City of Philadelphia Office of Children and Families – PHENND https://phennd.org We are a network of over 25 colleges and universities that strengthens service learning in Philadelphia, connecting academics with community involvement. Mon, 27 Apr 2026 17:42:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Spring Institute 2026, Office of Children and Families – May 14 https://phennd.org/update/spring-institute-2026-office-of-children-and-families-may-14/ Mon, 27 Apr 2026 17:42:25 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87877

Come together to learn from and celebrate the work of Philly’s adult educators, learners, and community partners!

Adult Education Philadelphia’s 2026 Spring Institute convenes adult educators, administrators, learners, policymakers, and community partners to explore the power of COMMUNITY & COLLABORATION in adult education, including ESOL/ESL, ABE, HSE prep, and Digital Skills. No program succeeds alone! Volunteers extend our reach, community partnerships multiply our impact, professional networks and communities of practice strengthen our work, and data-sharing initiatives improve outcomes across the field. From the Philly/AEPHL Network to individual educators, from workforce partners to civic organizations, adult education thrives when we work together!

Breakfast and lunch will be served!

Date and Time: Thursday, May 14, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Parkway Center Library, Philadelphia, PA

Learn more and register. (The event is sold out, but you can join the waitlist.)

]]> Recruiting Summer Meal Sites https://phennd.org/update/recruiting-summer-meal-sites/ Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:26:46 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87878 The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families, alongside Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Nutritional Development Services, and CBS Food Program is working to expand Summer Meal Sites across the city, and we need your help! Over 100,000 Philadelphia youth experience food insecurity, and many lose access to school meals during the summer. Through the Summer Meals program, community organizations, camps, faith-based groups, and even neighborhood blocks can serve as meal sites for youth 18 and under at no cost.

How you can help:

Find free food, meals, and public benefits support.

]]> Request for Proposals: OST Programming at Casarez Elementary, Tilden Middle and Frankford High – Mar 4 https://phennd.org/update/request-for-proposals-ost-programming-at-casarez-elementary-tilden-middle-and-frankford-high-mar-4/ Sat, 24 Jan 2026 16:51:29 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87332 On behalf of the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families and Department of Human Services (City of Philadelphia), Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) has released an open, competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) to provide developmentally appropriate afterschool and summer programs at three specific school sites. This RFP is part of the Out of School Times (OST) system in Philadelphia.

The complete RFP and all other information can be found here.

PHMC invites high-performing youth-serving non-profit and for-profit organizations that are interested in operating OST programming within one or more of the school sites listed below to apply for funding through this competitive process:

This RFP is to identify one or more organizations to provide OST within the above listed schools only. This is not a funding opportunity for OST programming at other locations.

OST programming is for youth enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade delivered by community-based organizations and is part of the City of Philadelphia’s continuum of prevention programs and activities designed to contribute to the overall well-being  and safety of youth through access to services that promote their healthy, physical, social, educational, and emotional development. Programming is designed for all youth, particularly those who need to be diverted from or have current or previous involvement in the child welfare system.

Proposals must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. Philadelphia, PA, local time, on March 4, 2026.

Optional Virtual Bidder’s Conference: February 10, 2026, 10:00 AM

Registration required in advance of the Bidders Conference.

]]> Seeking Volunteers: Philly Reading Coaches (PRC) https://phennd.org/update/seeking-volunteers-philly-reading-coaches-prc/ Fri, 28 Nov 2025 17:18:18 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87060 PHILLY READING COACHES (PRC) is a program that combines early reading support, access to books, and community volunteers to boost reading skills for our city’s children. PRC is funded by the Office of Children and Families and implemented by Out-of-School Time Providers.

Philly Reading Coaches pairs volunteers to read one-on-one with K-3 students for at least one hour per week after school from October to May. Our aim is to boost reading motivation and confidence for our city’s young readers. Each child in the program also receives 25 free books to take home.

Now Accepting Applications for the 2025–2026 School Year!

