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Children First Blog
Want to know the latest news?
You'll find it all in the most recent newsletter HERE!
You'll find it all in the most recent newsletter HERE!
June 30, 2017
Sarasota, FL (June 29, 2017) – As they climb on new playground equipment, at-risk toddlers at Children First probably don’t know they’re building important developmental skills. Meanwhile, thousands of race fans and spectators may not realize that as they attend festivals and enjoy powerboat races off the shore of Lido Key, they are helping those [...]
June 29, 2017
Check out the latest happenings at Children First!
Download the 2017 Spring Newsletter
June 20, 2017
SARASOTA – If you’re planning on going to the Grand Prix, you’re doing more than just watching boats race. You’re helping low-income families.
Tania Ulloa’s daughters play on the new playground equipment at Children First.
“When I came and I saw this I was so happy and so excited to know that they have this new adjustment [...]
June 15, 2017
Summer often means activities like beach vacations and water slides. For some children, however, summer brings a kind of slide that poses a threat, rather than an adventure. The “Summer Slide,” also known as “Summer Learning Loss,” is the result of less class time, access to fewer books, and reduced opportunity for social skill [...]
May 31, 2017
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Sarasota, FL – Head Start celebrated its 52nd birthday with community reading parties at Head Start programs around the nation. Children First joined in the fun to raise awareness of the incredible impact and importance of Head Start. Former Sarasota Mayor and current Commissioner Willie Charles Shaw joined the party on May 16th at Children First [...]
May 22, 2017
SARASOTA May 22, 2017 (Kim Doleatto-Herald Tribune) — Robert Phinney — owner of Roots, a yard clearing and demolition company — has arms the size of some of the heavy branches he clears. He works around 70 hours a week and lives with his 3- and 5-year-old. The black tinted windows of his company pick-up [...]
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Thank you CBS Tampa Bay for helping spread the word about two important grants we recently received that provide mental health and child safety support to our agency. We are grateful to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for this incredible support of our children, families, staff, and mission.
tampa.cbslocal.com
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has provided Children First with a $30,000 Equity and Access Grant supporting access to mental health care for Sarasota County’s most vulnerable young chi...
The #StaffSpotlight is on Jane Shaw, Early Learning Inclusion Coordinator as she shares her thoughts about working at Children First!![]()
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In her role, Jane works with children and families to ensure every child receives the services they need and assists classroom teachers with a child’s accommodations or modifications for learning success. She is truly a ray of sunshine and always has a smile to spare!
At Children First, there are many things we are thankful for: our children and families we serve, our committed staff, dedicated volunteers, and amazing supporters just like you, who make our mission possible each day. ![]()
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From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
Our #StaffSpotlight is on Bonnie Eskell, Early Learning Inclusion Coordinator!![]()
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Bonnie worked previously as an Early Childhood Development Specialist, helping to run daily operations at 4 Children First locations. She recently earned her M.S. in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development from Capella University and joined our Comprehensive Services Team as an Inclusion Coordinator, where she works to support children and families in receiving the individualized services needed for success, both in school and in life.
Our #StaffSpotlight is on Miss Connie Vermette, lead teacher in the Red Crayon Classroom at our Dr. Marieb Early Learning Center!![]()
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Miss Connie has been with Children First for nearly 18 years and can always be counted on for a smile or helping hand. She is known for her positive, can-do attitude and can be found creating incredible memories with children both in the classroom and on the playground.
February 8, 2019
The Venice Yacht Club and the VYC Charitable Foundation celebrated a successful 2018 year with its membership at the annual Donor Appreciation Night on Jan. 24.
It was a milestone year for the foundation, which received more than $118,000 in donations and provided grants to local charities of approximately $103,000.
One of the guest speakers, Phillip Tavill, [...]
January 31, 2019
January 16, 2019 – Long-time Children First supporter and former Chairwoman of the Board, Jo Rutstein, was honored at the National Council of Jewish Women “Women in Power” luncheon on January 16th. Jo was one of four honorees selected by the organization for her social justice work improving the lives of women, children and [...]
January 31, 2019
January 2nd, 2019 – Like so many area residents, Frank and Katherine Martucci started off as Sarasota snowbirds. “We rented here for one month out of the year,” reports Katherine. Then it was two months. And in 2017, she explains that “we found we were spending more and more time here. We felt like [...]
January 31, 2019
November 30, 2018 – A tough start in life inspires Albert & Norma Cohen to help launch Children First’s Forever Society.
If anyone knows how crucial it is to get a good start in life when born into challenging circumstances, it’s Albert H. Cohen. The retired CEO, who had a highly successful career leading large [...]
