Sarasota, FL (January 22nd, 2020) – Designing Daughters has awarded a $4,500 grant to Children First in support of emotional and behavioral health materials to help combat the social-emotional problems that can develop in very young children, especially those living in high-risk environments. Research has shown in recent years that early emotional and behavioral problems in preschool-aged children interfere with their current well-being, jeopardizing the necessary foundations for healthy development.
This grant will be used to purchase materials that the Children First Mental Health Services team can use in their work with children and families. Materials will include play therapy travel kits, interactive toys such as stress balls and art kits, and curriculum materials like books on trauma-informed care for very young children. The travel kits are essential, as Children First serves 900 children annually at 15 locations throughout Sarasota County, from North Port to Newtown.
“We serve the highest-risk families in Sarasota. Their circumstances place tremendous stress on both parents and children alike, affecting their ability to progress. Ensuring our Mental Health Services team have the equipment they require to meet the needs of our children struggling with emotional and behavioral issues is critical. We are grateful for the Designing Daughters’ investment in this important part of our program,” says CEO Philip Tavill.
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 15 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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