CLC Named Best Friend to Children by Moffly Media

Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County (CLC), the second-largest center-based early childhood education nonprofit in Connecticut, has been named the 2020 Best Friend to Children by Moffly Media. The annual Light a Fire Awards will be held on Thursday, December 3, at 5:45 pm via stream. Guests may register for the virtual event: https://ilovefc.com/lightafire/

"Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County plays a critical role in helping and educating children and their families in our community. We are deeply appreciative to be recognized by Moffly Media for our efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic," stated CLC Chief Executive Officer Marc E. Jaffe. "As individuals and families continue to navigate through the ever-evolving COVID-19 situation, CLC has successfully engaged and partnered with other community organizations to expand our reach and services. A "Light a Fire" award is fitting as CLC has served as the ultimate connector; CLC has been able to respond to the immediate needs of its clients and other families while giving fellow philanthropists and community service organizations a platform to be responsive to the community.”

Throughout the pandemic, CLC has been providing remote support to enrolled families. At the end of April, CLC was identified by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) as an operation site for its COVID-related statewide initiative, Project 26. CLC was one of over 28 locations throughout the State participating in the program, also called CTCARES for Hospital Workers.

"Providing reliable and safe childcare was a crucial component of Connecticut's response to COVID-19. While healthcare workers battled the virus in hospitals, Children Learning Centers of Fairfield County had their back and looked after their children. When we praise the essential employees who never stopped serving our community, we cannot forget to thank the childcare providers who have helped throughout this pandemic," commended U.S. Congressman Jim Himes.

CLC is more than an early childhood education center; it is "an economic engine," explained Jaffe. "We enable more parents of young children to work than any other nonprofit in Southwest CT." CLC educates and cares for 950 children a day under normal circumstances a day, 10 hours a day, 51 weeks a year in its 8 locations. In addition, CLC is the largest food provider to young children in Southwest CT, serving nearly ½ million meals and snacks a year," continued Jaffe.

CLC serves families of all income levels and offers qualifying families sliding scale fees based on family size and income. CLC re-opened all 8 of its Stamford locations to serve more than 400 children and enable over 500 parents to go back to work. Even with the physical locations being open, CLC will continue to provide remote learning and support services to children who can't join in classrooms right away. This is especially unique, because online learning is not typically delivered to preschool children.

“The pandemic did not change our resolve and commitment to prepare the next generation for a promising future,” stated Jaffe. “Please support CLC so that we can continue to help families during these unprecedented and ever-changing times. Together, with your support, we can Build a Just Future Where Every Child and Family Thrives Because of Early Childhood Education.”

To make a donation to support CLC, please visit: https://www.clcfc.org/donate/

CLC is accepting rolling enrollment inquiries for children 6 weeks - 4 years old at 203-967-6960. Families interested in enrolling in the Early Head Start or Head Start program available may call 203-989-0228.

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Submitted by Stamford, CT

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