Children First

I have proudly worked for Children First for more than 17 years, and have witnessed the high sense of commitment of our Leadership Committee not only to guide us, the staff, but to form strong relationships with other valuable and selfless organizations to form a formidable umbrella to maximize the benefits to offer to the less fortunate children and their families in every need the might have.Our mission is to improve the quality of life for children and their families, and we certainly are achieving that goal. I am a teacher, a happy one since I am living my dream and my life purpose. My most precious reward is to send time with our loving children and see how they conquer barriers and become ready to learn and to be happy as they grow in their social and emotional skills, then their academic readiness to school in a developmentally and individually apropriate practice, inclusion and respect for every culture. We deliver!! We are an amazing TEAM united to support them, children and their families. We are Early Childhood educators and we take it supremely seriously.

Working at Children First has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The positive aspects of this agency are abundant, making it a truly exceptional environment to be a part of. Here are a few highlights that make Children First stand out:

Collaborative Culture: One of the best features is the emphasis on teamwork and collaboration. Colleagues are always willing to lend a helping hand, share knowledge, and work together toward common goals. This creates a supportive and motivating atmosphere where everyone feels valued.

Emphasis on Growth: The agency places a significant emphasis on personal and professional growth. There are ample opportunities for learning and development, whether through training programs, mentorship, or access to resources that empower employees to expand their skills and knowledge.

Inclusive Environment: Diversity and inclusion are evident in everyday operations. The company values and respects individuals from various backgrounds, fostering an inclusive culture that allows everyone to contribute their unique perspectives.

Strong Leadership: The leadership team at Children First is not only visionary but also approachable and supportive. Their guidance and commitment to our mission shine bright and trickle down, setting a tone for the entire workforce.

Employee Well-being: The company genuinely cares about the well-being of its employees. Initiatives promoting health, mental well-being, and overall satisfaction are in place, creating a positive and healthy work environment.

Recognition and Rewards: Children First recognizes and rewards people for their hard work. Whether it's through bonuses, awards, or simple appreciation, employees feel valued and motivated to continue delivering their best.

Overall, my experience at Children First has been incredibly fulfilling. The positive work culture, the support from colleagues and management, and the overall environment make it a workplace that I'm proud to be a part of. I'm excited about what the future holds and look forward to contributing to the mission each day!

As a former parent, volunteer, and employee for over 20 years at Children First, I can knowingly say that the opportunity I have been given, over all these years, to grow professionally and personally says a lot about how our agency applies and lives its mission, not only with the families we serve but also with the employees who work here. Thank you very much for believing in us!

I have been an employee of Children First since 2018. Throughout my time with Children First, I have been able to witness the impact that our services have on our community firsthand, and I have also gained valuable experience as a professional that has empowered me to provide exceptional services to our children and families. Children First provides an array of services, all within the context of early childhood education. You truly are welcomed into a community of support.

Having 20+ years of Head Start experience, I can testify that Children First is an exemplary Head Start program. The services Children First provides to the children and families of the Sarasota community go above and beyond the Head Start requirements. Children First also makes sure their employees’ well-being is a top priority.

Children First is truly an organization that makes me feel better about the world we are living in! From fully comprehensive services that wrap around the entire child's development, to family strengthening services that enhance and empower the entire family's wellbeing together, Children First uplifts our community's most vulnerable.

I have been working in the field of early childhood education in this area for over 20 years. During that time I have had the pleasure of working with families, volunteers and staff of Children First. I have always been impressed by the agency's commitment to actually putting children - and families - first. Three and a half years ago I was offered the opportunity to join the Children First community as a staff member, directing a program that continues to support our children and families as they move into elementary school. I accepted the offer and haven't looked back. My co-workers at Children First are dedicated, well-trained, and caring. They make the mission of Children First become reality. The numerous volunteers I work with give so lovingly and add so much to our program. The children and families who start elementary school having been a part of Children First are prepared and excited about continuing to learn and grow..

I love what Children First stands for and the organization is phenomenal! The leadership is outstanding!

I believe Children First showed ROCK STAR status during COVID- talk about pivoting!! We were so blessed to still receive pay while working remotely and the support and encouragement through the weekly updates was very comforting. I felt like we were absolutely "in it together"! Being able to work with a supportive team is wonderful as well. Go CF!!!

