“Our strength is in the power of thought, in the power of truth and in the power of words” – Alexander Herzen  Yes, I am writing about a quote I recently read.  Admittedly, because I enjoy motivational quotes.  I am the one sharing them on social media or hearting them when

As we all continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic I want to provide a few recent updates for our work at Children’s Friend. On July 6th we began our largest summer learning program ever. We have 400 children physically in our classrooms each day. They are both learning and having

Today, we’re sharing a new video from the Harvard Center for the Developing Child on the impact of early childhood experiences on lifelong health.  Click here to view the video. They write: How is ongoing, severe stress and adversity in early childhood connected to chronic disease in adults? And, what

The healthiest meetings encourage “equality of voices.”  Creating the space for check-ins at the top of a meeting will allow your most introverted members to contribute and set the expectation that everyone shares and are heard.  Check-ins can take the place of the usual chit-chat that happens at the beginning

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and Health Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott announced that all RI schools will return to in-person learning in the fall.  The Commissioner stated, “It is crucial that we accelerate learning across the state, and we know there is no substitute for in-person

Child Care is one of the critical systems in Rhode Island and across the nation which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. In Rhode Island the child care system was already fragile, due to many years of being under-resourced. Due to chronic underfunding and the COVID-19 challenges, it

2020 and 2021 have brought unprecedented, overwhelming, often painful change with the COVID-19 pandemic.  And yet, in the midst of this, there’s a beacon of hope – scientists were able to develop a safe, effective vaccine that protects against COVID.  In the midst of so much change, it can be

During the month of May, Children’s Friend is proud to honor the commitment and dedication of over 70 foster families who have provided unwavering safety, stability, and care for vulnerable foster children in our program. Last year, a global pandemic presented foster parents with some of the biggest challenges they

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness” William Arthur Ward I long to resume my pre-mask, pre-distance life and to celebrate this sense of freedom that has come with the vaccine! Most of all, to exchange a smile because it doesn’t matter what language you speak, all of

To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC) is sharing resources to support the mental health and well-being of children, families, and staff. The COVID 19 pandemic has had a profound impact on mental health.  Now, more than ever, I encourage you