Dear Lord be good to me. The sea is so wide and my boat is so small

The Children's Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind^® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. Full Mission Statement »

This newly released report is a compilation of the most recent and reliable national and state data on key child indicators. Read it now »
Throughout the month of July, CDF Freedom Schools^® program sites across the country worked to ensure children who are eligible for health coverage became enrolled. Read more »
Through the service of worship and prayer, this multi-faith child advocacy resource is utilized by congregations as part of the National Observance of Childrens Sabbaths^® weekend. Check it out »
Education is the civil rights issue of this generation. As ESEA reauthorization nears, tell Congress to ensure a high quality education for all children in America »

Creating Change: CDF Freedom Schools

Creating Change: CDF Freedom School

The CDF Freedom Schools^® program provides summer and after-school enrichment that helps children fall in love with reading, increases their self-esteem, and generates more positive attitudes toward learning. Children are taught using a model curriculum that supports children and families around five essential components: high quality academic enrichment; parent and family involvement; civic engagement and social action; intergenerational leadership development; and nutrition, health and mental health. Read more…