CHILDREN FIRST

CHILDREN FIRST is a public prekindergarten school that is part of the SARASOTA school district, located in SARASOTA, FL with about 32 students. With about 43 teachers, CHILDREN FIRST has a student/teacher ratio of about 0:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

CHILDREN FIRST is the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, Florida. Operating as a comprehensive early childhood development organization, the school focuses on serving children from birth to five years old, particularly those from low-income families. Their mission is to provide high-quality education, nutrition, and family support services that prepare children for kindergarten while fostering long-term family stability and self-sufficiency.

Beyond traditional classroom instruction, the organization is known for its "whole-family" approach. They provide robust support systems that include parent education, mental health services, and resources to help families overcome barriers to success. By focusing on both the child’s cognitive development and the family’s socioeconomic well-being, CHILDREN FIRST functions as a vital community hub dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through early intervention and collaborative community partnerships.

For more information, contact CHILDREN FIRST at (941) 953-3877 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.