The Heart of What We Do
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the first issue of The Parenting Playbook!This helpful resource guide represents an extension of the Children's Trust of Alachua County's continuous commitment to children, youth, and families. We heard you! You asked for a resource that provides practical information to help navigate parenting challenges, guidance and best practices to support your child's development, and local resources for families.
This Playbook is more than a timely, useful guide of information for those raising children. Each edition will highlight local programs and services that are relevant to your parentingjourney, whether your child is yet to be born, exploring college and careers, or is in any of those fun stages in between. We also welcome your feedback! After all, this Playbook is for you! If there is a topic you'd like to see covered in our Back-to-School or any future edition, visit ti nyurl.com/ playbook-feed back.
Until next time,
Marsha Kiner EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CHILDREN'S TRUST OF ALACHUA COUNTY
Gainesville, F.L32606
Kirsten Rabin EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Frankel MANAGING EDITOR
Amalie Bethune WRITER
Melanie Barrett WRITER, FRANKEL
Danielle Martin WRITER, FRANKEL
DISTRIBUTION DETAILS
The Parenting Playbook is a free, community resource guide available upon request to businesses and individuals within Alachua County. To receive copies for your location, please contact us.
FUNDING
The Parenting Playbook is funded by the Children's Trust of Alachua County and any sponsorships indicated throughout the magazine.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
If you are interested in contributing content to The Parenting Playbook,please email us with your name, email, phone, content idea, and who the best person is to provide this information to the community.
Hear From the Kids
Swampbots Robotics Youth
Swampbots Robotics, which receives Children's Trust funding, brings together teams of 6- to 18-year-olds for hands-on robotics and coding experience. Youth are encouraged to grow in their STEM, problem-solving, creativity. and teamwork skills. From a single team in 2020, the program has grown to 21 teams for the 2024 school year. Teams compete in the FIRST®LEGO®League across Florida and beyond. One team, the Frogmen, placed third in a state competition in February 2025, earning an invite to compete in South Africa in May.
Robotics isn't just about kids building robots-it's about robots building kids.
- Swampbots Robotics motto
The young engineers' enthusiasm is infectious!
"It's really fun because I love coding and I get to meet other teams during competition! I've learned about how to be a better teammate and how to solve problems when we don't agree. It's not only one person's opinion or thoughts that count, it's all of us together that make us stronger. I'm so excited for next season already!"
- Micah, 11
"It's fun playing with the robot and making new friends. I can have fun learning about coding a robot."
- Rigby, 6
"I like learning how to program and "I am grateful that Swampbots provides had fun playing with the robot. I like us all the materials to do robotics. I love being a Swampbot because I can play being a builder and working on missions. I with Legos. We learn to work as a team also love going to the robotics tournaments while having fun with the robot. The with my Swampbots friends." Innovation Project challenged me to come - Julian, 8 out of my comfort zone and participate more with public speaking."
- Brixton, 10
TEENSWORI< ALACHUA
CHILDREN'S TRUST OF ALACHUA COUNTY
SUMMER 2025 INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
TeensWork Alachua (TWA) employs eligible Alachua County students tl-irough partnerships with local businesses.
In addition to employment, students receive employability training throughout their internship and are assigned to a job coach who acts as a liaison between the student and partnering business.
A key goal of TWA is to help businesses create a talent pipeline by leveraging the strengths of local youth aged 14-18 years.
A Noteto Fathers
Although it's less discussed for men, PPDis real and affects many fathers. Easing into your new role of fatherhood takes time. Now, you may be expected to be "on" and ready to take care of responsibilities you hadn't previously. This is a big shift from your pre-parenthood life.
With less control over how you spend your ti me, you may feel upset by this new routine. If you are having a hard time adjusting, feeling close to your baby, or are feeling guilty, your reactions may feel withdrawn. This experience, while normal, need not affect how you show up for your family.
While it can be hard to get yourself to slow down, putting in some extra time and effort now will likely save you time down the road.
A Noteto Mothers
At the moment, it may feel like your whole life has flipped upside down. Your child needs you for basic necessities-food, changings, and comfort-among the endless list of tasks apart from being "mom." Your schedule is now unpredictable and ever-changing.
It's not easy. Taking care of a baby and adjusting to a new lifestyle can leave you feeling alone. Loneliness seems out of place now that you have a new
family member, but many mothers find this unexpected feeling contributes to PPD.
Your mental health and transition into motherhood matters.
It's okay to not feel okay, and there are support systems and resources to help both parents.
Take a look at the list on the next page for ways moms and dads can prioritize mental health, starting with giving yourself grace.
Sometimeswe forgetto take careof ourselves.
DearParents,Your MentalHealthMatters
1. Give Yourself Grace: It's okay to not have everything figured out. Focus on one task at a time and take baby steps.
2. Connect With Others: You might not feel like being around others right now, but sharing experiences can provide relief and reassurance.
3. Prioritize Sleep: Take advantage of precious nap times either when baby sleeps or by rotating shifts with your partner or other caregivers.
