Sarasota, FL – Head Start celebrated its 52^nd 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 to read new books generously donated by Scholastic.

The children enjoyed singing the “Itsy Bitsy Spider” with Shaw after he read the book inspired by the nursery rhyme.  (See video above)  They also talked about what they learned from the stories, providing a teaching moment for everyone involved.

“This interaction today will take place again tonight at the supper table.  I’ve not only engaged the child, but I’ve engaged the parent and the family.  That conversation will go a long way, and it will also help us grow the community into what we really want it to be—a family,” said Commissioner Shaw.

Children First’s Venice site was also honored to have Maryann Terry, the Executive Director of United Way South Sarasota County visit and read to the Early Head Start children.