Suncoast Credit Union has awarded Children First a $10,000 grant to provide scholarships for the most at-risk children and families in Sarasota County. Scholarships are one of the agency’s highest priorities, creating every opportunity for children living in poverty to make important cognitive, social, and developmental gains so they are on par with their peers and ready for success in Kindergarten and beyond.
As the exclusive provider for Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, Children First provides year-round early childhood education for approximately 900 children and their families.
“In addition to providing comprehensive care and services for our children, scholarship support also allows parents and caregivers to receive the opportunities and education needed to work towards self-sufficiency and strengthen the entire family. We are deeply grateful to Suncoast Credit Union for their partnership in transforming lives,” 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, emotional, 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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