Children First, Sarasota County’s exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services, has received a $900,000 grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to expand its nationally recognized early learning and family development programs. This investment will enable the organization to open three new classrooms, allowing more children and families to access the life-changing benefits of early childhood education (ECE).

Research underscores the importance of ECE, revealing that children in high-quality programs are 25% more likely to graduate high school and see a 50% increase in future earning potential. For families, ECE increases employment stability for parents, with mothers of young children being 15% more likely to remain in the workforce when reliable childcare is available. This grant will ensure that Children First continues to serve as a catalyst for opportunity for both children and their families in Sarasota County.

“We’ve long believed that the earlier the investment, the greater the return,” said Teri A Hansen, president and CEO of Barancik Foundation.  “Young children are our community’s greatest assets, and we are pleased to partner with Children First to expand its exceptional work educating children and supporting families.”

“This funding is vital to our mission,” says Philip Tavill, CEO of Children First. “With Barancik Foundation’s support, we can expand our capacity to serve more children and families while creating pathways for economic and personal growth. 25% of our employees began as parents in our programs, and this grant empowers them on their journeys, transforming them into advocates and leaders within our community.”

Each year, Children First serves hundreds of economically vulnerable children and their families at multiple sites across Sarasota, Venice, and North Port. In addition to providing comprehensive early childhood education, its services include health and wellness programs, family strengthening, and the innovative Families First Institute, which offers workshops on parenting, career readiness, and personal development.

About Children First

Founded in 1961 and ranked in the top 1% 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 from birth to five years old in low-income families. Through Children First, children receive the social and cognitive skills needed to enter kindergarten and elementary school on track. For more information, call (941) 953-3877 or visit www.childrenfirst.net.

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