Children First, the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, has received a grant of $71,542 from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation. The grant is dedicated to the enhancement of playground facilities at the Linnie E. Dalbeck Center, a cherished facility in partnership with the First Presbyterian Church, offering vital Early Head Start services.
Play is an essential component of early childhood development, fostering physical health, social skills, and imaginative thinking. Recognizing the significance of play in a child’s life, the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation has stepped forward to ensure that the children at the Linnie E. Dalbeck Center can learn and grow through joyful play experiences.
“We are profoundly grateful to the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation for their steadfast support of our mission to provide the highest quality early childhood education and comprehensive services to children and families living at risk,” said Philip Tavill, President & CEO of Children First. “This grant will have a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve, offering them opportunities for growth and exploration that are vital for their development.”
“The Selby Foundation has a long history of investing in our community’s youth—from infants to college students. The importance of early learning, family engagement, and play cannot be overstated, and we thank Children First for its enduring commitment to this mission,” said Susie Bowie, President & CEO of the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation.
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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