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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!
May 17, 2017
SARASOTA (May 17th, 2017)– On April 5, John and Elenor Maxheim were recognized for their contributions to Children First. To thank the couple for their support over the past seven years, the “John and Elenor Maxheim Library” was named in their honor at the organization’s Dr. Elaine Marieb Early Learning Center in Newtown.
The Maxheims have helped [...]
May 12, 2017
SARASOTA (May 12th, 2017)–There weren’t any bottles popped at this winefest event, but for good reason — it was all about honoring the organization’s charitable mission.
The Florida Winefest & Auction mission statement is “To provide funding to qualified charitable organizations for programs assisting disadvantaged children, youth and families in Sarasota and Manatee Counties,” and the [...]
May 9, 2017
April 12, 2017
SARASOTA (April 12th, 2017)– Jo Rutstein served on the Children First Board of Directors from 2009-14, but her impact is still being felt. Recently, the organization hung a sign reading “Jo’s Place” near its new playground. It recognizes her help in securing a grant to fund the new playground from the Rotary Club of Sarasota, [...]
March 29, 2017
SARASOTA (March 29th, 2017)– Decorated with giant, colorful flowers and toadstools — not to mention twinkling pixies with a sprinkle of pixie dust, of course — the Michael’s on East ballroom was transformed recently into a child’s fantasyland for the Fairytale Ball, benefiting Children First.
Nearly 350 elegantly attired guests — with a few even donning [...]
March 25, 2017
SARASOTA (March 25th, 2017)– Between the cascading garden light-covered entrance and the columns transformed into enchanted forest-esque trees, guests walked into more than just a ballroom at the Children First Fairytale Ball.
“A Sprinkle of Pixie Dust” was held on March 25 at Michael’s On East, but really, attendees walked into a fairytale that began with drinks, [...]
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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.
January 31, 2019
October 9, 2018 – Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota and the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, located in New Port Richey, recently held a ribbon-cutting event at Children First to launch a new mobile audiology service for children from low-income families living in the area.
Part of an effort involving Sertoma clubs from [...]
October 8, 2018
As of mid-day on Monday, October 8 Sarasota County is NOT under a hurricane or tropical storm watch or warning.
Children First’s policy is to follow the Sarasota County School’s closure schedule.
If the Sarasota County Schools close, Children First closes all of its sites.
If there is localized flooding, Children First may close sites on a site [...]
July 18, 2018
Just in time for the HotelPlanner Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival Kickoff, Powerboat P1 CEO, Azam Rangoonwala and Scott Free Racing team member Kim Kildahl paid a special visit to some of our preschoolers! They read to the children and taught them about boats before heading outside to see Scott free Racing’s Boatfloater powerboat.
This was [...]
May 26, 2018
Children First staff recently attended a two-day Health Care Institute (HCI) that was hosted by the UCLA Anderson School of Business and the National Center on Early Childhood Health and Wellness. HCI is designed to assist grantees in improving the health of their staff, families, and children, while strengthening the communities in which they work. Participation in [...]