DREAM OAKS PUTS DOWN ROOTS A MISSION THAT FELT LIKE HOME BOOK SMARTS
ISSUE ISSUE6268| SPRING | FALL 2026 2025 nextgenmagazine.org
KIND HEARTS AND STRONG STARTS
FAMILY FOCUSED FAMILY FOCUSED COMMUNITY DRIVEN COMMUNITY DRIVEN
COMMITTED TODAY’SFAMILIES FAMILIES COMMITTEDTO TO PROTECTING PROTECTING TODAY’S WHILEINVESTING INVESTING IN TOMORROW’S TOMORROW’S FUTURE WHILE FUTURE
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CONTENTS ISSUE 68 | FALL 2026
54
34
38
12 BEYOND GENEROUS
The People Who Say Yes
20 EXECUTIVELY SPEAKING
A Mission That FELT Like Home
ORGANIZED THIS 28 STAYING BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON
34 A SEAT AT THE TABLE 38 CHILDREN'S CHAMPION
Dream Oaks Puts Down Roots
43 ELC INSIDER 44 KIND HEARTS AND STRONG STARTS 46 BUILDING BETTER
CLUB INVESTS IN 53 SERVICE YOUNG READERS
54 SAFETY BY THE BOOK 58 A DECADE AT THEIR SIDE MISCONCEPTIONS OF 64 THE ECONOMIC MOBILITY
66 ON THE BOOKSHELF 67 READING TIPS 74 MANATEE'S GOT TALENT Book Smarts
READING UPDATE 78 GRADE-LEVEL Keeping Children Connected to Learning
48 CHILD CARE PROVIDER DIRECTORY NEXTGEN
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MTC offers outstanding opportunities for students to participate in nationally recognized career and technical student organizations: SkillsUSA, HOSA Future Health Professionals, and the National Technical Honor Society. Participation in these official organizations helps students build skills in teamwork, leadership, problem solving, perseverance, and communication— key skills for a competitive advantage to enter today’s workforce.
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Our mission is to produce highly skilled individuals and resourceful leaders through collaborative education to meet the ever-changing needs of our communities and the workforce. State and/or National certification and/or licensure is available in every program. All costs are estimates and are based on Florida residency, in-state tuition, full-time attendance, includes tuition, fees and books and are subject to changes. Programs are offered in the day and/or evening, or both. Some Career and Technical Education programs offer a hybrid schedule, clinicals, or dual enrollment for district high school students. Many programs are eligible for Financial Aid and/or assistance through CareerSource Suncoast or other scholarship opportunities posted on our website. Additional supplies/tools/uniforms or licensure testing fees may or may not need to be purchased. Sales tax is calculated at the point of sale. See our website for further details at ManateeTech.edu. Manatee Technical College is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. 8740 Rosewell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350 770-396-3898 | www.council.org
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Club of Bradenton
The People Who Say Yes The Rotary Club of Bradenton marks 100 years of turning conversations into service WORDS: Shannon Evans PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
H
arrisonburg, Virginia, 1987. Tim Milligan attended his first Rotary meeting at another member's invitation. At a time when clubs limited membership by profession, he didn't take the invitation lightly. Louisville, Kentucky, 1997. A man stopped by the Salvation Army office where Tom Richmond served as a lieutenant. "Have you ever been a member of Rotary?" he asked. Tom hadn't, so the man described its work locally and around the world. His enthusiasm proved persuasive. Anderson, South Carolina, 2006. As Cathy Golson built her insurance agency, her CPA asked, "What are you doing for your civic obligation?" He invited her to a Rotary meeting, where she found a community she loved and later served as president. Three future Bradenton Rotarians, living in three different states, found their way to Rotary through a conversation and an invitation. Those exchanges began decades of service that would change their lives and the lives of others. At the Rotary Club of Bradenton, change still often begins with a conversation. 12
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Tim Milligan, secretary of both the club and its foundation board, the most vivid Rotary experience centers on one little girl and a dog.
Rotary Moments
Opening the Doors Every Monday, Rotarians make their way past the boats at the downtown marina to gather for lunch at Pier 22. Guest speakers join the meeting to tell the club about their work and the different needs around Manatee County. Recent programs have featured Bradenton's police chief, a colonial-costumed historian marking America's 250th anniversary, and Manatee High School students who received Rotary scholarships.
At one meeting, Andrew Sandall, CEO of The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, discussed the families the museum hoped to reach. When Rotarians asked how they could help, he suggested opening the museum for free on select weekends. The club agreed to sponsor four. "About 4,600 people came through that first weekend," says Cathy, president of the Bradenton Rotary Foundation. "Many had never been there before. People stopped by our table and said, 'Thank you, this is wonderful,' or told us they hadn't visited since childhood." Tom, the club's president, points to the distance that one lunchtime conversation traveled. "Over 4,600 people had an opportunity they otherwise might not have had," he says, "because 38 Rotarians and a CEO had a conversation about what they could do in the community. I want to connec t more people to Bradenton Rotary so they can make a difference, too." Rotary's work can reach thousands at once or change one life at a time. For
Years ago, a little girl named Lixie came to the United States for heart surgery through Gift of Life, an international nonprofit supported by Rotary clubs. Tim and his wife opened their home to her. Before surgery, Lixie could play with the family dog for only five minutes before lying down. Afterward, she chased the pup around the house for hours. "If you want to understand what makes someone glow when they talk about Rotary, it's moments like that," says Tim. He calls them "Rotary Moments." Cathy found one of her Rotary moments at Visible Men Academy, where the club began by celebrating student birthdays. Fresh Market donated 100 cupcakes each month for three years, earning the Rotarians the nickname The Cupcake People. With book s from the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, the club also provided backpacks and water bottles. The school later asked members to mentor students. "It wasn't that any of us were teachers, because we're not," Cathy says. "But we gave them attention and let them know we cared about them." She spent two hours each week with five struggling boys who soon began earning A's and B's. "That was the most rewarding part for me, just seeing what it meant to show up for them."
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When you think about a centur y of service, you might consider the dollars given or the projects completed. But behind those figures are other things wor th counting. The invitations to Rotar y meetings. The conversations about pressing needs, which opened the door to change. The connections formed, the friendships made, and all those other Rotary Moments which, if written down, could fill the shelves of an entire library.
Tom's Rotary moment actually began decades before he ever entered a meeting. Born with a cleft palate in a small West Virginia hospital, he underwent the first of nine operations at just four hours old, after a nurse learned that a visiting doctor from Atlanta was nearby. " I had t hos e op erat ions b e c aus e someone was paying attention to me," he says. Bradenton Rotary now supports similar surgeries for children in South America. Members have traveled with the program, while Tom has shared his experience around Florida to build support. "Everyone who comes through Rotary will find their story."
Preparing Young People to Lead Bradenton Rotary gives young people room to express their ideas and develop as leaders. One of the club's youth programs begins with a ques tion: What does the Cons titution mean to me? Manatee County students in grades 10 through 12 submit their top essays anonymously, and a Rotar y committee selects three students to receive college scholarships. The club recognizes the winners alongside their families and educators at a luncheon near Constitution Day. The Sons of the American Revolution even matches Rotary's awards and gives the students an opportunity to compete nationally. "If someone says patriotism is dead in the United States, they need to come to Bradenton, Florida," Tom says. "These kids are amazing." 14
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Rotary also sponsors several leadership experiences. High school students attend the weekend Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program, while rising seniors take part in the weeklong Seminar for Tomorrow's Leaders. Through Rotary Youth Exchange, local students study abroad, and Bradenton families welcome international students. The club also partners with The Salvation Army to send children to summer camp. Through these opportunities, Rotary hopes to prepare young people to serve their communities—and perhaps one day find their own place in a club.
A Place to Serve On June 9, 2026, the Rot ar y Club of Bradenton celebrated it s 100 th anniversary. Mayor Gene Brown marked the anniversary by proclaiming it Rotary Club of Bradenton Day.
And then there are the generations of Rotarians themselves, many of whom found lasting friendships around those Monday lunch tables. The names around the tables have changed over the decades, yet the club still attracts people searching for a place to contribute. Tom describes Rotary as a family with a shared purpose. "We see people who have the drive and the will," he says, "and they're looking for a place where they can put their talents and tools to use. We're all about connection and fun, but most importantly, about giving back to the community. "If you don't walk away with tears in your eyes, a good feeling, or a story you can share," he adds, "you were asleep during the meeting." T he Rot ar y Club of B rade nton meets on Mondays at Pier 22. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by the program from noon to 1 p.m. Guests are welcome. Learn more at www.bradentonrotary.org. NG
More Ways Rotary Serves • Food assistance: Along with volunteers from other organizations, Rotarians pack approximately 50,000 meals each year, and Meals on Wheels Plus distributes them into the community. Members are also helping restock the pantry at Kim's Crew. • Local support: The Bradenton Rotary Foundation recently awarded $7,500 to the Early Learning Coalition's Spot On program and provides funding to other nonprofits serving the community. • Clean water: Bradenton Rotary joined other clubs in a St. Lucia project that grew from an anticipated $30,000 effort into a $375,000 Rotary partnership, bringing clean water to 2,000 people. • Comedy Night: For 17 years, sponsorships and ticket sales from the club's annual comedy fundraiser have helped support its projects throughout the year.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2026, 11AM-1PM Lakewood Ranch Main Street | 8131 Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 PRESENTING SPONSOR
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The Food Bank of Manatee, a PLUS program, is the only food bank based in Manatee County. The Food Bank has been faithfully feeding our neighbors in need since 1985. Every ticket to our 2026 Empty Bowls event makes an impact. Savor a delicious lunch, select a unique keepsake bowl, and help The Food Bank of Manatee provide meals for those who need them the most. Here’s how you can help!
Be a Sponsor – Align your business with a powerful local cause! Donate Soup – Local restaurants are invited to donate soup for this fun event! To learn more call us at 941-747-4655 or visit our website at MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org/donate/empty-bowls Buy Tickets –Enjoy a meaningful meal and take home a handcrafted bowl—a reminder of the many empty bowls in our community. For tickets visit MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org/events
ADVANCED TICKETS
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Help us #FeedManatee! www.MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org
Funds donated in excess of need will be used to provide nutrition and caring, supportive services throughout the year. Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is a 501 (c)3 organization. The Florida registration number for Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is #CH1420. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumers services by calling toll free 800-435-7352 or at www.800HelpFLA.com within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.
Driving Family Legacy. Building Bold Vision. Creating Community.