We’re excited to announce that applications are now open for volunteers to join Philly Reading Coaches! We’re seeking enthusiastic, committed individuals to support our literacy efforts at select schools across the city. Make a difference in a child’s reading journey—apply today and be part of something impactful.

Begin your application here!

Questions? Contact us at PRC@phila.gov.

]]> Teaching Through Change: Strategies for Care, Connection, and Resilience – Oct 3 https://phennd.org/update/teaching-through-change-strategies-for-care-connection-and-resilience-oct-3/ Mon, 22 Sep 2025 17:56:40 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=86589 In this workshop, we’ll explore practical trauma-informed approaches for recognizing and navigating conflict in and around our learning spaces. We’ll consider both everyday classroom tensions and the more complex conflicts that emerge from the world outside, and how these impact our learners and ourselves. Through discussion, reflection, and hands-on tools, we’ll focus on our roles as educators in holding space, creating structure, and fostering inclusive, authentic interactions in challenging and often stressful contexts. Participants will leave with concrete strategies and ideas to apply in their own work, along with time to reflect on how to focus on fostering connections amidst the challenges of our time.

Date and Time: Friday, October 3, 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Location: Temple University Center City Campus, 1515 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Learn more and register.

]]> Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) Week Kick-Off Celebration – Sep 16 https://phennd.org/update/adult-education-and-family-literacy-aefl-week-kick-off-celebration-sep-16/ Thu, 11 Sep 2025 21:30:18 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=86536 Celebrate Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) Week with us! Join us for delicious food and refreshments as we connect, learn, and support our vibrant adult education community in Philadelphia!

Date and Time: September 16, 4:30  PM

Location: City Hall 2nd Floor- Mayor’s Reception Room, 1400 John F Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19107

Learn more and register.

About AEFL Week

AEFL Week raises public awareness about the need for and value of adult education and family literacy. Its goal is to increase financial and societal support for access to foundational education programs for U.S. adults with low literacy, numeracy, and digital skills. Advocates across the country use this opportunity to elevate adult education and family literacy nationwide with policymakers, the media, and the community.

Learn more about AEFL Week on the National Coalition for Literacy (NCL)’s website.

]]> City of Philadelphia’s Summer Meals Program https://phennd.org/update/city-of-philadelphias-summer-meals-program/ Fri, 20 Jun 2025 18:33:55 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=86087 The Office of Children and Families will offer free meals to people ages 18 and under this summer through its annual Summer Meals program. The program started with a kick-off event on Wednesday, June 18 at Vare Recreation Center, featuring games, music, and food.

Hunger doesn’t take a break when school’s out. That’s why spreading the word about free summer meals is so important for children’s health and families’ food budgets. With meal sites available across the city, every child can access nutritious food all season.

Free meals are available to all Philadelphia residents all year-round! No ID or proof of income is needed.

Find a free meal site near you.

]]> Webinar: Forms with a Function: Using Online Forms to Develop Everyday Digital Literacy – Jun 16 https://phennd.org/update/webinar-forms-with-a-function-using-online-forms-to-develop-everyday-digital-literacy-jun-16/ Mon, 09 Jun 2025 16:34:40 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=86025 Online forms are an undeniable part of everyday life, and, for ESOL learners with low tech skills, they represent an undeniable barrier. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to integrate online forms with fun, communicative lessons, giving learners the in-class practice they need to meet their real-world goals. Participants will get hands-on practice with fun form-based activities, as well as tips for scaffolding lessons with online forms.

Objectives:

  • Identify ways to integrate online forms into a number of familiar and engaging activities.
  • Identify ways to integrate digital skills into paper-based lessons.
  • Create an activity that integrates an online form.

Date and Time: Monday, June 16, 2025, 1:00-3:00 PM

Join us for one final virtual training before the summer break. Register today!