4. Take a Walk: Breathe in fresh air and soak in the present moment.
5. Eat: When we take care of others, sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves and our own self-care needs.
6. Ask for Help: Be open and specific about what you need. Delegate tasks to get time to recharge.
Keeping Ki
Spring is intheAir
Healthy Dental Habits for Children
Advice from Dr. Olga Ensz
UF College of Dentistry's Saving Smiles Program
No one wants tooth decay or cavities, especially children. These problems can lead to pain, infection, trouble eating, sleeping, or paying attention in school. Let's help prevent this and promote healthy teeth and gums with the following practices.
Brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, especially before bedtime. Use a smear the size of a grain of rice for children under three years old. For 3- to 5-year-olds, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is recommended.
Assist a child in brushing all surfaces of their teeth u nti I they can brush independently.
Make it fun by playing your child's favorite song or video as they brush.
Encourage drinking water instead of sugary beverages. Fruitjuices, sports drinks, flavored milks, and sodas have a lot more sugar than most people realize.
Do not let infants go to sleep with a bottle filled with milk.juice, or any sweet beverage.
Avoid foods that are high in sugar or refined carbohydrates that tend to stick to our teeth, such as candies, chips, crackers, and cookies.
See a dental provider at least once per year. Many dental problems start without any symptoms, and the earlier these are identified, the easier and less expensive the treatment options will be. It is also recommended that a child's first dental visit occur by age 1.
SchoolBreak Activities
A break from school means it's time for some fun. There are plenty of day camps and programs in Alachua County to keep your children active and engaged.
Where Kids Have Fun
City of Gainesville Out of School Days
Kids (grades 1-8) participate in a safe, engaging environment with hands-on activities tailored to individual needs, covering academics, enrichment, community service, field trips, and physical activity.
Girls Place Inc.
Girls (ages 5-14) build confidence and friendships. Whether experimenting with a new art project, playing team games, or listening to guest speakers, every day is designed to empower.
Okito America
Kids (ages 5+) learn much more than martial arts. They learn self-discipline, social skills, and ways to sharpen their minds, too. Camps vary from half-day to full-day.
Skate Station Funworks (Action Camp)
Kids (ages 5-12) can try everything: skating, rock climbing, arcades, and more.
Sun Country Sports Camp
Kids (ages 5+) can take part in a variety of sports activities, from gymnastics to swimming, all designed to keep them active and engaged.
Gainesville Circus
For a unique twist on camp fun, kids (ages 6-15) explore the world of circus arts through juggling, acrobatics, and more.
Resource for You Care Options In Your Area
Childcare Tuition Assistance: Helping Working Fainilies
The average cost of childcare before voluntary pre-K-age in Alachua County is nearly $9,000 a year. This cost prevents many working parents from enrolling their children in a quality early education program that prepares them for school and beyond.
What Is the Childcare Tuition Assistance (CTA)program?
The Children's Trust of Alachua County's newest program provides funding for eligible families struggling to afford childcare. These ALICE (Asset-Limited Income-Constrained Employed) families make too much money for government aid, but still fall short on funds for services like childcare.
2. Register: AP.P.IYfor assistance from
Childcare Tuition Assistance
CHILDREN'S TRUST OF ALACHUA COUNTY
CTAaims to fill that gap through a partnership with the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County (ELCAC).
CTAfunds cover 100%of tuition costs for participating families, reducing their financial burden while providing safe, quality childcare for children up to age 13.
ELCof Alachua County's School Readiness program provides affordable, high-quality child care, preparing children for success while supporting working families.
ELCof Alachua County offers Florida's FREE VPK program, providing high-quality early education to prepare 4-year-olds for kindergarten and lifelong learning success.
• Visit our website elcalachua.org.
• Create/log-on to parent portal.
• Apply for the Program that works for your family.
• Vl•ft•••offi~.
Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County
Ttie Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County offers FREEChild Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) services to help families find quality, affordable child care and connect with essential community resources. Whether you need assistance with medical care, housing, food, or utility bills, CCR&Rprovides guidance and support to ensure families have access to the resources they need.
Child Care Resource Referral (CCR&R)at ELCof Alachua County supJ::>ortschildcare providers by offering free business resources, professional development, and guidance on licensing, grants, and best practices. We connect providers with families seeking care, helping to increase enrollment and strengthen their programs. Whether you're a new or established provider, CCR&Ris here to support your success!
Buckle Up, Teen Drivers
Free Defensive Driving Class
The best way to prepare for a challenge is to practice. In this free, advanced driving class, teen drivers get that chance. The Florida Sheriff's Association Teen Driver Challenge is taught by certified Law Enforcement driving instructors on a safe, closed driving range. The one-day class is designed to help Alachua County high school students become safer, more confident drivers by exposing them to a variety of situations they could encounter on the open road.
