In Venice, Florida, a remarkable organization has been quietly transforming the lives of children and families for decades. Children First Venice serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity, providing vital early childhood education and family support services that have a profoundly positive impact on the community. Recognized nationally for excellence in early education, this organization demonstrates daily how targeted investment in our youngest citizens yields profound benefits for generations to come.
Children First Venice operates as part of the broader Children First organization serving Sarasota County. This valuable resource has earned its place among the most effective early childhood programs in the nation. This article explores their approach, services, community involvement opportunities, and the lasting influence they’ve made in Venice since establishing their campus in 2012.
Children First Venice operates with a clear mission: to strengthen children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being. This mission drives everything they do, from classroom activities to family support services. As a designated “Program of Excellence” by the National Head Start Association—an honor achieved four consecutive times and shared by only nine other Head Start programs nationwide—Children First ranks within the top 1% of over 1,800 Head Starts across the country.
At the core of their educational philosophy is a commitment to providing exceptional early childhood education in a nurturing environment. Their approach emphasizes developing the whole child by fostering socialization, communication, and critical thinking abilities while instilling a genuine passion for lifelong learning. Their classrooms are thoughtfully designed to encourage curiosity, meaningful interactions, and creative exploration through purposeful play—creating an ideal foundation for children to thrive academically and emotionally as they prepare for kindergarten and beyond.
Children First Venice takes a holistic approach to child development that extends far beyond traditional classroom education. Their comprehensive health and nutrition program ensures each enrolled child receives nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily, establishing optimal conditions for effective learning. The organization conducts thorough vision, hearing, and dental screenings to identify and address potential issues that might otherwise become barriers to academic progress. This preventative approach helps ensure children can fully engage with their educational experience.
For children requiring additional support, Children First provides on-site specialized services including occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language therapy. Their team includes dedicated Mental Health Specialists who offer classroom assistance and personalized emotional and behavioral support for both children and their families. Through these services, Children First serves over 1,000 children and families daily throughout Sarasota County, with support provided at little to no cost for families meeting eligibility requirements. Nearly 77% of the families they serve live at or below the Federal Poverty Level, making these accessible services crucial for community well-being.
The success of Children First Venice depends greatly on community involvement and support. There are numerous ways for Venice residents to contribute to this vital organization’s mission. Financial donations of any size make a meaningful impact on the children and families under their care. The organization emphasizes that these investments yield benefits to the community for years to come, as children who receive quality early education are better prepared for school and life success.
Beyond monetary contributions, community members can volunteer their time and talents. Even dedicating a small portion of time can hold immense value for a child, educator, or caregiver. The organization offers a range of volunteering opportunities to match different skills and availability. Additionally, community members and businesses can sponsor events that bolster the organization’s mission and raise essential funds. These community partnerships play a crucial role in enhancing Children First’s ability to support children and families from income-eligible backgrounds, strengthening the entire Venice community.
Children First is led by a dedicated leadership team, including Philip Tavill, who has served as Chief Executive Officer for over 25 years. Working alongside Vice President of Philanthropy Jessica Rogers and Vice President of Programs Kathleen Sullivan, this experienced leadership team guides a staff of committed professionals across multiple locations throughout Sarasota County. Their collective expertise ensures that Children First consistently delivers high-quality services that make a measurable difference in children’s lives.
The organization’s history dates back to 1961, when the Junior League of Sarasota established the Sarasota Day Nursery to prepare children from low-income families for kindergarten. After becoming the exclusive provider of Head Start services for Sarasota County in 1994 and Early Head Start in 1998, the organization was renamed Children First in 2000. The Venice campus, established in 2012 in partnership with the Suncoast Foundation, represents a significant expansion of their commitment to serving families throughout the county. Through six decades of service, Children First has demonstrated proven results in preparing at-risk children for educational success while strengthening family stability—creating a lasting legacy of positive change in Venice and beyond.
Header Image Source: Children First Facebook Page