]]> Request for Proposals: Professional Development Intermediary for Out-of-School Time Providers – Feb 14 https://phennd.org/update/request-for-proposals-professional-development-intermediary-for-out-of-school-time-providers-feb-14/ Tue, 21 Jan 2025 23:00:03 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=85173 On behalf of the City of Philadelphia (the City of Philadelphia or City), by and through its Office of Children and Families (OCF) and Department of Human Services (DHS), Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) is seeking proposals from established professional development organizations to support and enhance the programmatic and operational capacity of out-of-school time (OST) providers. The purpose is to improve the quality and effectiveness of the OST workforce through the development, coordination, provision, management, and record keeping of professional development opportunities.

This RFP prioritizes and supports the selection of a professional development intermediary that will work collaboratively with PHMC and the City to support and strengthen the professional growth of OST program providers at all levels within their organizations. Under this new initiative, the successful applicant to this RFP will serve as PHMC and the City’s professional development intermediary delivering high-quality, professional development through access to training programs, experts in the field of Out-of-School Time programming, and well-developed content resources.

The training audience will include out-of-school time providers funded by the Office of Children and Families, as well as external after-school professionals and youth development workers, such as those from The Free Library of Philadelphia (FLP), Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR), and the School District of Philadelphia’s (SDP) afterschool enrichment programs. Participants will include program directors, direct service staff, coordinators, and educators, all of whom play a vital role in supporting youth development and enhancing after-school programming.

Application deadline: February 14, 2025

Learn more and apply.

]]> Request for Qualifications for Specialized Out-of-School Time Programming – Jan 8 https://phennd.org/update/request-for-qualifications-for-specialized-out-of-school-time-programming-jan-8/ Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:46:09 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=85005 On behalf of the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families and Department of Human Services (City of Philadelphia or City), Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) has released and open, competitive Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to provide developmentally appropriate and fun afterschool programs through the OST Network’s Specialized Strategy for children and youth in grades kindergarten through 8 in school buildings as part of the City of Philadelphia’s Extended Day/Extended Year Initiative.  The OST Network’s Specialized Strategy is designed to bring expertise in a specific content area that engages youth in the specialty of the organization through programming that operates 2-3 days per week for up to 6 hours per week.  Applicant organizations that are selected as qualified through this RFQ will be eligible to contract for program services during the current and next school years.

PHMC invites high-performing youth-serving non-profit and for-profit organizations operating in the City of Philadelphia (City) to apply for qualification through this competitive process. Information and the RFQ can be found here.

OST programming is for youth enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade delivered by community-based organizations and is part of the City of Philadelphia’s continuum of prevention programs and activities designed to contribute to the overall well-being and safety of youth through access to services that promote their healthy, physical, social, educational, and emotional development. Programming is designed for all youth, particularly those who need to be diverted from or have current or previous involvement in the child welfare system.

The City of Philadelphia’s Mayor’s Office of Education and Office of Children and Families, and School District have jointly launched the Extended Day/Extended Year pilot in 25 schools for the 2024-25 school year. The initiative, a priority of Mayor Cherelle Parker, was established to support working families in need of school-based programs that better fit their hours, create safe spaces for students to spend before and after school, offer new enrichment opportunities to students who are the most underserved, and provide students exposure to experiences, career options, sports and other activities to help them identify interests and enhance their connections to school.

This RFQ specifically seeks organizations with a mission that incorporates or focuses on one or more of the following content areas :

  • Arts and culture – examples of this content area include but are not limited to: performing and theatre arts, visual arts, fine arts, music, dance, graphic design, film, digital media, podcasts and video, architecture and urban design, humanities, literature, arts and culture education, historic preservation, museum curation, culinary arts (nutrition and cooking), crafts, and folk arts.
  • STEAM/STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) – examples of this content area include but are not limited to: Legos, robotics, coding and game design, maker spaces, art-science collaborations, and science projects.
  • Sports and recreation – examples of this content area include but are not limited to: basketball, soccer, baseball, tennis, cheerleading, horseback riding, jump rope, swimming, hiking, yoga, and biking.
  • Other specialized areas – examples of this content area include but are not limited to: youth leadership, mentoring, agriculture and gardening, debate, chess, exposure beyond Philadelphia, world languages, manga/anime, and journalism.

