Children First
Children First
Categories
Non-Profit Child Development & Daycare
About
In 1961, the Junior League of Sarasota, formerly the Junior Welfare League of Sarasota, founded the Sarasota Day Nursery. Its mission was to prepare children from low-income families for Kindergarten. Their work changed lives and built a strong foundation. The organization became Sarasota County’s exclusive provider of Head Start in 1994 and Early Head Start in 1998.
Following a name change to Children First in 2000, the organization grew rapidly, driven by the high demand for quality early childhood education and family strengthening programs within economically vulnerable communities. Children First proudly merged with the historic Helen R. Payne Day Nursery, formerly the Newtown Day Nursery, in 2004.
Children First is honored to serve children and strengthen families. Our continuous commitment to the mission has been made possible by our generous community and for that we are deeply grateful.
Strengthening children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being.
Additional Info
Ranked in the top 1% of out more than 1,800 Head Start programs nationwide.
Membership Type
Network Level Membership
Member News Items
- Children First Changemaker Collective Raises Over $1.2MM
- Children First Leaders Honored by Regional Association, Representing 170,000 Children and Families Across Southeastern U.S.
- Children First Fairytale Ball Raises More Than $570,000 in Support of Comprehensive Programs for Children and Families
- Children First Classroom Named in Honor of Community Champions
- Children First Chosen for $75,000 Grant by SYC Cares
- Children First Leader and Former Head Start Parent Wins National Award
- Children First Receives Nearly $160,000 to Support Scholarships and Strengthen Families
- Children First Ambassador Named to Sarasota Chamber’s Leadership Class
- Children First Named as Top Workplace for Sixth Consecutive Year, Achieves National Recognition
- Children First Champions Spark Change with $600,000 Matching Gift Challenge
- Children First Celebrates Head Start Awareness Month
- Children First Ambassador Named Parent of the Year by Florida Head Start Association
- Children First Secures Nearly $400,000 in Grants to Empower Children and Families
- Children First Receives Vital Grant Funding for Disaster Recovery Efforts
- Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader Book Drive Underway
- Children First Expands Early Education with $900,000 Barancik Foundation Grant
- Children First Recognized Nationally for Outstanding Workplace Culture
- Children First Celebrates Its 25th Fairytale Ball, Raises Over $600,000 to Support Programs for Children and Their Families
- Children First Parent, CEO Honored for Statewide Impact
- Children First Fairytale Ball Raises More Than $600,000 for Comprehensive and Family Strengthening Services
- Children First Receives Nearly $230,000 of Support to Sustain Scholarships and Family Strengthening
- Children First CEO Honored by National Head Start Association for Significant Service to Community
- Children First Staff Earn National Family Development Credential
- Children First Named as Top Workplace in Sarasota-Manatee for Fifth Consecutive Year, Achieves National Recognition
- Children First Receives $50,000 from the Jerome & Mildred Paddock Foundation for Family Strengthening Services
- Community Partners Join Forces to Strengthen At-Risk Children & Families
- Children First Collective Ignites Community with $600,000 Matching Gift Challenge
- Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Enhances Early Childhood Education and Comprehensive Services
- Children First Expands Annual Holiday Program
- Children First Receives More than $250,000 to Boost Services Addressing Economic Impact
- Children First Receives Nearly $100,000 to Expand Access and Affordability for At-Risk Families
- Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader Book Drive Underway
- Children First Changemakers Inspire Community with $600,000 Matching Gift Challenge
- Children First Receives Critical $100,000 Support from Gulf Coast Community Foundation
- Children First Receives $50,000 from Truist Foundation to Help Provide Access to Economic Mobility Resources
- Children First VP of Programs Kathleen Sullivan Named to National Head Start Association Region IV Board of Directors
- Children First Names New Board Leadership and Directors for 2023
