Children First has received a grant of $75,000 from SYC Cares to support playground renovation and renewal at the agency’s main campus.

As the philanthropic arm of the Sarasota Yacht Club, SYC Cares selected Children First after two rounds of voting from club members. The funding will enhance the playground experience for children through the removal of aging equipment as well as the purchase and installation of new equipment.

"Sarasota Yacht Club has a rich legacy of serving the community and supporting many local organizations," Harry Anand, Commodore of the Sarasota Yacht Club said. "SYC Cares allows us to unite in supporting those who strengthen and empower our community’s most vulnerable."

“Our agency follows the nationally acclaimed HighScope curriculum which places importance on active, play-based learning,” says Children First CEO Philip Tavill. “Movement plays a major role in every aspect of early learning, which becomes even more critical for children living at risk. We are deeply grateful for the support of SYC Cares and their investment in enhancing the experience for those we serve.”

As the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, Children First serves nearly 1,100 individuals daily at multiple sites across Sarasota, Venice, and North Port. The agency has been ranked in the top 1% of more than 1,800 programs nationwide and is a four-time designated Head Start Program of Excellence.

About Children First:

Founded in 1961 and ranked in the top 1% out of over 1,800 Head Starts nationwide, Children First strengthens children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being. At multiple sites throughout Sarasota County, Children First offers full-day preschool, infant and toddler care, and nutrition and health care assistance to children ages birth to five years old from low-income families. Through Children First, the children receive the social and cognitive skills needed to enter kindergarten and elementary school on track. For more information, call (941) 953-3877 or go to childrenfirst.net.

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