Proposals due: January 8, 2025

]]> Request for Proposals: Extended Day/Extended Year Initiative Consultant for Out-of-School Time Programming – Nov 22 https://phennd.org/update/request-for-proposals-extended-day-extended-year-initiative-consultant-for-out-of-school-time-programming-nov-22/ Fri, 15 Nov 2024 19:27:32 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=84865 On behalf of the City of Philadelphia, by and through its Mayor’s Office of Education (“MOE”) and Office of Children and Families (“OCF”) and the School District of Philadelphia (“SDP”), Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) seeks a qualified consultant to assist with planning Phase Two of the City of Philadelphia/School District of Philadelphia Extended Day/Extended Year (EDEY) program which will begin in September 2025.

Proposals are due November 22, 2024.

More information, including how to apply, can be found here: Funding Opportunities

]]> Learn About Financial Aid Resources Available for New and Returning College Students https://phennd.org/update/learn-about-financial-aid-resources-available-for-new-and-returning-college-students/ Wed, 07 Aug 2024 16:19:56 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=84156 New and returning college students – don’t miss out on financial aid that can lower your cost and lower your college debt! There is still time to fill out your federal financial aid form – FAFSA – and new resources to help you!

Economic Opportunity for All means affordable college and post-secondary training!   There are lots of places to get the help you need!  You can get support NOW through several virtual and in-person workshops, by scheduling with a specialist, or by calling the state’s FAFSA hotline.

Click here for more information and to get connected!

]]> 2024 Spring Institute: Voices in Adult Education – May 23 https://phennd.org/update/2024-spring-institute-voices-in-adult-education-may-23/ Wed, 24 Apr 2024 18:02:04 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=83623 Come celebrate the work of adult education volunteers, instructors, administrators and executives serving the City of Philadelphia!

The Office of Children and Families, Adult Education (OCFAE) 2024 Spring Institute is an appreciation event to honor the work of adult education instructors, administrators, and volunteers serving the City of Philadelphia. The conference theme, “Voices in Adult Education,” will explore the voices of adult learners, educators, administrators, and organizational leaders. There will be breakout sessions, a luncheon, giveaways, and more!

Date and Time: Thursday, May 23, 2024, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Free Library of Philadelphia Parkway Central, 4th Floor Skyline Room

Learn more and register.

]]> Volunteer Opportunities with the Office of Children and Families/Virtual Volunteer Orientation – Jan 3 or 4 https://phennd.org/update/volunteer-opportunities-with-the-office-of-children-and-families-virtual-volunteer-orientation-jan-3-or-4/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 21:05:31 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=82843 Support children and families in your communities and volunteer with the Office of Children and Families!

Volunteer opportunities include supporting Grocery Giveaways and School Food Pantries at Community Schools, working with students as a Philadelphia Reading Coach, and assisting adult learners through the Adult Education Program.

To learn more, fill out the volunteer interest form or sign up for a virtual volunteer orientation on January 3rd from 11:00 am. – 12:00 p.m. or January 4th from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

]]> 2023-24 PHLpreK Enrollment is Open https://phennd.org/update/2023-24-phlprek-enrollment-is-open/ Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:24:10 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=82499 Since its start in 2017, PHLpreK has served more than 16,000 students. This year, the free, quality pre-K program will serve over 5,250 students at over 220 locations throughout the City! We are ready to welcome your family into our biggest year yet!

PHLpreK is available to 3 and 4 year old children who reside in the City of Philadelphia. You are likely eligible to enroll your child for the PHLpreK 2023-24 academic year if:

  • Your child has turned 3 or 4 by September 1, 2023
  • You are a resident of Philadelphia

There are no income or employment requirements.

View our current list of PHLpreK programs or call 1-844-PHL-PREK to find a free, quality program near you!

Learn more.

]]> Volunteer Tutors Needed: Next Level Learning https://phennd.org/update/volunteer-tutors-needed-next-level-learning/ Tue, 03 Oct 2023 23:21:47 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=82445 The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families is excited to share with you a brand new volunteering opportunity in adult education: Next Level Learning Tutors.

