As the workforce in Florida continues to grow, the need for accessible, affordable childcare is reaching disproportionate heights.

Children First, the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, is leveraging recent support from local foundations to enhance and expand its comprehensive programming for at-risk children and families.

The agency has received grants totaling nearly $100,000, including $30,000 from the Robertha Leventhal Sudakoff Foundation, $30,000 from the Dr. Samir M. Shafie Charitable Foundation, $25,000 from the Harry Sudakoff Foundation, $7,000 from the Harold C. & Jacqueline F. Bladel Foundation, and $5,000 from the Annette J. Hagens Memorial Foundation for scholarship support.

“Research shows that lack of access to childcare was the leading reason parents left their jobs in the past 12 months. It’s critical for working parents to have a safe and nurturing environment for their beautiful six-week-old baby or four-year-old preschooler while they provide for their families and contribute to the strength of our local economy,” says CEO Philip Tavill. “Thank you to our foundation partners whose generosity allows us to not only offer the comprehensive services that help our children reach their full potential but empowers parents in achieving success to support the entire family.”

Children First, a four-time designated national Head Start Program of Excellence and nationally recognized Top Workplace, 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 ($24,860 for a family of three). The agency provides comprehensive services at multiple locations across Sarasota, Venice, and North Port.

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.

###