PUBLISHER Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County
EDITOR Katelyn Disbro
DEPUTY EDITOR Kelly Harbour
DESIGN EDITOR Mara Stork
STAFF WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHER Shannon Evans & Wendy Dewhurst
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
EARLY LEARNING COALITION BOARD OF DIRECTORS GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTEES Adam Mohammadbhoy (Chairman) Denise Marzullo, Christina Riggio
PRIVATE SECTOR APPOINTED MEMBERS Zack Kallis, Dr. Michael Mackie, Gary Scott, Leslie Wells, Tim Pye, Bryan Rench, Peggy Sammons, Misty Ritch, Robert Bell (Secretary/Treasurer)
LEGISLATIVELY REQUIRED MEMBERS
Colleen Hartnett, Christa Hardin
Rachel Kendzior | Children With Disabilities
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Kristin Gallagher | Department of Children and Families
Kelly Stasurak | kstasurak@elc-manatee.org
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CONTACT NEXTGEN EDITORIAL 941-757-2912
Jennifer Passmore | Board of County Commissioners' Kathy Patreka | Head Start Chantal Porte | Department of Children and Families James Disbro | CareerSource Suncoast
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Xtavia Bailey | Children’s Services Advisory Board Designee
SCHOOL BOARD OF MANATEE COUNTY Superintendent Dr. Laurie Breslin, Heather Felton, Cindy Spray, Charlie Kennedy, Chad Choate III, Richard Tatem
NEXTGEN and the Early Learning Coalition do not endorse or warrant any products or services contained herein, unless otherwise expressly noted. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors. Submitted materials will not be returned. Whole or part of this publication may not be used or duplicated in any way without written permission from the Early Learning Coalition. The Early Learning Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to ensuring affordable and creditable early child care and early education through School Readiness and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) programs. Sponsorship by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County and the State of Florida, Division of Early Learning and Manatee County Government.
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CLUB OF MANATEE RIVER
FAMILY FESTIVAL
PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst 19
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A Mission That FELT Like Home What began as volunteering became a calling for Jessica Ryherd, who now leads Feeding Empty Little Tummies' growing weekend food program WORDS: Shannon Evans PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
E
very Wednesday and Friday during the school year, volunteers gather at Feeding Empty Little Tummies (FELT)'s building in Palmetto to unpack, sort, count, and pack food. The warehouse was not specially built for the organization, but Executive Director Jessica Ryherd likes to think it fits. More than 100 years old, the building was once a feed store and later tied to shipping produce by train throughout the community. It's either a random coincidence or a special twist of fate: this place has been feeding people for years, and now it helps feed children.
The Weekend Gap FELT's mission is to provide weekend food bags for children in Manatee County who may not have enough to eat while they're away from school. Volunteers pack the bags with easy-toopen, kid-friendly foods and then deliver the bags to local schools, where, every Friday, staff place them discreetly into students' backpacks. "Our goal is to help give them some dignity," Jessica explains. That quiet delivery ensures the kids can receive the food without feeling singled out. As for the food in each bag, the choices require careful planning. Which foods will the kids actually want to eat? What
can they open and prep on their own? What will give them enough food for the weekend—without stretching the budget too far? How can FELT offer a variety, not the same thing every time? Balancing those needs gives Jessica a weekly puzzle to solve. Good thing Jessica is a problem-solver. Before she became the executive director, she had already begun strengthening the systems that allow FELT to serve children more reliably. A Manatee County native, Jessica first came to FELT as a volunteer while she was still working at Starbucks. Her mother, Kim Bailey, led the organization at the time, after founder Jane Evers asked her to continue the mission. At first, Jessica was simply helping where she could, but
the work quickly began to feel like where she belonged. "The more time I spent there, the more I wanted to be there," she says. She started by communicating with schools and volunteers, and she soon saw how much consistency mattered. Stronger connec tions with school liaisons led to steadier weekly numbers, which helped FELT better prepare for the children depending on those bags. A s FELT grew, Jessica also s tar ted helping with grants and repor ting. "At the time, we only had volunteers working on reporting," she says, "and they were doing the best they could, but the organization was growing quickly. We had gone from feeding kids in two schools in the beginning to
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about 25 schools, and there needed to be more consistency. As different volunteer s s tepped into that role and then stepped out, that's where we were seeing dips in ser vice. So, I recommended that the board hire someone to help—then applied for the position myself." Later, Kim Bailey moved on to another role, and Jessica was promoted to executive director. Leading FELT has also changed the way Jessica talks about childhood hunger. The need is not always easy to see, she says, which can make it hard for some people to understand how many local children rely on help. "People are just in disbelief at the sheer number of kids that we have that need assistance," she says, "but they might not realize how much the schools provide, outside of education. Title I school students all receive free lunch, not just free breakfast like the rest of Manatee County students. Over the weekend, that support is removed." Jessica shares how, when her twins were young, she and her husband faced their own difficult season during the recession. The experience didn't necessarily mirror the circumstances of every child FELT serves, but it helped her grasp how much parents may carry while trying to keep life feeling steady for their kids. "Plus, I don't think kids always know how to communicate, 'I need more food at home,'" she says—although when one child did just that, it hit Jessica hard. Because FELT delivers food through schools and the program is designed to protect privacy, Jessica rarely meets the kids who receive the bags. But one recent exception came when she was speaking about FELT's mission at a Vacation Bible School during its ramen noodle drive. When the session ended, a young girl approached her and explained that she usually received FELT bags during the school year. There was not enough food at home, the girl said, and she asked if she could take some of the ramen noodles with her.
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"Honestly, I almost lost it," Jessica says. "This is a child in elementary school having to advocate for herself to get food." She wanted to help without drawing attention to the girl, so she quietly asked one of the group leaders to make sure the noodles reached her at the end of the evening. Jessica tells another story that moved her; at a Chick-fil-A food drive, two sisters walked up with food to donate. They explained to Jessica that they had once received FELT bags themselves before being adopted by their new family, even carefully rationing the two bags across Saturday and Sunday. When they heard about the drive, they wanted to bring the foods they remembered eating.
work depends heavily on volunteers, especially to unpack food, pack the bags, and deliver them to schools. Some volunteers understood the need before they ever s tepped into the warehouse—like Kathleen, who knew the program first from the classroom side. " When I was a teacher, I saw firsthand how excited the children were to receive their weekend food bags," she says. "Knowing that something as simple as a bag of food could make such a meaningful difference in a child's life really stayed with me."
Many Hands
One longtime volunteer, Barbara, found a place at FELT and kept coming back. "It breaks my heart that there are children in our county who are not getting enough to eat," she says. "I wanted to do what I could to help." Barbara worked at the warehouse so often that one day her husband came by to see what she'd been talking about, then decided to become a volunteer himself.
Today, FELT serves 58 schools across Manatee County and provides food for about 1,800 children each week. Operating on a much larger scale than when the organization first started, the
Another volunteer, Mario, says he and his wife were inspired to get involved with FELT after witnessing its incredible impact. "Our continued commitment s tems from the s trong communit y
"They brought ramen noodles and fruit snacks," Jessica recalls. "Because those were once their favorite things from the bags."
among volunteers, donors, count y services, and local businesses," he says. "The dramatically increasing demand for their services—from 225 backpacks to 1800 backpacks—along with the transparent use of funds is what keeps us coming back." As Jessica describes it, volunteers are the lifeline of FELT, and people don't need a specific background or ability level to help. Besides unpacking and packing food and transporting it to schools, many others help with office tasks, seasonal projects, or food drives. Some take on seated tasks when standing or walking is difficult. If someone wants to serve, Jessica tries to find a role that fits. "If you're here and you want to volunteer, we will move mountains to create a position for you." Volunteers also help FELT add small gestures of love to the food bags. Around holidays, the team puts donated treats, hand-signed cards, or wrapped gifts into the regular packs. Jessica says those extras can have a big impact; although the kids may not know who packed the food and will probably never meet them,
they can still feel that someone thought about them. As she puts it, "I don't believe in just feeding tummies—I also believe in feeding hearts." None of this would be possible without community support, which reaches FELT in different forms. The organization hosts several fundraisers throughout the year and holds food drives. Along with sponsorships and direct donations, every gift helps stock the warehouse and make holiday packs feel more personal. Financial donations allow Jessica to buy in bulk, so donated dollars stretch further. A s the only full-time staf f member, Jessica juggles nearly every part of the organization, and her workdays rarely look the same. "I drive around picking up food drives," she says. "I'm often the one communicating with the public, going to networking events, and spending my time with other people just to get the word out about who we are. I'm also the grant writer. I'm processing deposits. My hands are literally in everything."
FELT's work, including the people who built the organization before she stepped into leadership. "Between our volunteers, the board of directors, and the great women that came before me, it's quite the legacy to live up to," she says. "But in everything I'm doing, I just want to further the mission— and bring along as many people as I can with me."
How to Help There are many ways to support FELT, from volunteering in the warehouse to hosting a food drive or making a financial gift. To learn more, visit www.feltinc.org. NG
Still, Jessica is quick to point out that many other hands have helped shape
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Pwith ennies Add Up
Suncoast Credit Union
A
s the largest credit union in Florida, Suncoast Credit Union helps 1.4 million members live their best financial lives. Part of that mission includes giving back to the communities where their members live, work and play through the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. The foundation pays it forward with their Pennies Add Up program. Every time a member uses a Suncoast debit or credit card, four cents are donated to the Foundation. Those little donations add up to millions each year, helping local kids and schools. “We believe our giving model empowers our members to make a difference simply by being a part of Suncoast,” explains the foundation’s Executive Director, Jeffrey Kunberger. “This unique approach creates a virtuous cycle, turning everyday transactions into a lasting positive impact in their own communities.” Since the Pennies Add Up program began in 1990, more than $61 million has been donated to support efforts promoting the education, health and emotional well-being of young people in our area. Allocated funds go to over 275 charities, foundations and nonprofit organizations to improve the lives and opportunities of young people throughout Florida.
This investment in education includes annual college scholarships. Since 1990, Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has provided more than $3.2 million in scholarships to high school seniors seeking higher education. The Foundation has also partnered with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundation to award $164,000 in student scholarships for graduates of the Class of 2025. In Manatee County alone, the Foundation supports the Take Stock in Children Program, teacher impact grants through the Manatee Education Foundation and scholarships at State College of Florida. All of this from the “Pennies Add Up” philosophy! As credit union membership grows, so will its ability to help children and young adults throughout the state.
To learn more about the work of the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, visit www.Suncoast.com/Why-Suncoast/Community/Suncoast-Foundation. To learn more about the Foundation’s scholarships, or to apply online, visit www.Suncoast.com/Why-Suncoast/Community/Suncoast-Foundation/Suncoast-Scholarships. Suncoast Credit Union, Florida’s largest credit union, founded the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation to promote the education, health, and emotional well-being of children in the community. Each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card, the credit union donates four cents to the Foundation to fund local initiatives. Since its inception in 1990, the Foundation has raised and donated over $55 million. Donate to local schools with every swipe of your card.
Keeping classrooms in ratio and supported with substitute teachers. ELC Manatee works with Tandem to offer a local pool of vetted, state‑compliant substitute teachers - free for providers to join, and flexible, paid work for the community.
FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS
FOR SUBSTITUTES
Coverage when you need it
Flexible work that matters
✓ State‑compliant substitutes for call‑offs, PTO, breaks, and ongoing coverage
✓ Download the app, build your profile, and highlight your child care experience
✓ Set up for free, post a shift, and set the hourly rate
✓ We help you complete every requirement to work in state‑licensed centers
✓ ELC Manatee covers Tandem’s administrative fee - you pay only the substitute’s hourly rate
✓ Pick up shifts that fit your schedule and earn fast, reliable pay
Scan to set up your center
www.join-tandem.com
Scan to join the substitute pool
HATS & HEELS & BOW TIES!
PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
Staying Organized Together This Back-to-School Season WORDS: Christa Hardin into a routine carries a mental load. Recognizing that, even if you're three weeks in or still gathering pencils, can make it feel a little lighter. Between coordinating schedules, tracking down detailed supply lists, and building new teacher relationships, parents deserve some honest acknowledgment of what this season asks of them, along with a little grace and some practical ways to stay organized together. Sharing the Practical Load You may be back in routine or still adjusting, but either way, a few shared systems can ease the load for the whole family, not just the parents managing it. Choose the one or two that best fit your family.
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or most of us, the summer camps are wrapped up, the first bell has already rung, backpacks are already scuffed, and the morning routine is (mostly) finding its rhythm. Wherever your family falls on that spectrum as you begin the fall, one thing tends to be universal this time of year: the particular anxiety that settles over parents as the structure of a new school year takes shape. While plent y get s writ ten about helping kids adjus t, the emotional and logistical weight parents carr y
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often goes unspoken. Along with the logistical load comes the emotional one: watching a child feel ner vous or excited while managing your own complicated feelings about another year passing. Add social media comparisons, wondering if you're doing enough, and carrying the hope that everything will go smoothly for kids who may or may not share those same worries. Parents can be quick to set aside their own stress, especially when their kids are the ones facing something new. Still, guiding a whole household back
A shared family calendar, on paper on the fridge or in a shared app, keeps everyone, partners included, looking at the same information instead of one person holding it all in their head. Even young kids benefit from seeing the week laid out, building their own sense of ownership over the schedule. Some families like to add meal planning to a simple whiteboard and use the same rotation each week to keep things predictable. Chores can work the same way. One child might be responsible for the kids' bathroom while another loads the dishwasher. As long as responsibilities are age-appropriate and reasonably balanced, having an area of the house that's theirs to manage can help children feel capable and involved, even during a busy school year. A simple morning and evening checklist
for each child, packing a lunch, putting the homework folder and shoes by the door, and laying out clothes the night before reduces the number of decisions and reminders parents have to manage in real time. Kids who can check items off themselves begin taking on some of that mental load, too.
making ever y transition seamless. Recognizing that a little nervousness is survivable and even useful allows parents to model steadiness. Kids tend to take emotional cues from the adults around them, so acknowledging the nerves while staying grounded helps set the tone for everyone.
If you're still in prep mode, spreading remaining tasks, supply runs, haircuts, and doctor forms across the next couple of weeks instead of cramming everything into the final days keeps the transition from feeling like a sprint to the finish line.
Beyond logistics, this season stirs up real feelings that deserve space. Watching a child head into a new grade, a new school, or a new stage of independence can bring pride and a quiet sense of loss at the same time. Both feelings can exist without one canceling out the other.
School may have started weeks ago, or classes may be just about to begin. It's never too late to build a connection with your child's teacher. A short introductory email, a friendly hello at drop-off, or attending a back-to-school night can help establish rapport before any issues arise. Parents who feel that connection often carry less low-level anxiety throughout the year, simply knowing the lines of communication are already open. The same goes for af ter-school leaders, sports coaches, music instructors, and other adults who play an important role in your child's life.
Parents may also absorb their children's nervousness, feeling responsible for
This season often reveals how differently partners handle stress and planning,
Managing the Emotional Layer
too. One might thrive on color-coded checklists while the other prefers to wing it, and that difference can create friction during an already busy time. Extending grace to your partner, to siblings adjusting at different paces, and to yourself when things feel less put together than you'd hoped matters more than getting it perfect. Nobody is actually keeping score. Amid the logistics and nerves, there's real sweetness in this season, too. New shoes, freshly sharpened pencils, and a first-day photo with a gap-toothed smile are worth pausing for, even if only for a moment, before rushing to the next task on the list. Your family may be back in the swing of things or still gathering the last few supplies. Staying organized together and extending a little grace along the way can make all the difference. The back-to-school struggle is real, but so is the steadiness that comes from facing it as a team, deep breaths included. NG
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Setting the Standard in
WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY Over 2,500 Robotic Surgeries The Manatee Weight Loss Center has performed over 2,500 robotic surgeries and counting. Located in Bradenton, Florida, the Center offers a comprehensive approach to helping patients achieve and sustain a healthier weight. With a focus on minimally invasive and surgical options, skilled providers prioritize personalized treatment for patients whose weight is impacting their health and quality of life. The Center’s offerings include both non-surgical and bariatric procedures, including: •
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Surgical Review Corporation-accredited Master Surgeon in Robotic Surgery Stelios Rekkas, MD, FACS, FASMBS supports patients in every step of their weight-loss process. For those considering weight management options, working with a Master Surgeon and an MBSAQIP-accredited surgical center may be the right choice in promoting better health.
For more information, visit msaweightloss.com or call 941-212-2010. Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk to your doctor about these risks to find out if minimally invasive or robotic surgery is right for you. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 264516902-4539441 7/26.
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A Seat At The Table
At Tara Elementary, the Banana Leaf Restaurant gives kindergarteners real responsibilities and a chance to discover their strengths WORDS: Shannon Evans PHOTOS: School District of Manatee County
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five-year-old boy walks up to our table, his straw hat and flowery shirt matching the restaurant's décor. His name tag displays his title: Host. "Are you having a nice time?" he asks, smiling. We nod and smile back. "Good." He moves off, on his way to ensure others are having a similarly nice time. Soon, a lit tle girl approaches, her traditional dress a swirl of color. Her name tag reads Waitress. "Can I get you a drink?" she asks. We say yes, please —what are our options? "I don't know," she says brightly. There is a unique joy in attending a restaurant run entirely by kindergarteners; it feels like a win-win for everyone. The kids put their newfound skills into practice and experience a sense of pride, and the 34
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adults get to eat delicious food while being constantly entertained. Ta r a E l e m e n t a r y ' s B a n a n a L e a f Restaurant opened its doors this past May for the sixteenth year, thanks to the tireless efforts of kindergarten teacher Josephine Johnson and her supportive Filipino community. She started the tradition in 2010 at Ballard Elementary— held in a classroom back then—but it moved with Mrs. Johnson to Tara in 2015, where the event now takes over the entire cafeteria. The night opened with Mrs. Johnson welcoming the guests, and then each kindergartener introduced themselves and explained their role. Hosts, waiters/ waitresses, bussers, cooks, and cashiers filled the stage before scurrying off to their tasks. The kids showed the guests to their beautifully decorated tables, took drink orders, handed out meal
tickets, and directed people to the buffet line and its spread of Filipino food. While Mrs. Johnson and her friends did most of the cooking, the kids helped with prep beforehand—discovering new spices and even learning about things like food hygiene and allergies—and now helped serve. "This is a special event that brings our school and families together," said Tara's principal, Kali Anges. "The students work on it all year. They practice writing, problem-solving, math skills, teamwork, and speaking respectfully with adults. They're building their confidence by taking on real responsibilities, and they also get to learn about Filipino culture." T he idea behind the Banana Leaf Restaurant centers on helping kids learn, but as Mrs. Anges says, it's also a celebration of community. Mrs. Johnson and her friends have spent years cooking
together on weekends. When she decided to bring Filipino culture into her classroom through a restaurant project, they helped turn the idea into reality. "I couldn't pull this event off without them," Mrs. Johnson said. On the night, parents, grandparents, and siblings sat together with other families. One student even invited their neighbors. With the bustling buffet line and the kindergarteners moving from table to table in their restaurant roles, it felt less like a typical school event and more like a large family dinner. The restaurant holds fond memories for former students, too, many of whom came back to help. It has become such a meaningful tradition that some parents even request Mrs. Johnson as their child's teacher because they want their children to have this experience. " I love how t his re veals t he k ids' different personalities, their talents and interests," Mrs. Johnson said. Some are outgoing and eager to talk with guests. Others would rather clear dishes and work behind the scenes. Some gravitate toward the math and finance aspects, while others want to prep food or design the menus. The event and all its prep help the kids recognize their own strengths and see how every role contributes to the success of the team. It also nudges them towards greater confidence as they try something new. Many adults spend years learning these lessons; Mrs. Johnson is giving her students a head start. To end the evening, our young host and waitress joined their classmates on stage to perform the songs they'd practiced for months. Proud parents recorded and took pictures, and every guest couldn't help smiling. Not many things are cuter than beaming kindergarteners in colorful outfits, singing their hearts out. And not much is more inspiring than a class of five-year-olds bringing a community together while discovering their own place within it. NG
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Storytimers
Stories that enchant. Readers who grow. Connections from the heart. 30 magical minutes helping a child look forward to story time. Storytimers volunteers read interactive books with 3- to 4-year-olds in Manatee County child care classrooms. Through engaging stories, children are introduced to new words, inspired to share their ideas, and encouraged to participate in meaningful conversations. Each visit creates a warm, welcoming space where children practice listening, speaking, and building the language skills that prepare them for success in school. We provide the training and materials. You bring the encouragement, enthusiasm, and smile that help children turn the page to their next adventure. Could you help a child fall in love with story time? Become a Storytimer today!
For more information and to sign up: contact communityengagement@elc-manatee.org This program is financially assisted by:
Dream Oaks Puts Down Roots WORDS & PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
F
oundation for Dreams (FFD), through its signature Dream Oaks Camp program, strives to create a place where children recognize one another as individuals, not by their disabilities. Its vision is to give individuals with special needs opportunities to learn and grow, build meaningful relationships, and develop new skills. FFD is the only organization in Southwest Florida providing year-round weekend and summer residential camp sessions for children with varying ability levels and chronic or terminal medical conditions. After 24 years at Camp Flying Eagle, Dream Oaks welcomed campers to a new campus this summer. "Dream Oaks Camp 2.0 represents a defining moment for FFD," said Executive Director Elena Cassella. "For the first time in our history, we have a campus we can truly call our own. Operating independently gives us the freedom to grow, innovate, and serve more children and families than ever before. This is much more than a new location. It is the foundation for the future of our organization." The new campus creates opportunities that did not exist before, including possible family camps, sibling weekends, and a Young Adult Weekend program for ages 18 to 30. Elena hopes these programs will provide continued opportunities for connection and independence beyond childhood. The campus also gives FFD space to collaborate with other nonprofits on
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day programming, overnight retreats, and community events, extending its reach throughout the region. Elena could barely contain her excitement when talking about future projects. Plans include shade structures over the playground and pool, a multipurpose recreation field, and a covered pool pavilion. Other possibilities include an outdoor grilling area and lighting around the fire pit for evening gatherings.
