Videos
Please watch the videos below to learn more about Children First and our mission.
How RISE Helped the Cecil-Smith Family Soar
In this heartfelt video, the Cecil-Smith family shares how Children First helped their children, Maddison and Jackson, develop a lifelong love of learning through nurturing teachers, engaging classrooms, and a supportive environment that felt like a second home.
Children First Fairytale Ball: Majesty Under the Moonlight
Children First parent Yolonda shares her ultimate journey of triumph and transformation.
Kenny’s
StoryLearn more about Children First through the journey of former Head Start parent and current member of the Board of Directors, Kenny Hughes.
Maria’s
JourneyHear directly about the incredible difference Children First makes in the lives of those we serve from parent and Policy Council Chair Maria.
25th Anniversary Celebration of CEO Philip Tavill
CEO Philip Tavill celebrated 25 years with Children First.
Children First – Fairytale Ball: The Sparkle Within
Learn more about Children First as we celebrate our 60th anniversary in 2021.
Children First – Fairytale Ball: You Light Up Our Lives
Learn about our community's impact on the children and families we serve.
A Conversation with Mitchell Epstein, Author of Mr. Lucky
CEO Philip Tavill interviews long-time Children First supporter and recently published author Mitchell Epstein about his latest book, "Mr. Lucky - My Unexpected Journey to Success." Children First is one of several charities to receive proceeds from the book's profits. For more information, visit MrLuckyBook.com!
Children First – Fairytale Ball: The Enchanted Library
See the difference Children First makes in our community.
Children First: Mission Moment March 2019
"Every child deserves a champion; an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be."
Raise Your Hand: Proven Results
Thank you to all who invested in our community with a gift to the Raise Your Hand Campaign! This initiative began after a community assessment highlighted more intense needs in local children and families.
Children First – Fairytale Ball 2018: If You Had 3 Wishes…
See the difference Children First makes in our community.
Children First: Year in Review 2017
Take a look back at the impact of Children First in 2017.
Children First – Helping Children and Families Achieve their Potential Since 1961
This video was created to showcase the early childhood education programs and family support services provided by Children First, Inc, of Sarasota, Florida. As the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Sarasota County, Children First each year helps more than 600 underprivileged children and their families grow stronger and achieve their dreams of building a brighter future for themselves. The video was produced as part of Children First's "Achieving Potential" campaign in fall 2013.
Children First Celebrates Elaine’s Kids
This video was created to thank Dr. Elaine Marieb, whose generosity helped create the Elaine's Kids program at Children First. Through the program, each summer more than 40 children living in poverty in Sarasota County, Florida, get to attend summer school and continue their pre-kindergarten education without summer learning loss. We thank Dr. Marieb for making this extraordinary gift possible for these deserving young children and their families.
Children First: Year in Review 2014
Let's take a look at 2014 at Children First.
Summer Literacy Camp Reading
Watch as this little girl shows off her reading skills at Children First Summer Literacy Camp.
Children First Thanks John Bean
We thank John Bean for his many years of service to Children First on our Board of Directors.
