Children First, the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, is proud to join the National Head Start Association (NHSA) in celebrating Head Start Awareness Month throughout October.

In honor of the critical role that Head Start plays in the lives of children and families, Children First has received proclamations from the cities of North Port, Sarasota, and Venice, as well as from Sarasota County, highlighting the program’s impact across the region.

Head Start Awareness Month is a nationwide celebration that shines a spotlight on the importance of providing high-quality early childhood education and family support to break the generational cycle of poverty.

“Our community understands that Head Start is more than early childhood education; it’s a vital support system for families,” says Philip Tavill, Children First CEO. “We are honored to receive this recognition and to continue our mission of empowering children and families to reach their full potential.”

Children First, a four-time designated national Head Start Program of Excellence, is also nationally recognized as a Top Workplace and one of the Best Nonprofits to Work For.

The agency plays a crucial role in the lives of hundreds of children from birth to five years and their families who are living at or below the Federal Poverty Level ($25,820 for a family of three). The agency serves nearly 1,100 individuals at multiple locations across Sarasota, Venice, and North Port daily.

About Children First:
Founded in 1961 and ranked in the top 1% of over 1,800 Head Start programs nationwide, Children First strengthens children and families by improving their quality of life through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being. Serving children ages birth to five from low-income families at multiple sites across Sarasota County, Children First provides the essential tools for children to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. For more information, call (941) 953-3877 or visit childrenfirst.net.

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