"This journey has been more than six years in the making," Elena said. "Some of our supporters have been with us from day one, believing in this vision before there were renovated buildings, before there were plans on walls, and before this campus began to come back to life. So many others joined us along the way, helping this dream move forward step by step. "This new campus is much more than buildings and renovations," she continued. "It is a place where children with special needs and chronic illnesses are seen for their abilities and their potential. Friendships are formed, confidence grows, and children truly feel like they belong." County Commissioner George Kruse sees FFD as a unique nonprofit, providing experiences for children with special needs and chronic illnesses that are often unavailable elsewhere in Southwest Florida. He and his wife, Jess, have supported the organization for more than a decade. "When an opportunity presented itself for the county to assist the camp in expanding in Manatee County, we jumped into action," George said. Seeing what Elena, her staff, and all the volunteers have done for the campus at Rye Preserve is
heartwarming and exciting. I can't wait to see the new Dream Oaks Camp full of smiling, laughing kids just being kids—for a day, a weekend, or a summer." Sheriff Tom Porter has served as treasurer on the FFD Board of Directors for three years, but his connection to Dream Oaks began long before he joined the board. He has gotten to know campers and their families and has seen firsthand the impact of the camp. "I love this new location," Tom said. "I spent a lot of time here when it was the Sheriff's Youth Ranch, and it's a great facility. It has taken a lot of work, but watching the transformation into the new camp has been incredible. This property gives us the opportunity to allow more campers to attend and provide even more activities." After more than two decades at Camp Flying Eagle, Dream Oaks has begun a new chapter at Rye Preserve. With its first summer underway and plans for the future taking shape, the place FFD can finally call its own has plenty of room to grow. NG For more information about Foundation for Dreams and Dream Oaks Camp, visit www.foundationfordreams.org.
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More Than a Camp: A Place Where Everyone Belongs
How one family's journey reflects the life-changing impact of Dream Oaks Camp
WORDS: Jamey Keefer
J
amey Keefer is the Community Advocate for Dream Oaks Camp and a longtime supporter of Foundation for Dreams. As the mother of longtime camper Lucas and camp leader Hannah, she has experienced Dream Oaks as a parent, volunteer coordinator, and staff member. She is passionate about creating inclusive communities where individuals are recognized for their abilities and encouraged to reach their fullest potential. Foundation for Dreams' Dream Oaks Camp exists to enrich the lives of children and teens with special needs through inclusive, confidence-building experiences. Camp is a place where
friendships flourish, independence grows, and every camper is celebrated for who they are. For my family, Dream Oaks has become part of our story. Long before I joined the staff as a Community Advocate, I experienced Dream Oaks as a parent. I watched my son, Lucas, arrive each summer with excitement and anticipation, while my daughter, Hannah, grew from a young teenager into a confident leader. Over six summers, she has taken on increasing responsibility and now serves in a leadership role, mentoring fellow counselors. Today, as an employee, I see firsthand the dedication and love that make this place so extraordinary. As both a parent and staff member, I have seen what happens when individuals are given opportunities to grow and discover their strengths. One of those individuals is my son, Lucas. Now 17, Lucas has spent the last eight summers at Dream Oaks. This summer marked his final year as a camper before aging out of the program. "Dream Oaks means a lot to me," he said. "It's a place where people learn how to socialize, have conversations, and make new friends. Everyone belongs here." For Lucas, camp has never been just about activities. "The activities are fun, but it's really the people that make Dream Oaks special. The counselors, the nurses, the lunch staff, and the other campers are all kind. They care about you and make you feel like you matter." Over the years, I have watched Lucas grow in confidence and independence. Each summer, he returned home a little more self-assured. As his final summer came to a close, I asked him how it felt to graduate from the camper program. "I've spent eight amazing years at Dream Oaks, and I'll never forget the people who became so close to me. Even though I'm aging out as a camper, I hope to come back one day and work here." Lucas also has a message he wants others to hear: "Having Down syndrome doesn't define you. It makes you unique. People
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with Down syndrome are capable of being independent, helping others, working hard, and following their dreams." To parents considering camp for the first time, Lucas offered simple reassurance. "It's okay if your child is nervous. We'll help them feel welcome, support them, and make sure they know they're never alone." A Counselor's Perspective Lucas's story is only one chapter of our family's Dream Oaks journey. My daughter, Hannah, began working at Dream Oaks at 14. Through hard work and a genuine love for the campers, she has grown with the organization and now helps guide and mentor other counselors. "I have spent the last six years working at Dream Oaks Camp. I started when I was 14 years old. It could be said that I was raised by camp," Hannah said. "My family planned their summers around the weeks that I was scheduled to work." During those summers, Hannah has also had the privilege of watching campers grow up. "It is a place where everyone is truly welcome and accepted," she said. "Even though some days are challenging, there isn't anywhere else I'd rather work." As a mother, watching both of my children experience Dream Oaks from different perspectives has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Lucas found confidence and belonging. Hannah discovered leadership and purpose. Now, serving alongside them, I see a community where differences are celebrated, and families discover they are not alone. Dream Oaks has shaped our family in ways we never could have imagined, and for that, we will always be grateful. NG
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ELC INSIDER CONTENTS
44 KIND HEARTS AND STRONG STARTS
The Stand for Children Gala with the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County honored the people who champion young children across our region with this year's theme centered on kindness.
46 BUILDING BETTER
Bradenton Kiwanis has remained ac tive in the communit y throughout ever y season of grow th, supporting children and families through grants, school programs, scholarships, and partnerships with nonprofits.
48 CHILD CARE PROVIDER DIRECTORY
Are you looking for quality child care in Manatee County? Search our listing of hundreds of Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) and School Readiness (SR) providers by zip code.
54 SAFETY BY THE BOOK
This summer, Manatee County kids discovered that safety can be fun, especially when local heroes are part of the lesson — teaching life-saving skills and building trust between children and first responders.
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Kind Hearts and Strong Starts WORDS: Shannon Evans PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
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e may not remember every adult who helped us when we were little, but we all carry the effects of that care. At its annual Stand for Children Gala, held in May at IMG Academy Golf Club, the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County honored the people who champion young children across our region. This year's theme centered on kindness. Staff gathered paper cut-outs of figures holding hearts, where guests wrote down their own reflections on what kindness means to them. When joined together, the chain of paper figures stretched across the room, giving a powerful visual of how many people impact a child's early years. One ELC program demonstrating a profound impact on children is Spot On, this year's featured initiative. Spot On brings speech-language and occupational therapy into child care classrooms to help children strengthen communication, self-regulation, and practical skills that affect how they learn. Therapists work directly with children in their classrooms, while teachers observe and pick up strategies they can use after the session ends. By bringing therapy into the child's regular routine, Spot On ensures that support continues throughout the day, not just in one session. The event also celebrated exceptional early educators through the Pam Parmenter Early Educator of the Year Award. This year's recipients were selected from infant classrooms with the highest CLASS scores (Classroom Assessment Scoring System), a trusted tool that looks at how well teachers connect with children and support learning during a critical stage of early development. The ELC recognized Rosemary Baumen of Bright Beginnings Academy for an outstanding CLASS score of 6.81 and for the warmth she brings to her classroom each day. The Coalition also honored Sierra Schappacher and Sarah Martin-Vasquez of A Readiness Learning Academy II for earning a perfect CLASS score of 7.0, the highest possible score! The evening continued with The Neil Dover Band providing live 44
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music, and guests joined in an auction that helped connect the evening's celebration to the ELC's larger mission. The night then culminated with the presentation of the Paul Sharff Children's Champion Award to the Cox family. Through Cox Chevrolet and Mazda, the family has spent 100 years as part of Bradenton's business and civic life, and the award honored their long record of service and support for local children. What does kindness look like in practice? In classrooms, it's early educators making children feel seen and safe, paving the way for better learning. And on May 30, it was a roomful of adults asking how they might ensure strong starts are possible for even more children. As always, generous sponsors helped make the gala possible, including Highlights, Gardner Media LLC, MarcoPolo Learning, PCI Communications, Learning Beyond Paper, The Steve & Judy Cox Family Foundation, Tandem, Suncoast Credit Union, and many more. NG
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Building Better Bradenton Kiwanis works year-round to meet needs both large and small across the county
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WORDS: Shannon Evans PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
hen Bradenton Kiwanis began in 1922, fewer than 20,000 people lived in Manatee Count y, and the area was still taking shape. The club's early discussions even included the need for a paved road between Bradenton and Arcadia. Today, around 470,000 people call this area home, nearly 25 times as many as when the club began. But Bradenton Kiwanis has remained active in the community throughout every season of growth, supporting children and families through grants, school programs, scholarships, and partnerships with nonprofits. In its most recent grant cycle, Kiwanis gave $18,000 to the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee Count y for its ReadingPals program, which pairs volunteers with 4-yearolds in local preschool classrooms. Each session gives a child one-on-one time with books and an attentive mentor each week. Along with vocabulary and early reading skills, the program builds the students' confidence with books. The ReadingPals grant joined several other awards made through the same grant cycle. Our Daily Bread of Bradenton received $4,800 to restock its pantry shelves. Friends of 46
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De Soto Memorial received $4,999 to update, print, and distribute its Junior Ranger booklet, giving kids a handson way to learn local history. MET V received $14,196 for recording studio equipment, and Palmetto Youth Center received $69,189 to help replace a roof damaged during Hurricane Milton. " When it comes to awarding grants, we're looking for organizations that have a clear mission, strong leadership, and a proven ability to make a positive impact on children and families," said Jonathan Mullis, president of Bradenton
Kiwanis. "We also want to know that our investment will make a meaningful difference, and that the organization is using its resources responsibly. We view every grant as a partnership." While larger grants tend to receive a lot of attention, they're only one par t of Kiwanis's stor y. The club's year-round commitments keep the work moving between grant cycles. That includes annual support for Take Stock in Children scholarships, Soar in 4, and K Clubs, Builders Clubs, and Key Clubs, which involve students of different ages in volunteer projects. "The support that we provide to the community is a huge part of what we do," said Kent Jimison, the club's president-elect. "Even if the dollar amounts are smaller, it still can create a ripple effect of positive impact." Bradenton Kiwanis also helps Title I schools with needs that come up during the year. That might mean providing shoes or clothes for a child who needs them, or helping a school get more families involved. When Manatee Elementary held its first back-to-school night, some club members came out to serve dinner. That night, they connected with the guidance counselor, and that conversation later led to the start of a K Club there. Students in the K Club now run an incentive cart with funding from Kiwanis, visiting classrooms and rewarding positive behavior among their classmates. The club is also
working with Ballard Elementary and Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary. Last Christmas, Kiwanis members collected more than 40 pairs of pajamas for students at Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary. Bradenton Kiwanis has also helped develop local leaders. Decades ago, it established Leadership Manatee with the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, and it continues to support both Leadership Manatee and Junior Leadership Manatee. The club also contributed to the Manatee Performing Arts Center and provided early funding for Easterseals Southwest Florida. "We're standing on the shoulders of so many people," Kent said. "Each one has contributed something special to this organization, but more importantly to Bradenton and Manatee County." That support for people with disabilities continues through several current programs. For its 100th anniversary project, Kiwanis contributed about $875,000 toward the all-access playground at Tom Bennett Park. It also sponsors the Aktion Club, where adults with disabilities lead service projects and volunteer in the community. Some members perform with the Celebration! Arts Troupe at senior centers and local events. Bradenton Kiwanis now has about 187 members, making it one of the largest Kiwanis clubs in the world. Jonathan hopes the club will continue adding members—who come with new ideas—while connecting with more of the community. "It's an incredible legacy, and we're committed to building on it for many years to come," he said. Vice President Christi Haley points out how the club draws its strength from the range of people involved. Members work in different fields and come from different parts of the county, giving them plenty to learn from one another. "Every week, you can feel like you learned something at Kiwanis," she said. But their main reason for gathering? "We all just want to make Manatee County a better place." NG Bradenton Kiwanis meets Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. in Kiwanis Hall on the second floor of the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W. in Bradenton. Guests are welcome, and lunch costs $25. To learn about membership, volunteer opportunities, or upcoming grants, visit www.bradentonkiwanis.org.
