Prospective Families
Now accepting applications!
Welcome to Children First!
At Children First, children and families receive more than high-quality early childhood education. Our comprehensive services help children build a strong foundation for kindergarten and beyond while connecting parents and caregivers with resources and opportunities to help the entire family thrive.
Programs for Children and Families
Children First offers several early childhood education options for families:
Head Start & Early Head Start
FREE early childhood education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old, as well as prenatal education for pregnant women residing in Sarasota County.
Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)
FREE preschool for 4-year-old children.
Early Care & Education
Fee-based early childhood education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old.
Children First has multiple program sites throughout Sarasota, Venice, and North Port.
Children First does not provide transportation.
Ready to Apply?
Getting started is easy! Complete the information below, and a member of the Children First team will be in touch to answer your questions and help you take the next step.
What Children First Provides
Our comprehensive approach supports your child’s learning, development, health, and well-being while providing resources for the whole family.
Children and families have access to:
- Kindergarten readiness programs
- Research-based curricula
- Credentialed staff
- Daily USDA-approved healthy meals and snacks
- Child developmental, sensory, and health screenings
- Services for children with disabilities
- Mental health services
- Family Advocate support
- Parent education
- Job training support
Who Is Eligible for Services?
Children First works to ensure that our program sites serve families who meet eligibility requirements for Head Start and our other programs.
Eligibility for Head Start and Early Head Start is based on factors including household income and family size. Additional circumstances, such as having a child with a diagnosed disability, may also be considered when determining eligibility and enrollment priority.
Our Family Services team can help you determine which Children First program may be right for your family and guide you through the eligibility and application process.
An Inclusive Environment for Every Child
Children First is an inclusive preschool program, where children with and without disabilities learn and grow together in the same classrooms.
We are proud to provide an environment that reflects the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which protects the right of children with disabilities to be educated alongside their peers in the least restrictive environment.
Individualized Support
Children First’s Comprehensive Services Team works closely with children and parents to understand and address each child’s individual needs.
For children who may benefit from additional educational support, our staff collaborates with local agencies to determine whether a written plan is appropriate. This plan outlines the specialized instruction, services, and supports a child may need to make progress, learn, and thrive in school.