best community-based nonprofits in the Washington region.”
CFNC was selected as one of Northern Virginia’s top preschools by Northern Virginia Magazine.
CFNC is part of GuideStar, a “one stop online shop” for donors, funders, researchers, educators, governing agencies, and the media who want to gain quality information on non-profit organizations.
CFNC is among the first preschool programs in Virginia to receive a star rating as part of the Virginia Star Quality Initiative, a quality rating and improvement system for early learning programs. CFNC’s classrooms obtained three and four star ratings (out of five stars).
CFNC received a three star rating on charity navigator in 2013.
Press
- Don Beyer Visits Hispanic Businesses In Arlandria
Tue Oct 28 2014, Alexandria News
Don Beyer joined state Senator Adam P. Ebbin in the Arlandria neighborhood of Alexandria to visit Latino business owners and CFNC.
- U.S. Secretaries Duncan And Sebelius Hold Press Conference At The Child & Family Network Centers In Alexandria
Fri Mar 7 2014, Alexandria News
A press conference was held to discuss President Obama's 2015 budget proposal to invest in high quality early education for all children.
- Local Companies Perform $1 Million Renovation As Pro Bono Effort For Child And Family Network Centers' Newest Location In Alexandria's West End Alexandria
Tue Feb 4 2014, Alexandria News
The Child and Family Network Centers' newest location at 3700 Wheeler Avenue opened its classrooms to children and families on January 27.
- Ready for Winter
Thu Nov 7 2013, Alexandria Gazette Packet
The American Hospital Association and the Del Ray Business Association provided new winter coats to 175 preschool students at CFNC. (pg. 29)
- Helping Hands
Thu Oct 24 2013, The Alexandria Times
On October 21, 2013, The Child & Family Network Centers worked with Integrity Management Consulting to conduct our first shoe drive.
Budget (FY2013)
- $3 million or higher
- The current budget for The Child & Family Network Centers is: $1 million to $3 million
- $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
About the Catalogue for Philanthropy
Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.
The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!