CHILD CARE PROVIDER DIRECTORY The child care providers listed in this directory are contracted with the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County. For more information on Child Care Resource and Referral services, call (941) 757-2910 or visit our website at www.elc-manatee.org.
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A Readiness Learning Academy 9045 59th Avenue Circle East Bradenton, FL 34202 (941) 727-9354
A Readiness Learning Academy II 6130 SR 70 East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-752-4927
Ballard Elementary 201 10th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-753-0958
All Gods Children Preschool 11107 Palmbrush Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-739-2776
Bright Angels Academy & Daycare 1716 53rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-962-0472
Bright Futures Daycare & Preschool 1617 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-251-5436
Braden River Elementary 6125 River Club Blvd. Bradenton, FL 34202 941-753-0958
Community Christian School 5500 18th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-755-4968
Bright Minds Daycare Center 3815 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-213-9749
CapoKids Martial Arts Preschool 11534 Palmbrush Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-922-4520
Daughtrey Elementary 515 63rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-9058
La Petite Academy 4301 37th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-756-5227
Creative Child Learning Center at Lakewood Ranch 11520 Palmbrush Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-727-9990
Discovery Point Twelve Oaks 7218 55th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-200-4250
Our Kids West 2425 38th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-752-1715
Education Time 5165 33rd Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-7332
Prine Elementary 3801 Southern Parkway West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-753-0958
In The Beginning Learning Center 5503 12th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-567-6106
Reaching For The Stars Academy 2239 14th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-3901
La Petite Academy 6919 SR 70 East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-2336
Smiling Faces Academy 910 19th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-756-1234
Manatee Charter School 4550 30th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-465-4296
Smiling Faces Junior Academy 1720 11th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-747-3925
Oneco Elementary 5214 22nd Street Court East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-751-7018
St. Joseph School 2990 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-755-2611
Tara Elementary 6950 Linger Lodge Road East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-0958
Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning - West Bradenton 2531 9th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-750-6667
McNeal Elementary 6325 Lorraine Road Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-753-0958 Primrose School Lakewood Ranch Town Center 9127 Town Center Parkway Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-373-6363 The Goddard School 14534 Arbor Green Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-752-6600 The Learning Experience 14425 Arbor Green Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-251-4046 Willis Elementary 14705 The Masters Avenue Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-753-0958 Woodland Early Childhood Center 9607 East SR 70 Bradenton, FL 34202 941-753-8588
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Teachable Moments Learning Center 3005 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-900-1022
Manatee County, FL
VPK Provider SR Provider VPK & SR Provider For a complete list of child care providers and other specialty programs available in your area, please scan the QR code or visit https://elc-manatee.org/Choosing-aChild-Care-Provider.
Toad Hall Children's Center 4004 8th Avenue Drive West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-3951
Bayshore Elementary 6120 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-753-0958
Loving Hands Daycare 1204 60th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-755-6306
Toddler's Inn Child Care Center 1017 5th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-281-2523
Children's Nest of Manatee 6228 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-807-1605
Next Generation Academics 4635 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-345-4040
Tree of Life Preschool 2200 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-747-1756
DeSoto Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County 5236 30th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-758-3828
United As 1 Preschool 2211 53rd Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-254-7859
Trinity Children's Center 3200 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-8608 Victoria Morgan Family Day Care Home 2809 8th Street Court West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-251-6431
34207 A Child's Galaxy Preschool 4417 20th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-755-6302
Happy Go Lucky 1606 55th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-752-4608 Kid's Club Child Development & Educational Center of Bradenton 5105 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-900-2812 Learning With Love 2712 47th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-751-4989
34208 A Growing Start Childcare Center 2611 9th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-580-2789 Bashaw Elementary 3515 57th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-753-0958 Countryside Academy for Children 5807 18th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-747-3044
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CHILD CARE PROVIDER DIRECTORY 34209
DC's Childcare Center 708 32nd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-345-0453
Manatee Elementary 1609 6th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-753-0958
Grandma's Babysitting Center 1728 26th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-580-4804
Manatee United Methodist Preschool 315 15th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-750-6739
House of JBaby's Preschool 1300 Manatee Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-7415
Pathways to Learning 2601 7th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-8804
Johnson K-8 School of International Studies 2121 26th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-753-0958
Samoset Elementary 3300 19th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-753-0958
Busy Bee Child Development and Learning Center 455 48th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-900-2035
Sand & Buckets Daycare 3407 17th Street Court East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-748-4799
Happy Cubs 6207 21st Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-798-6173
Kidz Learning Steps 1425 10th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-274-2611
Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning - Morton Clark 1707 15th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-750-6667
Learning Unlimited 6210 17th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-5838
Kidzone Preschool 116 27th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-2727
Toddler's Ark 711 36th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-879-2407
Kids Castle Learning Center 202 3rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-201-6799
Let's Learn Early Childhood Center 2118 1st Street Bradenton, FL 34208 941-567-4279
An Apple a Day Academy West Bradenton 2015 75th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-666-5035 Bradenton Christian School Preschool 1305 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-404-4491
Magic Dreams Daycare 408 75th Street Bradenton, FL 34209 786-801-4657 Miller Elementary 601 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-753-0958 Moody Elementary 5425 38th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-753-0958 Palma Sola Elementary 6806 5th Avenue NW Bradenton, FL 34209 941-753-0958 Sea Breeze Elementary 3601 71st Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-753-0958 Smarty Pants Preschool (West) 904 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-896-4796 Stewart Elementary 7905 15th Avenue NW Bradenton, FL 34209 941-753-0958
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Manatee County, FL Sunshine Academy & Daycare 2520 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-3143 Thompson Academy 1212 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-748-2162 YMCA of Southwest Florida 3805 59th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-716-1351
34210 Top Kids Bilingual Preschool of Bradenton 7700 Cortez Road West Bradenton, FL 34210 941-782-8995
34211 Doodle Bugs! Children's Learning Academy 11015 Passage Drive Bradenton, FL 34211 (941) 757-0330 Gullett Elementary 12125 44th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34211 941-727-2067 Imagine Schools at Lakewood Ranch 10535 Portal Crossing Bradenton, FL 34211 941-750-0900 Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch 4225 Concept Court Bradenton, FL 34211 941-727-9072 Lake Manatee K-8 School 17210 Academic Avenue Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 941-753-0958 Lakewood Ranch High School 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Bradenton, FL 34211 941-753-0958 Lakewood Ranch Prepatory Academy 5550 White Eagle Blvd. Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 941-757-8766
Primrose School at Lakewood Ranch North 5730 New Haven Blvd. Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 941-500-1092 Risen Savior Academy 14605 59th Avenue East Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 941-756-7545
34212 Freedom Elementary 9515 SR 64 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34212 941-753-0958 Kathys Kiddie Care 13501 Upper Manatee River Road Bradenton, FL 34212 941-779-5351
Smarty Pants Preschool (Parrish) 6111 121st Ave E Parrish, FL 34219 (941) 747-7710 Williams Elementary 3404 Fort Hammer Road Parrish, FL 34219 941-753-0958
34221 A+ Growing Academy 800 10th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-0797 Adventures In Learning 712 61st Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-1816
Sunny Daze Preschool East 9922 East SR 64 Bradenton, FL 34212 941-750-0042
Bible Baptist Church of Palmetto Academy 1750 6th Avenue West, Unit 101 Palmetto, FL 34221 941-479-4958
Witt Elementary 200 Rye Road East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-753-0958
Blackburn Elementary 3904 17th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-753-0958
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Bright Beginnings Academy 614 10th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-479-7910
Anna Maria Elementary 4700 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217 941-753-0958
34219 Barbara Harvey Elementary 8610 115th Avenue East Parrish, FL 34219 941-753-0958 Family Life Community School 12125 71st Street East Parrish, FL 34219 941-281-6412 FORZA Child Development Center 12214 US Highway 301 North Parrish, FL 34219 941-981-5885 Harvey K-8 11620 Little River Way Parrish, FL 34219 941-753-0958 Parrish Charter Academy 8605 Erie Road Parrish, FL 34219 941-545-6380
C.O.R.E. Early Education & Learning Center 605 13th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-9069 Children's Nest 2 of Manatee 600 7th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-479-7789 Growing Hands Learning Center 6841 Buffalo Road Palmetto, FL 34221 941-845-4873 ¡HOLA! Elementary @ MSA 700 Haben Blvd. Palmetto, FL 34221 941-842-4652 Imagine Charter School at North Manatee 9275 49th Avenue East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-981-5345
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CHILD CARE PROVIDER DIRECTORY Kids On The Rock 1401 14th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-4567 Learning is Fun Child Care 1525 10th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-8347 Lil' Angels Daycare 1415 7th Avenue East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-0442 Linda Evans Home Day Care 1500 7th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-720-9640 Little Oaks Learning Center 5214 69th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 918-320-1323 North River Early Learning Academy 10014 US Highway 41 North Palmetto, FL 34221 941-981-9618 Oceanside Learning Academy 707 3rd Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-417-2800 Palm View Elementary 6025 Bayshore Road Palmetto, FL 34221 941-751-6550 Palmetto Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County 1600 10th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-761-2582 Palmetto Elementary 1540 10th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-753-0958 Palmetto Youth Center 501 17th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-0783 RMCA Palmetto Development Center 2725 16th Avenue East Palmetto, FL 34221 239-658-3560
Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning - Palmetto 1315 2nd Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-750-6667 The Learning Post Child Care 623 30th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-536-4858 Tillman Elementary 1415 29th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-723-4833 Tiny Tots University 930 9th Street Drive West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-723-9072 Vanessa Hawkins Family Day Care Home 439 47th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-405-2405 Virgil Mills Elementary 7200 69th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-753-0958 Wee World Child Development Center 1020 4th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-0810
34222 Children's World Learning Academy 3411 US Highway 301 North Ellenton, FL 34222 941-845-4484
34243 Abel Elementary 7100 Madonna Place Sarasota, FL 34243 941-753-0958 CRPE Academy 1621 66th Avenue Terrace East Sarasota FL, 34243 941-242-2515 Easter Seals of Southwest Florida 350 Braden Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-7637 Kid City USA Sarasota 374 Scott Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-210-4482
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Kinnan Elementary 3415 Tallevast Road Sarasota, FL 34243 941-753-0958 La Petite Academy 4507 Vintage Drive Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-7677 Little Einsteins Academy 3631 Tallevast Road Sarasota, FL 34243 941-894-6505 Sandman Preschool & Academy 924 Wilmerling Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-755-2591
Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning - Parkland 6432 Parkland Drive Sarasota, FL 34243 941-750-6667
