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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!
September 24, 2020
Terry and Bob Lewandowski are originally from Chicago, Illinois where together they hold a combined four degrees in Psychology, Medical Technology, and Industrial Relations from Loyola University. Terry enjoyed a career as a medical technologist in Chicago-area hospitals until the birth of their first child, upon which time she considers herself blessed to be able [...]
September 22, 2020
September 22, 2020
Sarasota has a legacy of strong leaders and innovators. Leadership Sarasota County, a program of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, is continuing that legacy by building a community of leaders for Sarasota today and tomorrow. This year, CEO Philip Tavill, Leadership Class of 1993, was honored alongside Pam Beitlich, of Sarasota [...]
September 1, 2020
September 01, 2020 | Sarasota
CEO Philip Tavill took part in a conversation with other community thought leaders on building opportunities to pivot, survive and thrive during the pandemic.
September 1, 2020
September 01, 2020 | Sarasota
Children First’s female leadership is a driving force behind the agency’s success as a four-time designated Head Start Program of Excellence. Their broad expertise helps the agency deliver excellence in program management and service performance, and guides the achievement of robust outcomes for pregnant women, at-risk children birth to 5 years [...]
August 26, 2020
August 26, 2020 | Business Observer
A recent Sarasota-based virtual event focused on how organizations can save money by implementing sustainability-related changes, from reducing water use to installing more efficient air conditioning units.
The event was part of the Partners for Green Places program, a collaboration between Sarasota County Sustainability, City of Sarasota Sustainability, the Charles [...]
August 10, 2020
August 10, 2020 | Jacqueline Matter
CEO Philip Tavill was invited to join ABC7 WWSB Evening Reporter Jacqueline Matter on August 10 for a virtual round table discussion regarding the 2020 Census and the potential impact on our community and communities around the country.
Watch the video here!
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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.
August 30, 2017
September 1, 2017
On August 31, 2017, volunteers from Pulte Homes and BrightView landscape Services Englewood lent a helping hand a green thumb to help enhance the grounds at Children First’s Venice location. They generously donated their time and supplies to give at-risk children and families a beautiful welcome when they arrive at school each day. Dozens of volunteers [...]
September 12, 2017
UPDATE — All Children First sites will remain closed through Friday, Sept. 15 due to Hurricane Irma. We will re-open on Monday, Sept. 18. Thank you for your patience as we assessed various factors in this process. We hope everyone made it safely through the storm with minimal damage and look forward to seeing you [...]
September 26, 2017
Feelings you may be having during this stressful time:
Trouble sleeping. You might wake up in the night or have nightmares.
Eating changes. You may not be hungry. Or maybe you are eating everything in sight.
Get upset easily; lose your temper; cry a lot.
Can’t stop thinking about the hurricane.
Feel afraid and worried about what is going to [...]