Logo representing Southeast Children's Fund located in Washington, D.C.

About Us

Organization Background

20211025-054A0151

Southeast Children’s Fund (SCF) is a nationally recognized and accredited 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has served young children (ages 6 weeks to 5 years), their families and the professionals who work with them, for over 27 years. Founded in 1994 by Ms. Frances J. Rollins, the organization is committed to providing quality programs rooted in current research and effective practices in early childhood education. The organization provides educational programs designed to assist residents in Wards 7 and 8 to transform the neighborhood to a place where people thrive, not just survive. To fulfill its mission, the organization plans, coordinates, and implements high-quality and effective programs and services designed to benefit those it serves through its child development centers and Professional Development Institute. SCF’s Early Childhood Education Centers are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and licensed by the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), offering quality childcare and professional development opportunities including Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to those who participate in their Professional Development Institute. SCF believes that communities need high-quality educational environments and instruction, and to be given adequate opportunities to be exposed to a wide-array of groundbreaking and fresh moments, ideas and experiences. SCF stands by its motto: we develop differently.

Our Purpose

SCF/PDI provides each person devoted to the delivery of child care the opportunity for success by equipping them with the skills required to gain employment; improving their knowledge and understanding of child development and early care and education; providing specialized training; and increasing job opportunities and experiences as child care professionals. SCF/PDI training courses are available to all skill levels – from entry to master’s level – and can be obtained on campus at our Southeast Children’s Fund location or arranged at job sites across the Metropolitan Washington, DC area.

Mission

Southeast Children’s Fund (SCF), has a mission to address the cognitive, emotional, educational, and economic obstacles faced by children, families and childcare providers through training, technical assistance and dissemination of practical, hands-on research information.

Vision

SCF holds a philosophy of Community Engagement – the belief that direct involvement in the lives of children, youth, family and institutions of the community facilitates an enriched life experience for all. Community Engagement views the life and participation of every single community member as critically important to the welfare of the whole community.

Project Upgrade for Uplift

SCF was selected to participate in Howard University’s Center for Progress “Project Upgrade for Uplift”. This collaboration provided a variety of workshops to educate organizations in eight areas (see letter and training schedule for specific workshops and peer to peer events) were attended by the administrative team.

Board of Directors

Committed to providing quality programs; and is rooted in current research and effective practices in early childhood education.

Saliha Abd Al-Malik

Chairman

Olivia Henderson

Secretary

Tanetta Merritt

Board Member

John Settles

Board Member