34251 Myakka Early Learning Center 37190 Singletary Road Myakka City, FL 34251 941-322-2605 Myakka Elementary 37205 Manatee Avenue Myakka City, FL 34251 941-753-0958
Service Club of Manatee Invests in Young Readers
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he Service Club of Manatee County has awarded the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee Count y (ELC) a $3,850 grant for ReadingPals, an early literacy mentoring program that helps preschool children build important reading skills before they enter kindergarten. ReadingPals brings volunteer mentors into local early learning classrooms for regular reading sessions over 25 to 30 weeks throughout the school year. During each session, the volunteers read stories to the kids and engage with them about what they read. The kids also work on simple activities that strengthen their vocabulary, listening, comprehension, rhyming, and phonological awareness. "Preschool children learn best through things like repetition, conversation, and connection," said Colleen Whittaker, Community Education Initiatives Impact Manager at the ELC. "ReadingPals brings all of those pieces together in a way that feels natural for children and useful for families. It's also special for a child to have that one-on-one time with an adult who is there to encourage and help them feel at home with books." This year, ReadingPals will directly serve 130 children while also supporting their families and classroom staff. The grant will provide books and curriculum materials used throughout the program. ELC Manatee has one of the few ReadingPals programs in Florida, where every child takes home a book after each session. The kids also receive family-friendly activities each week, giving parents and caregivers easy ways to keep reading together outside the classroom. Last year, the program distributed more than 3,100 take-home books for students' growing home libraries. "ReadingPals reaches children at a stage when steady encouragement and early literacy practice can change how
prepared they feel for kindergarten," said Darrell King, CEO of the ELC. "Service Club of Manatee County understands how important it is to support children early, before small gaps have time to grow, and we're grateful for that." To learn more about ReadingPals or how to become a volunteer, visit https://elc-manatee.org/ReadingPals. About the Service Club of Manatee County Service Club of Manatee County is a united group of women whose sole purpose is to support children who reside in Manatee County. Each year, the Service Club raises money to help underprivileged children in Manatee County through private donations and their For the Love of Children Gala. Service Club has been an active charitable organization since 1927. About ReadingPals ReadingPals is a statewide early literacy initiative that connects volunteer mentors with students from pre-K through 3rd grade to strengthen early literacy skills, build confidence, and foster a love of reading. NG
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Safety by the Book WORDS: Shannon Evans PHOTOS: Katelyn Disbro
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he four-year-olds at Toad Hall Children's Center have plenty to say about fire safety. They talk about the smoke alarms in their homes and how fast they're able to crawl beneath smoke. But they also have questions, particularly about the silent, furry visitor standing at the front of their classroom. "Can he bark?" The visitor is Marshall, a life-size fire dog mascot for West Manatee Fire Rescue. The students greet him with excitement and, in some cases, skepticism, but he adds a spot of fun to the serious lessons of Officer Friendly's Safety Summer. The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) runs the program, which brings local first responders into VPK and school-aged summer programs to teach kids basic safety skills. This summer, four sites took part: Bible Baptist Church Preschool with Palmetto Police Department, Children's Nest 2 with North River Fire Rescue, Tree of Life Preschool with the Bradenton Police Department, and Toad Hall Children's Center with West Manatee Fire Rescue. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has also been a valued partner in previous years. Each site receives three sessions. The first session uses Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann to teach kids about following safety rules and listening to their teachers. 54
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The officers also stress the importance of wearing a seatbelt every time they ride in a car, and they encourage kids to remind the adult driving if someone forgets to help them buckle up. The second session focuses on water safety through A Treasure at Sea for Dragon and Me by Jean E. Pendziwol and Martine Gourbault. Kids learn to ask an adult before swimming and always swim with a buddy. They also learn to enter the water feet first, check the area for hazards, and never swim beyond the buoys.
For the final session, all officers and firefighters use Plan and Prepare! Fire Safety by Charles Ghigna to teach the kids how to respond to a fire. At Toad Hall Children's Center, F ire Mar shal Rodney Kwiatkowski and Fire Commissioner Derrick Warner of West Manatee Fire Rescue joined Marshall the Mascot for the class's third session, all about fire safety. Commissioner Warner, whose father was also a firefighter, read the book to the class. As he moved through the story, the kids talked about what they would do if a fire started in their homes. "Climb out!" "No, run out!" They were right, of course, but the firefighters helped the kids think through the specific steps. First, have an escape plan before an emergency happens. Every family should know two possible ways to leave the house (if a door is blocked, would a window work?) and choose a safe place where everyone will meet outside. Always leave right away— don't stop to grab toys! And while making a plan is important, families need to practice it so everyone knows what to do. "I think about exits wherever I go," Commissioner Warner told the kids, "even at the movie theater or when I'm in a crowded restaurant." Knowing how to leave an unfamiliar place can help people respond more calmly if something goes wrong.
Learning the safety rules is one part of the experience, but getting to know the people who teach them matters, too. "This program gives children the opportunity to interact with local first responders in a positive and meaningful way," said Colleen Hartnett, Community Education Initiatives Coordinator for the ELC. "We want them to see police officers, sheriff's deputies, and firefighters as caring, approachable professionals who are ready to help and keep us safe." The agencies chose their own ways to make the lessons memorable. North River Fire Rescue brought a fire engine to Children's Nest 2, where the kids walked through the back cab and learned about the equipment stored around the truck. At Bible Baptist Church Preschool, the Palmetto Police Department gave the kids a close look at a police cruiser, including its lights and the equipment officers use. During the fire-safety sessions, firefighters demonstrated how to crawl beneath smoke and use the back of the hand to test a closed door for heat. At the end of each visit, the kids can often take home the book they read, along with a family guide. Teachers also get materials to keep the lessons going in the classroom. The kids can make police and firefighter hats, decorate a life vest, create a water-safety booklet, and find the hidden items in a fire-safety "I-Spy" picture. At the end of Toad Hall Children's Center's session, the kids hugged Marshall the Mascot and posed for pictures. Whether he could bark remained unclear, but the class had a better idea of how to stay safe during a fire. Although the hope is that no child ever has to face an emergency, Officer Friendly's Safety Summer helps them feel more prepared for the unexpected and more confident about turning to first responders for help. To learn more about the program, contact communityengagement@ elc-manatee.org. NG
FAMILY NIGHT AT THE BISHOP MUSEUM
PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst 57
A Decade at Their Side
Dive Into Reading marks ten years of one-on-one mentorship over breakfast and books WORDS: Shannon Evans PHOTOS: Dive Into Reading
I
n 2017, John and Amanda Horne learned a troubling statistic: more than half of Manatee County children were not reading at grade level by third grade. The owners of Oysters Rock Hospitality (ORH) began talking about what they could do. Their restaurants offered space, while their regular customers offered a pool of potential mentors. What if they brought the two together? Ten summers later, Dive Into Reading welcomed 373 students this June and has now served more than 3,000 children from 17 Title I elementary schools. The students enjoy one-on-one breakfasts and reading sessions with volunteers who give them their full attention. "John and Amanda refused to accept the status quo 58
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and believed everyone could make a difference," says Pam Beck, executive director of Shuckin' Good Cause, the charitable arm of ORH. "That energy and commitment started Dive Into Reading, and that small ripple has evolved into a community tsunami." Volunteers range from high school students earning service hours to retirees, local professionals, and restaurant team members. They don't need teaching experience; teacher coordinators provide the materials and stay nearby to offer help. "Dive Into Reading supports reading, of course, but it also builds confidence, creates positive experiences, and helps children develop skills that will benefit them throughout their lives," says one mentor who has volunteered for three years. "I'm grateful to be a part of a program that makes such a meaningful difference." The Hornes hoped Dive Into Reading would help students avoid the "Summer Slide," the loss of academic skills that can happen while school is out. The early results surprised them and the other organizers. Many students returned to school without losing ground, and some even tested ahead of where they had finished the previous spring! Improved reading scores, however, are only part of the goal. Eating in a restaurant, talking with an adult, and practicing table manners can help the kids feel more comfortable and confident in new social settings. They also choose books that match their interests, then take them home to share with their families and begin building a personal library. This summer, to celebrate the 10th anniversary, every student also received a backpack filled with school supplies for the coming year. Dive Into Reading has become a family affair for teacher coordinator Amy Teta, who has helped the Hornes grow the program over the past decade. Her husband, Doug, has welcomed students and mentors to Gecko's Grill & Pub as the restaurant's general manager, and their sons and nieces have also volunteered, earning high school service hours along the way. "I always say the students gain so much from this wonderful program each year," Amy says, "but in truth, those who participate gain so much more."
Over the past decade, more than 3,000 students, hundreds of volunteer mentors, thousands of books, and countless shared breakfasts have transformed a simple idea into one of the area's most meaningful summer literacy programs.
"The students I've mentored have taught me so much, too," she says.
The Hornes saw a need, and the community answered. Restaurants made room at their tables before the lunch crowd arrived. Schools organized the students, teachers guided each session, donors put books into children's hands, and hundreds of mentors filled the seats across from them. "It really is a community's commitment to step in and lift up our youngest people," Pam adds. "In doing so, we discover that we all learn something together."
Many volunteers return year after year, giving several mornings each week. Others begin volunteering in schools or join yearround literacy programs after discovering how much they value the work. And a few have been part of Dive Into Reading almost from the beginning.
The children who attended Dive Into Reading that first summer are teenagers now, and some will graduate from high school next May. Pam hopes to reconnect with some of them as the program enters its second decade.
"I could say the sheer numbers tell the story of 10 years, the thousands of students, mentors, books read, and hours spent together," Pam says. "But to me, it's the thousands of smiles, laughs, and memories that truly speak to the magic of this program."
One day, a former student may sit beside a young reader and remember when someone did the same for them. NG
Mentors often say the same. One Dive Into Reading mentor, now in her fifth year, joined because she wanted to support education in her community. As the years passed, she found that the experience worked both ways.
Interested in becoming a mentor? Visit OysterBar.net/reading to learn more.
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MINUTES MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD
Early intervention and individualized attention gives students the best likelihood of success.
40% of children in Florida are NOT READY for Kindergarten.
52%
of Manatee County students cannot read at a minimally proficient level by the end of 3rd grade. BECOME A MENTOR TO DAY!
LEARN MORE: elc-manatee.org/ReadingPals
We are proud to support those who nourish
because when great life lessons are learned, great lives are lived.
Nourishing communities.
Welcome to the 2026
2027 School Year!
MANATEE Education Foundation
Our mission is to provide funding for innovative programs and enhanced educational opportunities for teachers and students of the Manatee County Public Schools For more information on how you or your business can help students and teachers in Manatee County please contact: Manatee Education Foundation 1023 Manatee Avenue West, Suite 415, Bradenton, FL 34205 Call (941) 251-4937 or visit www.MEFinfo.org
When we all give a little, our students gain a lot! The Manatee Education Foundation is a registered 501 (c)3 non-profit organization. Your contribution is deductible for tax purposes, subject to limitations established by IRS laws and regulations. Tax ID #65-0037457
The Misconceptions of Economic Mobility WORDS: Women's Resource Center Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report, 42% of households in Manatee County and 43% in Sarasota County earn too much to qualify for most public assistance but cannot consistently af ford life's basic necessities. They work, pay taxes, raise children, and contribute to their communities, yet remain one unexpected expense away from financial crisis. Many Americans imagine poverty as unemployment, but the reality is far more complicated. Today, poverty frequently wears a name badge.
