What We Do

 It is the mission of Meriden's Children First Initiative to improve educational, social, and health outcomes of young children in Meriden.

Meriden Children First Initiative offers members of the Meriden community a variety of free services including parent leadership programs and peer groups that further its purpose of improving the educational, social and health outcomes of Meriden children. 

• Joanne Muniz works with a preschooler and his mom in the 'Read With Me' program, sponsored by the United Way, Napier Foundation and Children First. 
  

• Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) that teaches democracy skills to parents so they can be more effective advocates for their children. This 20 week course, created by the Commission on Children offers free childcare and meals. The current class started in January 2010. Application for the 2011 class is available online.  View the Parent Leadership Training Institute Service Impact Report.   Click to apply on-line: PLTI
• ‘How Schools Work’ Leadership Training is a workshop for parents to better understand the public school system. It is presented by local and state elected officials and educators. The next offering is in March 2010.
• The Blueprint Early Childhood Project - with a grant from the William Caspar Graustien Memorial Foundation, Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation and the Early Childhood Cabinet, Meriden Children First will raise awareness on the need and value of early learning and work to expand access to early learnng for Meriden children and their families. To get involved, or for more information, contact CFI.