Exploring New Classrooms and Meeting Teachers
On Tuesday, August 8, Children FIrst welcomed our families to meet their teachers and explore their new classrooms! It was wonderful seeing the excitement on their faces as our children ran into their new classrooms. We are so appreciative of our dedicated volunteers who helped make the event possible. [...]
Children First offers summer child care that prepares kids for school
SARASOTA, FL (August 6, 2017- Kim Doleatto) — For some, summer means beach days and relaxing nights, but for many families, like Alejandra Vergara’s, summer triggers stress.
Last year, Vergara’s three children — ages 9, 6 and 2 — stayed with another mom for $20 a [...]
Leon County Commissioners recently approved a paid parental leave policy for county employees…
…Previously, new parents could return to work with little to no accumulated leave, which could later lead them to work while sick or take their sick child to daycare. Employees can save their sick days and annual leave under the new policy.
Child and [...]
SARASOTA (July 1st, 2017)– More than 400 guests came out to celebrate the 33rd year of the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival at a festive kickoff party held at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens.
This year’s 11-day festival, produced by and benefiting Suncoast Charities for Children, includes, among other things, a variety of parties, meet-and-greets, [...]
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 [...]
We are proud to honor Helen Jones Dixon, who was the first ever student enrolled with the historic Newtown Day Nursery, now Children First, alongside her sister Katherine in 1938. Helen was given a plaque from CEO Philip Tavill to commemorate this incredible achievement. With roots running deep in the Newtown community, Helen is a long-time advocate for children and families in need. Congratulations Helen! It is with the help of trailblazers like you that Children First continues to transform lives, now and into the future. ... See MoreSee Less
Check out this fun event by Suncoast Charities for Children!Suncoast Charities for Children is a local non-profit located in Sarasota County. Net revenues raised from special events like this one enable Suncoast Charities for Children to provide financial support to several local non-profits, including Children First. Thank you, Suncoast Charities for Children! ... See MoreSee Less
“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: He believed in me.” - Jim ValvanoWishing you a very happy Father's Day, from our family to yours. We hope you enjoy your special day! ... See MoreSee Less
We are absolutely thrilled and honored to receive the title of Nonprofit of the Year from the Greater Sarasota Chamber at this year's Small Business Awards!This award is recognition of the work we do with our children and families every single day, and a reflection of our laser focus on mission. It’s also an acknowledgement of the incredible innovation of our staff and Leadership Team, children and families, Board of Directors, parent-led Policy Council, volunteers, and supporters. Congratulations to our fellow honorees in the Nonprofit of the Year category, Teen Court of Sarasota, Inc. and Senior Friendship Centers, and to all of the 27 fabulous nominees and winners! We would also like to congratulate our community partners who were honored today, without whom our work would not be possible: Jamie Kahns and team at Bank of America, Jeff Jackson and team at PGT Innovations, David and Stacey Crawford and team at Catalist Realty, and the wonderful team at Michael Saunders & Company. At Children First we like to say, “Many hands make light work of heavy lifting.” Without a helping hand, the burden can easily become too great to bear, so we wish to thank every single person who continues to make the difference for those we serve. On behalf of the entire Children First family, thank you to the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce for recognizing our agency as the 2022 Nonprofit of the Year! 🥳 ... See MoreSee Less
Children First Inc., the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Sarasota County, has named Howard Berman, former president and chief executive officer of The Lifetime Healthcare Companies Inc., and Keith Johnson, certified financial planner and client adviser of SunTrust Bank, to its board of directors for 2019. Both [...]
Children First was honored to be recognized as the 2019 Nonprofit of the Year at the 14th annual WEDU Be More Awards. As recipient of the “Be More Unstoppable” Award, Children First was chosen from a field of the Tampa Bay area’s most esteemed organizations. WEDU notes that the award is the most coveted and is [...]
Children First was honored to be recognized as the 2019 Nonprofit of the Year at the 14th annual WEDU Be More Awards. As recipient of the Be More Unstoppable Award, Children First was chosen from a field of the Tampa Bay area’s most esteemed organizations. WEDU notes that the award is the most coveted and [...]
Frank Martucci, left; Children First Board Member Katherine Martucci; Vice President of Philanthropy Jessica Rogers; and parishioners Elaine Smith, Michael Clay and Gail Clay.
Children First Inc. thanks All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church for its ongoing support of the community’s most vulnerable children and families. Children First received three separate grants from the [...]