E
very morning, Katie wakes up with three jobs before she even clocks into work.
She's a mother of three. A full-time employee. A nursing student. We're taught to admire people like her. Hardworking, determined. Committed to building a better future. She's doing every thing society prescribes to get ahead: working, raising a family, and pursuing higher education. Yet for years, it hasn't been enough. Like nearly half of households in Sarasota and Manatee counties, Katie earns a paycheck but still struggles to achieve f inancial stabilit y. Despite working full-time, she faces the rising costs of housing, child care, transpor tation, healthcare, and education while pursuing the degree she hopes will create a better future for her family. Her story isn't unusual. According to the latest United Way ALICE (A sset
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It clock s in ever y morning , work s overtime, picks up children from daycare, studies after bedtime, and still worries whether there's enough left for groceries before payday. Working harder is not always enough. A single unexpected expense can erase months of financial progress overnight. Poverty is expensive. Without savings, a car repair can mean missing work, losing wages, falling behind on rent, or missing class. Child care can cost as much as college tuition, forcing parents to choose between earning income today and investing in a betterpaying career tomorrow. Medical bills, insurance increases, and rising grocery prices add to the pressure, leaving little room to plan for the future. For women pursuing higher education, the barriers multiply. Tuition is only one expense. There are books, lab fees, licensing exams, gas, child care, internet access, uniforms, and the income sacrificed while attending classes. Every semester requires women
to balance impossible choices between meeting today's needs and building tomorrow's opportunities. Education remains one of the most reliable pathways to higher wages, but reaching graduation of ten requires resources long before the f inancial rewards arrive. That's why scholarships are about far more than paying tuition. This year, the Women's Resource Center awarded $132,500 in scholarships to 106 women across Sarasota and Manatee counties, the largest scholarship class in the organization's history. For these women, a scholarship isn't simply financial aid. It's breathing room. It means one less shift needed to pay tuition and one more evening available to study. It means buying textbooks without sacrificing groceries. It means staying enrolled when an unexpected expense might otherwise force someone to abandon the degree they've worked years to earn. "This scholarship will ease the financial burden of continuing my education and help me stay focused on finishing strong," Katie said. "Your generosity is not only helping me reach my dream of becoming a registered nurse, but it is also making a lasting difference in my family's future and in the lives of the patients I will one day serve." Her experience reflects that of many scholarship recipient s. Eight y-four percent are employed while attending school. Nearly seven in ten are parents collectively raising 148 children, and more than half are doing it alone. Sixtythree percent rent their homes, and
happens because someone can finally keep moving forward instead of being pushed backward by circumstances beyond their control. A scholarship doesn't eliminate child care costs, rising rent, or unexpected emergencies, but it can become the bridge that allows a hardworking woman to finish one more semester, earn one more credential, quali f y for one bet ter- pay ing job, and permanently change her family's financial trajectory. Sometimes the dis t ance bet ween surviving and thriving isn't determination. It's having one opportunity that keeps a hardworking woman moving forward instead of falling behind. recipients carry an average of $37,000 in student debt. At an average age of 35, these scholars aren't traditional college s tudent s. They 're adult s returning to school because they understand education may be their strongest path toward lasting financial stability.
that may once have seemed impossible. Escaping poverty is rarely dependent on work ing harder. More of ten, it
For women like Katie and the 105 other scholarship recipients this year, that opportunity is creating futures that once felt out of reach. NG
"They're doing every thing we ask of people who want to improve their lives," said Ashley Brown, CEO of the Women's Resource Center. "They're working, raising families, and pursuing educ ation. Yet many hardwork ing families still struggle to make ends meet. Scholarships help bridge that gap by providing women with a pathway to higher wages, greater stability, and longterm economic security." The impact of education extends well beyond a diploma. Research consistently shows that when parents increase their education and earning potential, their children experience greater financial security, stronger educational outcomes, and improved health. One woman's success becomes a foundation for future generations. That impact is already visible. Within the past year, five graduates of the Women's Resource Center's scholarship program purchased their first homes, milestones that represent more than homeownership. They represent stability, equity, security, and generational wealth
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On The Bookshelf REVIEWS: Colleen Hartnett
Three Little Pigs
(Flip-Up Fairy Tales) Publisher, Child's Play, Illustrated by Patrick Corrigan (Birth to 3) The classic story of the three little pigs gets a fun "boost" from liftup flaps and colorful illustrations. Some modern-day twists make it more current while preserving the long-established plot. The flaps make hearing the book an interactive experience. Before lifting each one, have your child predict what will come next using the previous text and the current illustration.
The Jar of Happiness By Ailsa Burrows
(4-6) An adorable story about making and finding your own happiness. Calming illustrations and simple tex t make this a great readaloud. The story opens the door to a discussion about feelings, friendships, social skills, and finding joy. Look carefully at the last illustration and encourage your young reader to make up a different ending. Create a jar of happiness with your child, either on paper or with real items.
Who Was a Daring Pioneer of the Skies? Amelia Earhart
(Part of the Who HQ graphic novel series) By Melanie Gillman, Illustrated by A.C. Esguerra (7-9) Discover the adventurous, trend-setting story of Amelia Earhart, an American aviation pioneer. Come along on her second and final attempt to become the first woman to fly around the world. Learn about her determination, forward thinking, and courage in this well-illustrated graphic novel. A must-have for tween readers and anyone interested in the history of early aviation.
InvestiGATORS: All Tide Up By John Patrick Green
(10-12) Book 7 of the InvestiGATORS series from New York Times bestselling author John Patrick Green follows Mango and Brash, two determined detectives who brave the high seas once more. They must untangle the mystery of a missing cruise ship before another vessel disappears into thin air. This graphic novel will keep readers guessing and laughing through all 19 chapters. Great for a nightly read-aloud or for older readers to enjoy on their own.
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STOP, LOOK It’s an ELC Book Nook Community Book Nooks are supplied with FREE books available from birth - 12 years old to support reading in everyday places. Children can browse from a variety of titles the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County has supplied to our Book Nook sites and choose one to take home. Book Nooks are placed at local business and community locations to serve children and their families. Look for a book to enjoy with your child when already visiting one of the locations listed below: ● Anna Maria Oyster Bar Locations: Landside Bridge St. Pier Cortez Ellenton University Town Center ● Manatee County Clerks 1115 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205 ● Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County 600 8th Ave W #100, Palmetto, FL 34221 We encourage all families to carry books everywhere. They are great to use when waiting for appointments, waiting for a meal, or to spark conversation on a long car ride. Children who are not yet readers can still gain valuable literacy skills by turning the pages and enjoying illustrations. Interested in having a Book Nook at your business? Email communityengagement@elc-manatee.org
Reading Tips Consejos de Lectura Birth-One Year Old/Nacimiento-Un Año de Edad ● Make frequent eye-contact. Haz contacto visual frecuente. ● Be flexible. Take a break if your child is unhappy or fussy. Se Flexible. Tómese un descanso si su hijo no está contento o está irritable. One-Two Years Old/Uno-Dos Años ● Describe the pictures and encourage back-and-forth talking between you and your child. Describa las imágenes y anímelos a hablar de ida y vuelta entre usted y su hijo. ● Let your child choose and handle books to be read, with supervision. Deje que su hijo escoja y manipule libros para leer, con supervisión. Three-Six Years Old/Tres-Seis Años ● Read all types of books and follow your child’s interests. Lea todo tipo de libros y siga los intereses de su hijo. ● Read the same books repeatedly! ¡Lea los mismos libros repetidamente! Seven-Nine Years Old/Siete-Nueve Años ● Help your child use a dictionary or thesaurus to check the meanings of new words. Ayude a su hijo a usar un diccionario o diccionario de sinónimos para comprobar el significado de las palabras nuevas. Ten-Twelve Years Old/Diez-Doce Años ● Show an interest in the book your child chooses and encourage your child to share details. Muestre interés en el libro que elija su hijo y anímelo a compartir detalles. ° Why did the author choose to write this stor y? ¿Por qué el autor eligió escribir esta historia? ° How did the story progress? ¿Cómo avanzó la historia? ° How did the character, setting, or plot change? ¿Cómo cambió el personaje, el escenario o la trama? ° What will happen next? ¿Qué pasará después?
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BACK TO SCHOOL JAM 2026
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PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
2025-26
Student Achievement & District Performance
Student achievement increased across every major subject area, with particularly strong gains in early literacy, elementary mathematics, and English language arts (ELA), reflecting continued academic growth across the district.
Overall District Grade
B
School Grade Distribution Ten schools improved by at least one letter grade.
A
23 A schools (+5%) Highest number of A-rated schools since 2008
B schools (+4%) B 13 36 schools earned an A or B
Graduation Rate
90% The highest level in district history
C 14 C schools (-7%) D
0
D schools
Explore, Imagine, Create,
CELE BRATE!
The Soar Lab is a one-of-a-kind early learning experience designed to spark curiosity and build confidence. Through hands-on exploration in art, engineering, tinkering, and outdoor discovery, children develop kindergarten readiness skills and a lifelong love of learning.
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NOW OPEN - THE NEST!
The perfect place for birthdays, celebrations, and special moments inside the Soar Lab. The Nest Party Room includes: Private space for food, cake, and gifts Convenient location inside the Soar Lab Interactive learning and play environment Plenty of room for family, friends, and memories For rental information and availability, contact Angela Knapek at knapeka@manateeschools.net.
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MANATEE’S SLEEP BABY SAFELY PROGRAM
PROTECT BABIES IN MANATEE COUNTY FROM SUFFOCATION EVERY NIGHT AND EVERY NAP SAFE SLEEP ABCs: ALONE, BACK, CRIB Always put babies to sleep alone on their back in an empty crib with only a firm mattress and tight-fitting sheet.
SHARE A ROOM, NOT A BED Bring baby’s crib into parent’s room, and never lay baby to sleep on a soft surface like an adult bed, couch or air mattress.
STAY ALERT WHILE FEEDING BABY
Manatee County’s Sleep Baby Safely program features local facts, direct messages, and easy-to-remember tips for parents, caregivers, and everyone caring for babies to protect them from suffocation when they are laid down to sleep.
Trainings Offered To: • • • •
Child care providers Parents, guardians, and grandparents Community members First Responders for direct on-site education • Pediatrician and women’s health offices • Guardian education groups • Also available - Train the Trainer
Set an alarm and always return baby to crib after feeding. Breastfeed, if possible – it’s best for baby.
Learn more at: www.elc-manatee.org/SleepBabySafely Contact us at: communityengagement@elc-manatee.org or (941) 757-2900 ext. 2500
Book Smarts The district's annual Battle of the Books competition turns reading into a team effort WORDS: Shannon Evans PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
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erves taut, attention fixed, everyone waits for the competition to begin. Months of preparation have led to this moment. No athletic skill needed here, though—it's all about the books. The School District of Manatee County's annual Battle of the Books brings together teams of students to prove how well they know the Sunshine State Young Readers Award (SSYRA) titles, a set of 15 books categorized by age group. For the May 2026 competition, Oneco Elementary hosted the elementary and middle schools, while the high school teams battled at Braden River High. The students' fearless leaders, the media specialists, help them solidify their knowledge with practice questions at weekly book club meetings leading up to the main event. Lori Pick, District Media Specialist, has coordinated the event for the past four years. She appreciates how the competition celebrates a certain kind of student achievement. "These students may not be athletes, musicians, or performers," she said, "but here they get a chance to shine as readers."
