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Children First Blog
Read our most recent newsletter HERE!
May 23, 2023
Carlos Yancy is a Business Development Specialist with BayFirst Bank in Newtown, where he and his team have a direct focus on making a difference in our community and in the lives of those we serve.
He is also a proud Children First alumni and third-generation Sarasota resident. From a young age, he was taught the [...]
May 18, 2023
(Left to right: CEO Philip Tavill, VP of Programs Kathleen Sullivan, VP of Philanthropy Jessica Rogers, and Board Chair Brock Leach)
Philip Tavill, CEO of Children First, has been honored by the National Head Start Association (NHSA) for his significant achievements in excellence in community service.
The NHSA represents more than one million children, 275,000 staff, [...]
May 11, 2023
Once each year we stop to say thank you to the most important person in our world – our mother. She loves unconditionally, is our first and most important teacher, and our constant source of strength and love through good times and bad.
Here at Children First, we understand there is no more important job in [...]
April 25, 2023
“Thy loving smile will surely hail the love-gift of a fairy tale.”
On April 1, the magic of Lewis Carroll’s “Through the Looking Glass,” his sequel to “Alice in Wonderland,” created a festive backdrop for the 23rd Annual Fairytale Ball, hosted by Children First at Michael’s on East.
In the words of Alice, “The only way to [...]
February 16, 2023
Children First, Inc., the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, is proud to announce that parent and Policy Council Liaison Maria Somera and CEO Philip Tavill have been honored by the Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) for their impact in elevating excellence in Florida’s Head Start Community.
Representing nearly [...]
February 2, 2023
Kathleen Sullivan, MACD, the Vice President of Programs at Children First, has been elected to serve on the National Head Start Association’s (NHSA) Region IV Board of Directors. In her role, Ms. Sullivan will help to oversee Head Start’s Region IV, the southeastern United States, representing more than 170,000 children, 40,000 staff and 300 [...]
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The end-of-year celebrations continue!![]()
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Our North Port campus held a special ceremony for all of the children who have completed our Head Start program and will be moving on to kindergarten in the fall.![]()
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Parents enjoyed three songs prepared by the K-Risers, and everyone took part in the fun with visitors from Peace River K9 Search and Rescue Association Inc., The City of North Port - Government, Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, and Iguanaland! ![]()
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Congratulations, K-Risers!
Thank you to our partners at Suncoast Charities for Children! ![]()
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The 25th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival, held this past February at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, raised a net revenue of $315,000 for Suncoast Charities.![]()
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At last night's Thunder by the Bay Appreciation party, Suncoast Charities awarded grants to six nonprofit partners, including Children First.![]()
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Funding will support new adjustable tables and chairs for preschool classrooms and assistance packages for at-risk children needing shoes, dental hygiene supplies, and food vouchers.![]()
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Thank you for your commitment to our children, families, and mission!
"Alone we can do so little; together, we can do so much." ![]()
- Helen Keller![]()
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We had a great time celebrating our volunteers at our Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast! Children First volunteers were recognized by our Board of Directors and Leadership Team for the mighty impact they make for our agency. ![]()
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In 2022, our volunteers collectively worked 17 hours per day across our multiple campuses.![]()
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This event was held at our Dr. Elaine Marieb Early Learning Center, where attendees heard from classroom volunteer and past Board Chair Katherine Martucci on the value of giving back to such an incredible mission. Children from our Purple Crayon classroom held a special performance of songs like Frère Jacques and Bingo. ![]()
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We also recognized our partners at PGT Innovations for their Brighter Futures named opportunity of our Butterflies infant classroom. Thank you to our amazing volunteers!
Congratulations to Alyssa Simons, Associate Director of Donor Relations, on graduating from the Greater Sarasota Chamber 2022 Adult Leadership Class! ![]()
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This nine-month program was designed to enhance awareness of the community and its needs by examining how leadership in the historical, geographical, educational, economic, governmental and cultural segments work together to perpetuate and advance the Sarasota County community. ![]()
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During the program, Alyssa and her class completed a special project to transform the backyard at a foster home for Safe Children Coalition, including a new state of the art basketball court, refurbished lanai and patio furniture, a new fence, mural, yard work, and more. ![]()
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We are grateful for Alyssa's dedication to our children, families, and community!
Calling all Kindergarten-Risers! 🥳🎓🎒![]()
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Our Region A staff held a special celebration for the children who have completed our Head Start program and are heading to kindergarten this fall. We were joined by Sarasota County Emergency Services, the Oriole Bird of the Baltimore Orioles, and volunteers who face painted, handed out snacks, and gave out backpacks sponsored by TheZenith. Congratulations, K-Risers!