Friends of Children and Families Inc

FOCAF Mission Statement

Friends of Children and Families, Inc. is dedicated to serving families and their children by providing quality, comprehensive, family-centered early childhood services.

FOCAF Vision Statement

We strive to be an active partner in the community, supporting and empowering families to work towards
their fullest potential.

Grantee Philosophy

FOCAF believes that Head Start/Early Head Start is a community of children, families, staff, volunteers and resource people working together to enhance learning and growth.  Family Engagement is essential to the existence and function of the program.  Parents and staff work together creating an environment of care, support, trust and respect that nurtures the development of the whole child.

We recognize the importance of the family and respect the strength and dignity of each of its members.  The
unique quality of the parental role in the life of the child is fostered and supported.  The program values parents as
individuals in their own right.  Parents are active participants in all aspects of the program.

Our staff recognizes parents as primary educators of their children and will support, share and value their participation at all levels. The program recognizes that all children, parents and staff need an enriched environment
and opportunities to grow in self-awareness, to accept individual differences, to develop abilities, and to recognize self worth.  Our philosophy has developed over time.  The focus on the critical role of parents isconsistent with family values in the communities we serve.