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Lori explained how a committee of media specialists through the Florida Association for Media Education reads dozens of children's and young adult books before selecting that year's SSYRA titles. The final reading lists are divided into grades 3-5, grades 6-8, and the high school division known as Florida Teens Read. There is also a K-2 list, and Lori hopes to expand Battle of the Books to include kindergarten through secondgrade students in the future. "The sooner children start to love reading, the more it will benefit them both academically and throughout their lives," she said. During the event, each team sits at its own cafeteria table. A large screen in front, with more screens around the room, displays the questions while the students huddle up and debate the answers, flipping through their well-worn books. The team can answer immediately if they know it, but sometimes they talk through every possibility, using all the time on the countdown clock. This year's competition focused on accuracy instead of speed, which motivated the students to think carefully before submitting their final answer. The strength of Battle of the Books lies in how it changes a usual solo activity into something collaborative. While some students might approach a reading assignment with one goal—to finish the book as fast as possible and check it off the list—this event, and all the prep leading up to it, encourages students to analyze the stories in a deeper way. They have to pay attention to the smallest details as well as the larger plot points, because those details could end up as a question later. As for the competition itself, the fast-paced format challenges students to think quickly under pressure and work through answers as a team. With the final scores tallied, Johnson K-8's team won the middle school division, and Parrish Community won the high school division. The elementary school trophy returned to Willis this year, marking a third straight win for the school.
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"Battle of the Books has been such a positive and engaging experience for our students," said Amy Noaker, the media specialist at Willis. "It not only encourages a love of reading across a wide range of genres, but also builds teamwork, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment. Watching students collaborate, challenge themselves, and take pride in their knowledge of books has been incredibly rewarding. We're very proud of our team and the hard work they put in this year." The students gave their own reasons for joining the competition. One wanted to try a new club, and for her, the reading list solved a familiar problem: although she likes to read, she doesn't like picking out her own books. Another mentioned that the club was good for making friends, especially because of the prep time spent together.
Meet the Readers
For some students, the elementary school competition is just the start. This year's Battle closed a long chapter for Southeast High School senior Katherine, who has competed since her early school years and was recognized during the high school event as she prepared to graduate. Lori hopes Katherine's experience encourages younger students to stick with Battle of the Books as they move from elementary school through high school.
Harrison | Ballard Elementary After participating in 2025, Harrison decided to return to Battle of the Books for another round. His favorite title from this year's list was Always, Clementine, especially the scene where the mouse mastered the game. He felt nervous during the competition but also confident that his team could find the right answers.
At the end of the event, each elementary competitor received a book-shaped medal, sponsored by Follett, and the winning schools took home traveling trophies with the school's name and year engraved. The teams gathered for photos while younger siblings looked on, getting an early glimpse at a club they can someday join.
Karsyn | Manatee Elementary Representing her school and spending time reading made the Battle of the Books an easy choice for Karsyn. She especially enjoyed The Mystery of Locked Rooms because she loves mystery stories. The competition helped her build confidence along with reading skills.
Watching the teams celebrate afterward is one of Lori's favorite parts of the event. After months of reading and preparing, it's rewarding to see students take pride in what they've achieved.
Conan | Oneco Elementary Conan found Battle of the Books appealing simply because he loves to read. His favorite book from the list was Lost Library, which stood out because of its characters and multiple perspectives. As questions appeared on the screen, he kept wondering whether his team would land on the right answer. The best part of the experience? "It's fun!"
"Honestly, the kids' excitement makes it all worthwhile," she said. Students interested in taking part next year can reach out to the media specialist at their school. The next reading list is already available! NG
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15th ANNUAL
e County ate an
The Early Lear
Coalition of M in ng
G o l f C l a ss i c
The Early Learning Coalition Paul Sharff Memorial Golf Classic Hosted by Florida Senate President Jim Boyd & State Representative Will Robinson
Presented By Friday, December 18, 2026 IMG Academy Golf Club Masters Sponsor $10,000
(two available) • 2 foursomes in tournament • 2 full-page ads in NEXTGEN Family Magazine ($3,000 value) • 2 company banners • 2 hole sponsorships
Ace Sponsor $7,500
(one available) • 2 foursomes in tournament • Full-page ad in NEXTGEN Family Magazine ($1500 value) • 2 company banners • 2 hole sponsorships
Awards Sponsor $4,500
(one available) • 1 foursome in tournament • Full-page ad in NEXTGEN Family Magazine ($1500 value) • 1 company banner • 2 hole sponsorships
Eagle Sponsor $3,000
• 1 foursome in tournament • Half-page ad in NEXTGEN Family Magazine ($800 value) • 1 company banner • 2 hole sponsorships
Lunch Sponsor $2,500 (one available) • 1 foursome in tournament • 1 company banner • 1 hole sponsorship
Birdie Sponsor $2,000
• 1 foursome in tournament • 1 company banner • 1 hole sponsorship
Beverage Sponsor $500 • Recognition on tournament signage
Friends of Paul Sharff $6,000 (one available) • 2 foursomes in tournament • Full-page ad in NEXTGEN Family Magazine ($1500 value) • 2 company banners • 2 hole sponsorships
11:00am Registration & Lunch 12:00pm Shotgun Scramble Format $150 per Golfer $600 per Foursome
Register online today at www.elc-manatee.org/golf For more information contact Darrell King at (941) 757-2900 or dking@elc-manatee.org All Sponsorships, donations, and event proceeds will benefit the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County and are deemed to be undesignated funds unless otherwise indicated by the donor. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Registration #CH27655 A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Keeping Children Connected to Learning WORDS: Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading Connecting Communities Podcast
Every Day Counts
Connecting Communities, a Beyond The Blog podcast created by The Patterson Foundation and the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (SCGLR), brings you insights and inspiration on early childhood literacy across the Suncoast region. Explore how communities come together to support children and families through the five pillars of grade-level reading: School Readiness, Attendance, Summer Learning, Family Engagement, and Health Determinants.
Promoting School Attendance Across the Suncoast
Episode 1 features an overview of SCGLR with the Director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, Beth Duda. Key Podcast Themes ● "None of us can do it all, but all of us can do something."Beth Duda ● Learning happens everywhere. ● Explores how communities can unite to support the success of children and families. Timestamps 01:11 – Beth's history 03:54 – Beth explains The Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading (as if speaking to a child). 05:53 – Why is this work important? 10:08 – How does SCGLR help achieve these goals – the 5 Pillars. 10:52 – School Readiness 12:01 – Attendance 13:20 – Summer Learning 15:04 – Family Engagement 15:39 – Health Determinants 16:06 – Suncoast Remake Learning Days 20:01 – Which TPF value speaks most to Beth? 20:42 – THIS BOOK IS COOL! 21:39 – Suncoast Summer Reading Challenge 22:04 – Kindergarten Readiness 22:58 – Pop-Up Neighbor Through Laundry 23:47 – ESOL & ELL 26:59 – Big Picture/ Small Steps 33:32 – How can you get involved? 34:15 – Connecting with Kids – a kid's thought on the topic. Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us at gradelevelreadingsuncoast.net
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Strong attendance builds strong futures! That's why the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading works hand in hand with school districts, educators, parents, and partners across Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties to encourage regular school attendance. Missing just two days of school a month adds up fast, leading to chronic absenteeism that makes it much harder for children to master reading, stay on track in middle school, and graduate with confidence. While kids naturally get sick or miss a day now and then, every day spent in class helps them learn, grow, and connect. To celebrate the power of showing up, SCGLR is proud to launch our annual Attendance Awareness Poster Contest!
Supporting Students, Every Day Did you know that missing just two days of school a month can make it much harder for children to keep up with reading and math? Across our region, school attendance has taken a hit in recent years, but showing up even on the tough days builds the foundation for our kids' bright futures. To suppor t our elementar y families, the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (SCGLR), with funding from The Patterson F oundation, is launching the Moti v ating Improved Attendance (MIA) program for PreK–5 students across Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.
What is the MIA Program?
Let's Build a Culture of "Showing Up"
By looking at early attendance patterns in the first few weeks of school, the program helps identify families who might be facing hidden barriers to getting their kids to class on time.
Every day in the classroom counts. When children attend school regularly, they build strong friendships, develop critical learning skills, and gain confidence that carries through life.
Working together with our local elementary schools, MIA provides:
We're excited to partner with you to make this school year a success—one day, one smile, and one milestone at a time!
● Early Support: Helping connect families with community resources and practical tips to tackle attendance hurdles before they become larger problems. ● Positive Encouragement: Sharing quick, actionable strategies from Attendance Works to build stress-free morning and evening routines. ● Celebration and Rewards: Recognizing the hard work it takes to build good habits! Students who show attendance progress earn a special pin and certificate, and their families receive a gas gift card as a practical thank you for their dedication.
Have questions or want to learn more? Reach out to Beth Duda, Director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, at bduda@thepattersonfoundation.org.
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Generously funded by
PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
Gardner Media LLC
is a publisher and distributor of books, toys, games and audio/visual materials for children ages 0-5.
Features include:
Family and Friends Physical and Mental Health STEM Social and Emotional Learning Books for Babies, Infant/Toddlers Our dedication is to the young child, and creating materials that support interactive learning for babies, infant/toddlers and pre-school aged children and their families. We are particularly focused on multicultural and bilingual education, and with some of the country’s leading educators in Spanish and bilingual media, have created a program of bilingual learning for young children and their families and caregivers. We look forward to working with you and discovering how we can extend the learning for your students and families. Please allow us to assist you in any way we can!
Gardner Media LLC
www.TheGardenLearningStore.com info@thegardenlearning.com (800) 472 - 0099
A MILESTONE THAT SIGNALS MOMENTUM Manatee Memorial Hospital Earns Its First Leapfrog “A” Manatee Memorial Hospital has reached an important milestone: earning its first-ever “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group. This national recognition reflects measurable progress and places the hospital among a select group achieving Leapfrog’s highest rating. LEAPFROG: A TRUSTED SOURCE FOR HOSPITAL SAFETY The Leapfrog Group is a nationally respected, independent nonprofit organization that evaluates hospital safety and quality across the United States. As a watchdog in healthcare, they focus on how well hospitals protect patients from preventable medical errors, injuries, accidents and infections. A hospital’s safety grade is more than just a score – it’s a signal of commitment to each patient that walks through the door. Each team member plays a role in meeting nationally recognized expectations while working to provide compassionate, quality healthcare.
Scan here to see Manatee Memorial’s Awards and Accreditations
Physicians are on the medical staff of Manatee Memorial Hospital, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Manatee Memorial Hospital. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 264360848-4539600 8/26
206 Second Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-5111 | manateememorial.com