Rochester Childfirst Network

Specialties

Rochester Childfirst Network is a not-​for-​profit agency dedicated to advancing the quality of early education and care in Western New York, through leadership, advocacy, and innovative direct services to children.

We offer services to children of all abilities from 6 weeks to 12 years old:

Infant/​toddler care

Pre-​K and Universal Pre-​K

After School Programs

Backyard Adventures Summer Program

Special Education Services available on site.

Our Facilities:

South Wedge site at 941 South Ave, Rochester

Center City site in the Sibley Building, 250 E. Main St., Rochester

RCN’s South Wedge site sits on 4-​acres of beautiful land with age appropriate outdoor play spaces for our children to exercise, learn, and play.

The classrooms contain age appropriate furniture with activity centers including: Dramatic Play, Housekeeping, Library, Circle Time Rug, Computers, Table Top Toys, building blocks for Large Muscle Activities, Arts and Crafts, Science, Sand and Water Tables, Music and Quiet Area.

Our Sibley Building location is conveniently located for those who live and work in downtown Rochester. There are three separate yet open classrooms within Center City that allow our teachers to develop age appropriate activities for the children we serve. Our indoor and outdoor learning environments offer many opportunities for creative, child directed play with their peers to aid in development. Parents are welcome to join their children during the day for lunch.

History

Established in 1857.

1857: Incorporated into the Industrial School of Rochester.

1858: Moved to former residence of Mrs. Albert G. Smith at 133 Exchange St.; remained here for nearly 100 years.

1918: Became one of the original 36 local agencies to receive funds from the newly founded Rochester Community Chest.

1924: Vocational training ends and name changed to Rochester Children’s Nursery.

1954: Relocated to four-​acre site on South Avenue, building of new facility.

1957: Carriage house on site renovated to add a school-​age program.

1968: One story multi-​classroom building erected adjoining the former Carriage House which was used as a kindergarten.

1981: Special education program launched.

1982: Family child care support services added as a program.

2004: Capital campaign funds expansion with two additional classrooms, a special-​education wing and new offices and entrance.

2006: Rochester Children’s Nursery becomes Rochester Childfirst Network.

2014: RCN Center City location opens to the public.