In 1984, the mothers of 17 children living in the one public housing development in Alexandria, Virginia learned that their children had failed kindergarten. They were told that their sons and daughters would not be allowed to attend first grade because they lacked fundamental social and cognitive skills. These mothers were bewildered, dismayed, even angry. But they followed their instincts to protect and provide for their children. They created a center in a small office space at the recreation center and found a teacher willing to help prepare their youngsters for school. There were only six children in that first class of preschoolers. Remarkably, all of them were classified as "gifted" when they entered the public kindergarten the following year.

Today, Child and Family Network Centers reaches almost 200 three-and-four-year-old children living in Alexandria's and Arlington's poorest neighborhoods. Many of their parents do not speak English and need many support services. So, in addition to preparing children for kindergarten, CFNC is a guide for the parents, showing them how to parent, how to find jobs, and how to navigate a complicated social service system. Like the mothers who started that first preschool, CFNC is preparing children—and their families—for learning and for life. Says CFNC Executive Director Barbara Fox Mason, "We have these children for just so many hours; they spend most of their time at home. So, to make a lasting change for children, we have to work with the entire family."

CFNC Website