As families across the country continue to face rising childcare costs and limited availability, Children First is reflecting on the first year of its recent classroom expansion while continuing to meet strong demand for services.

More than a year after opening new classrooms made possible as a part of a catalytic $900,000 investment from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, the agency has increased access to reliable early learning for children who had previously been waiting for care - helping families maintain employment and manage daily responsibilities.

As a result of the expansion, children received early screenings and, when needed, additional support services, allowing staff to respond quickly during a critical stage of development. Families were also connected to practical resources focused on stability, including support related to employment, education, and household needs.

“These results show how important high-quality childcare is for working families,” says Philip Tavill, President & CEO of Children First. “While this phase of the work has been completed, the need continues.”

Organizationally, the expansion also supported data enhancement efforts, including agency-wide systems auditing, reporting improvements, and strengthened data quality practices. While these investments expanded access and improved operational capacity, the need for early education, disability services, and sustainable data infrastructure continues to grow.

One example of that impact is Claudia Olivares, a Children First alumna who now works full-time in one of the Barancik-funded expansion classrooms.

“When I came here as a child, I didn’t realize what was being built for me,” she said. “Now I see how much care goes into supporting each child - and how those early experiences stay with you.”

“High-quality early learning does far more than prepare children for kindergarten,” said John Annis, President and CEO of Barancik Foundation. “It gives families the stability they need to stay connected to work, manage daily responsibilities, and build a stronger future. Children First understands that supporting young children and supporting families go hand in hand.”

While the initial phase of the expansion has concluded, Children First continues to operate these classrooms and serve additional children and families, with demand for childcare remaining strong.

If you would like to learn more about supporting Children First classrooms and services, please contact Vice President of Organizational Engagement Jessica Rogers at jrogers@childrenfirst.net.

About Children First:

Founded in 1961 and ranked in the top 1% out of over 1,600 Head Starts nationwide, Children First strengthens children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being. At multiple sites throughout Sarasota County, Children First offers full-day preschool, infant and toddler care, and nutrition and health care assistance to children ages birth to five years old from low-income families. Through Children First, the children receive the social and cognitive skills needed to enter kindergarten and elementary school on track. For more information, call (941) 953-3877 or go to childrenfirst.net.
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