Our Mission
Providing high quality early childhood services by educating, serving, and partnering with families to create a community of life-long learners.
Who We Are
Friends of Children and Families, Inc., (FOCAF) provides quality, comprehensive, family centered, early childhood Head Start and Early Head Start services in Ada and Elmore Counties in Idaho. This is made possible by a yearly grant provided by the Federal Government, USDA meal reimbursement, and other supplemental grants and funds like the Jan Williams Foundation. In Ada and Elmore Counties, the cities served by FOCAF are Boise, Star, Meridian, Eagle, Kuna, Garden City, Mountain Home, and Glenns Ferry. Striving to provide a classroom and home environment that assists children in becoming life-long learners who possess the skills, knowledge, and attributes necessary to thrive in school and beyond, is at the heart of the organization. To enhance the learning and growth of every child and family served, FOCAF works together with families, community partners, school districts and volunteers to accomplish its primary mission of providing high quality early childhood services. Family engagement is essential to the success of children, families and the program. The importance of parents being their child’s primary educator and advocate is greatly emphasized. Parents and staff work hand in hand to create an environment of support, trust, love and respect that nurtures the development of the whole child. Respect for the strength and dignity of the child and each family member is recognized and valued. Every parent is encouraged to be an active participant in all aspects of the program. They play an integral part in the governance of the organization. FOCAF feels that parent involvement in the program creates an environment that is understanding and responsive to the needs of the community.
Non-Discrimination Statement
IIn accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
1. mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. fax:
(202) 690-7442; or
3. email:
program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.