I am very proud to be a staff member at Children First for almost six years now! Children First provides excellent Early Childhood Education and childcare services for children who are zero to five years of age and who are from low-income families in Sarasota County. Children First also collaborates with various Community Partners and Community Organizations to assist families in very practical and effective ways who are motivated to improve their life circumstances. Children First's Core Value is "WE CARE", and they have been and continue to be a Head Start Program of Excellence!!!

I'm extremely grateful to have the opportunity to work for an organization the truly stands by its mission. Children First's mission is: strengthening children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being. My success and growth would probably look a lot different if I had not walked in the doors of Children First in 2002. At that time, I started as an aftercare pre school teacher with my CDA. Soon after I had the opportunity to enroll my son and that’s when the wheel begin to move a little bit faster. My family advocate asks me what goal or goals would you like to accomplish? Thinking about it for a moment, I said continue my education in the educational field, participate more with my children’s education, become a home own etc. So, just like that she helped me develop a plan. Children First provided families and staff the opportunity to move forward in life. I now have a bachelor’s in early childhood education with concentration in child development and Family Development Credential. I am a testimony of using the service and support children first has to offer to both families and professionals.

Children First is making a difference in the lives of children and families throughout Sarasota County. The agency has developed a wide array of effective initiatives designed to strengthen families. Formal classes and programs enhance emotional well-being, health, financial literacy, preparation for employment, and parenting skills. The parent led Policy Council and Parent Committees provide opportunities for parents to become decision-makers and leaders. The inclusive early childhood education model serves children of varying abilities with care and expertise. The agency uses a formal curriculum and assessment system that benefits all children. Staff are highly trained and dedicated to their work, and the agency's mission. Children First ensures that all stakeholders -- caregivers, children, staff, volunteers -- have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Regardless of your role, if you engage with Children First, you will be better for it!

Children First is a well-oiled machine. We are fortunate to have such a compassionate, innovative, excellent leadership team. The culture of the organization is one that is mindful of all backgrounds and situations. The children and families are well taken care of with wrap-around resources extending to the parents and/or caregivers. The staff are highly credentialed and truly care about giving back and making a difference in the lives of the children. We have some of the best donors, volunteers, staff, and clients.

With over three decades of experience in the Early Childhood Field, Children First truly stands out in its unwavering commitment to children, families, and staff. This commitment is evident in how they consistently uphold their mission and core values. Children First goes above and beyond in providing extensive wrap-around services and benefits that aim to elevate, empower, and educate children, families, and staff. Through these efforts, Children First delivers top-notch educational services for children from birth to five years old. I'm delighted to have discovered Children First on my quest to find a program and team that wholeheartedly support both individuals and professionals like me.

I am starting my 3rd year as a classroom volunteer with Children First and am still learning about the various services this wonderful organization delivers to the underserved children and families in Sarasota. The dedication of the teachers, staff and volunteers is inspirational.


Sarasota boasts an abundance of knowledgeable, resourceful and successful residents. I would encourage people to become a part of the Children First mission.

Children First has provided a remarkable early childhood experience for North Port High School students for the last 4 years. The professionalism, experience and developmentally appropriate practices observed by my students has produced students who upon graduation became employees of Children First and other child care centers.

I started volunteering one day a week -- I now volunteer three days a week. This is because I am so impressed with the work Children First does -- not just with children, although that is impressive enough, but with whole families. It is a joy to see the children's minds growing along wit their bodies. They are nourished both physically and mentally. Two meals a day and devoted teachers provide a lot of what the children are missing at home. Played with, read to, and taught the basics they will need in kindergarten is what Children First provides. This is no ordinary "day care." This is the first steps to school. I consider it a privilege to volunteer and work with these teachers and children.

When i first was 15 in my sophomore year of high school i found out i was pregnant. While deciding to stay in school and keeping the child i brought my daughter to daycare at Cyesis which is partnered with Children First. From there on i have been able to say that Children First changed my life in many ways. I was able to be a decision maker on Policy Council, then leading these Policy Council meetings as chair and witness my daughter develop and achieve all her developmental milestones. I would not currently be were i am today if it wasnt for the love and support i received from staff, family advocates, and even the head director of Children First!