About Us
Children First has once again earned the prestigious title of “Program of Excellence” from the National Head Start Association, marking its fifth overall designation. Previously, Children First earned this distinction for four consecutive terms, a rare achievement accomplished by only nine other Head Start programs nationwide.
This honor reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence in program management and service performance. We take pride in consistently achieving strong outcomes for income-eligible children from birth to age five, along with pregnant women, families, and the broader community we serve.
Among more than 1,600 Head Start programs across the country, Children First ranks within the top 1%, solidifying its place as a national leader in early childhood education.
65 Years Helping Families
Multiple Locations across Sarasota County
1,000+ Children and Their Families Served in Sarasota County Daily
At Children First, every child is provided with a top-tier early childhood education facilitated by highly qualified staff within a caring setting that promotes their holistic growth. Our approach nurtures children’s development of socialization, communication, and critical thinking abilities, while also instilling a genuine passion for continuous learning. Our emphasis lies in crafting classrooms that inspire children to delve into their curiosity, engage in meaningful interactions, and harness their imaginative creativity through purpose-driven play.
Dedicated to enhancing the lives of our children, our comprehensive health and nutrition program is designed to promote their overall health and well-being. Each child enrolled at Children First receives a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack daily, fostering their optimal health for effective learning. Additionally, we conduct thorough vision, hearing, and dental screenings to identify potential issues and eliminate obstacles that might hinder academic progress.
We extend on-site support services to children in need, encompassing occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language therapy. Our team includes dedicated Mental Health Specialists who offer classroom assistance and personalized emotional and behavioral support for both children and their caregivers.
During their children’s enrollment at Children First, parents are provided with family strengthening services. Each family collaborates with a dedicated Family Advocate to establish and achieve financial, occupational, and educational objectives. These advocates offer valuable guidance as families progress toward self-sufficiency. Additionally, parents have the opportunity to participate in courses offered by our award-winning Families First Institute, enabling them to acquire proficiencies in areas such as parenting, career readiness, and effective budgeting.
Partial sponsorship for Children First programs is generously provided by Sarasota County Government. Collaborations of this nature with the community play a crucial role in enhancing our ability to support income-eligible backgrounds children and families.
For eligible families, our services are offered at little to no cost. Nearly 77% of the families we serve live at or below the Federal Poverty Level.
2026 Poverty Guidelines
| Persons in family/household | Poverty guideline |
|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 |
| 2 | $21,640 |
| 3 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $33,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 |
| 6 | $44,360 |
| 7 | $50,040 |
| 8 | $55,720 |
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,680 for each additional person.
Vice President of Programs Kathleen Sullivan, Vice President of Organizational Engagement Jessica Rogers, CEO Philip Tavill, and Vice President of Organizational Resilience Sharon Haynes
Children First admits students without discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, disability or national ethnic origin.
Every child entering a Children First program with a suspected or diagnosed disability will receive a quality education in an inclusive setting that is individualized through a positive strength -based approach. Developmentally appropriate accommodations and modifications to the curriculum and any related discipline specific support services from our local education agencies and community partnerships are provided on site, during the child’s school day.