Be Ready To React
• Basic vehicle safety check
• Proper braking
• Negotiating a figure eight (steering)
• Forward and reverse serpentine
• Cornering
• Intersection backing
• Evasive maneuvering
• Off-road recovery
• Skid recovery Drivers must:
Be at least 15years old
Possess a valid, state-issued Learner's License or Driver's License
Have basic driving knowledge and abilities, with enough practical driving experience to feel comfortable behind the wheel
Classes are held on select Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the
Institute of Public Safety, located at 3737 NE 39th Avenue in Gainesville. Attendees earn eight hours of community service for the eight-hour, one-day course.
Choose Your Adventure After High School
"What are your plans after graduation?" A common, yet overwhelming, question that you can help your child prepare for now.
It's Never Too Early to Start
Four steps to begin navigating your child's future.
Consider What Goes Into a College Application. It's never too early! Focus on test scores, transcripts and extracurriculars. Students can start taking the ACTsand SATsin 8th grade with unlimited attempts in pursuit of higher scores.
Learn About Different Careers. Help your child connect with professionals, learn about different careers, and help determine if the path they want to take needs a college degree or other type of certification.
Complete the FAFSA.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is your key to applying for federal financial aid and many scholarships. In Florida, you'll also want to complete the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA).Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after it opens each year (October 1,2025). This goes for all families in all income brackets!
Keep Track of Deadlines.
Don't procrastinate. If applying to 2- and 4-year institutions, apply as soon as applications for college and the FAFSAopen. This includes taking those tests as early as possible.
We empower kids to believe in themselves and to be able to do something greater.
- Dr. Carjie Scott, Co-founder of Education Equalizers Foundation
The road to college and careers can be tricky and change frequently. If you have questions about where to start, the Education Equalizers Foundation empowers middle and high school students throughout the college application process. To learn more, visit educationequalizers.org.
Launch Your Career Within Two Years
Career & Technical Education programs canjumpstart careers with one to two years of schooling and on-the-job training. Santa Fe College offers many CTE programs. Here are a few, shared by Brent Ferns, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Career & Technical Education:
Surgical Technician Program: Surgical Services
Minimum GPA:2.50
Prereqs: 20 credit hours
Four semesters+ clinical internship
Median salary: $60,610/year (Florida)
Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Program: Physical Therapy Assistant
Minimum GPA:2.50
Prereqs: 27 credit hours
Four semesters+ clinical internship
Median salary: $64,080/year (Florida)
Webmaster, Programmer, Developer Program: Programming & Analysis
No prereqs
Two-year program (A.S.),with option to enter a four-year bachelor's program
Average salary: $99,700/year
Meet with an advisor at Santa Fe College to learn about your opportunities after high school or a career change later in life.
Sp~SANTA FE COLLEGE
Resource Listing
Call, visit, or connect with each resource below for specific services provided for yourself or your child. For a full list of resources in our community, please visit childrenstrustofalachuacounty.us/programs.
Early Learning
Childcare Tuition Assistance Program
'- (352) 375-4110
Head Start Summer Bridge
'- (352) 225-5021
Dolly Parton Imagination Library
'- (352) 358-1877
School Success
UF Upward Bound (Hawthorne community only)
'- (352) 392-2310
PEAK Literacy
'- (352) 234-3172
SF Achieve
'- (352) 395-5013
Mentoring
Big Brothers Big Sisters
'- (813) 769-3600
1GBMentoring
'- (352) 664-8534
Community Impact Corporation
'- (352) 264-0006
Made For More
'- (352) 234-6201
Take Stock in Children
'- (352) 955-7250
Maternal Health
NewboRN Home Visiting
\. (877) 678-WELL
Mental Health
PACECenter for Girls
\., (352) 374-8799
Q 1010 SE 4th Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
Genesis Family Enrichment Center
\., (352) 219-1620
Q 305 NE 1st Street
Gainesville, FL 32601
UF Partners in Adolescent Lifestyle
Support (PALS) THRIVE
Q A. Quinn Jones
Buchholz High
Fort Clarke Middle
Eastside High
Gainesville High
Saint Francis High
Loften High
Kanapaha Middle schools
Safety
River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding
\., (877) 678-WELL
Health
Saving Smiles \., (352) 278-0010
Family Resource Centers
SWAG Family Resource Center \., (352) 505-6823
Q 807 SW 64th Terrace
Gainesville, FL 32607
Library Partnership Resource Center \., (352) 334-0160
Q 912 N.E. 16th Avenue
Gainesville, Florida 32601
One Community Health and Wellness Resource Center \., (352) 283-2185
Q 1725 SE 1st Avenue
Gainesville, FL
Willie Mae Stokes Community Center \., (352) 466-1136
Q 355 NW 6th Avenue Micanopy. FL 32667
Children's Home Society of Florida Wellness Coordinator
Metcalfe Elementary \., John "Wes" Phillips (904) 927-1918
Rawlings Elementary \., Contina Carr (904) 927-9244
Howard Bishop Middle \., Samantha Jamison (352) 562-5232