Next Level Learning tutors support adult learners in topics such as learning English, basic workplace technology skills, literacy, and math. Before being matched with a learner, tutors receive a free 10–12 hour training by subject matter experts. Once matched with a learner, tutors will be supported by adult education professionals and will have access to ongoing training. You must be at least 18 years old to apply.

Want to learn more? Contact Robert Lee at Robert.Lee.1@phila.gov.

Apply here to be a tutor.

Informational flyer.

FAQs.

]]> Community High School Coordinators, City of Philadelphia https://phennd.org/update/community-high-school-coordinators-city-of-philadelphia/ Mon, 28 Aug 2023 19:39:52 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=82184 The Office of Children and Families is looking to expand its current team of Community School Coordinators at 5 high schools across the city.

There are currently 20 City-designated Community Schools, serving nearly 13,000 students. Community Schools are supported by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax.

Community Schools are a partnership among the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia, and school communities to remove barriers to learning and support the success of each student.

In each Community School, a Community School Coordinator supports strategic partnerships and programs that promote wellness, stability, and learning opportunities for students, families, and neighbors.

Learn more and apply.

]]> Professional Development Practitioners: Out-of-School Time Seeks Applicants – Aug 24 https://phennd.org/update/professional-development-practitioners-out-of-school-time-seeks-applicants-aug-24/ Mon, 21 Aug 2023 19:42:30 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=82147 Calling all of Philly’s best and brightest Professional Developers! A new Request for Qualifications is now open and ready for you to apply!

The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families, in partnership with Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC),  is currently searching for engaging content experts to help our community-based organizations provide the very best quality development opportunities to our city’s youth.

We are seeking professional development practitioners to provide single workshops, training series and/or technical assistance in one or more of the content areas described below.

Studies have shown that the better trained the staff, the better the outcomes for our students. This makes it imperative that our program staff have the most cutting-edge tools at their disposal.

Applications are due on Friday, August 24th. Proposals should focus on the following areas: 

  1. Child/youth growth and development
  2. Learning environments and curriculum
  3. Child/youth observation and assessment
  4. Relationships and interactions with children and youth
  5. Youth engagement, voice, and choice
  6. Equity and inclusion
  7. Family, school, and community relationships
  8. Safety and wellness
  9. Program planning and development
  10. Professional development and leadership

Learn more.

]]> Tutor Training Course: Tutoring Digital Literacy with Northstar – Jun 3&17 https://phennd.org/update/tutor-training-course-tutoring-digital-literacy-with-northstar-jun-317/ Sun, 28 May 2023 19:25:02 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=81663 This course is designed to provide working knowledge of the Northstar platform and incorporating the platform into tutoring work with job seekers and other learners in workforce development and adult education settings. It comprises two weeks of lessons, activities, and a culminating final product (an implementation plan of action) that includes formal instruction in Northstar and best practices for individualized digital literacy engagement with adult learners, as well as one-on-one facilitation with participants catered to their specific tutoring environments.

Session Times:

  • Saturday, June 3, 10:00am-1:00pm ET (Intro Session)
  • Saturday, June 17, 10:00am-1:00pm ET (Wrap-Up Session)

Registration Link.

Contact: Robert.Lee.1@phila.gov with questions.

]]> #ItsASummerThing: Free and Low-cost Programs for Children, Teens & Families https://phennd.org/update/itsasummerthing-free-and-low-cost-programs-for-children-teens-families/ Thu, 13 Apr 2023 20:00:34 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=81383 With our public partners, we’re working hard at the city’s Office of Children & Families to deliver a rich line-up of free and low-cost programs and locations that are safe and adult-supervised for children, teens and families.

You’ll find locations, enrollment information and important timelines. Please check this space regularly, as we continue to update residents on more programs and activities. From the toddler who appreciates a good SprayGround to the maturing teenager who needs a summer job, we’ve got you covered with #ItsASummerThing. Enjoy!

Learn more.

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