The Child & Family Network Centers Interview

Working class families across the US often fall through the gaps in government-based support; earning enough money to survive but without the funds to support their children through the education system.

The Child and Family Network Centers provide low-income children with free access to bilingual preschool and family support. 

Find out how you can welcome diversity and improve equity in the classroom and beyond.

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March 22, 2021

A Life-Line for Working Poor Families in Virginia

#159 Great.com Talks With… The Child & Family Network Centers

Many parents from low-income families face the impossible situation of choosing between going out to work or staying home to care for their young child. Head Start is the only federal support scheme that the US provides for children in need of free-of-charge preschool care. For those families who do not qualify for this support though, it is up to non-governmental organizations to fill the gaps in these crucial services. In this episode, we spoke with Jackie Didio from The Child and Family Network Centers (CFNC) about their free and inclusive preschools for Virginia’s working poor communities. 

Encouraging Equity Across Multiple Cultures 

CFNC’s work extends further than their own classrooms though; as well as creating safe and welcoming spaces for their diverse young community, they are working on resources to educate and encourage equity across multiple cultures. Gender and race are topics that they address in the classroom and encourage their young learners to share their experiences and hear those of others. Didio explains how CFNC hold ‘culture days’ every month so their students can understand and learn about the different and unique cultures of one another. Alongside this, they ensure that their staffing team and teaching resources reflect the diversity of their students and community as a whole. 

Listen to the whole interview to find out how CFNC hopes to positively impact the future of preschool education. You can also donate directly to their cause to help them create brighter futures, and read more about their family and health services. Everyone deserves the opportunity to access high-quality and inclusive education.

Want to learn more about CFNC? You can apply to be a volunteer, check out their blog and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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