We’re proud to support those who work toward a brighter tomorrow.
We’re proud to support those who work toward a brighter tomorrow.
We’re proud to support those who work toward a brighter tomorrow.
PUBLISHER
Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County EDITOR
Katelyn Disbro
DEPUTY EDITOR
Kelly Harbour
DESIGN EDITOR
Mara Stork
STAFF WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER
Gabrielle Versmessen
PHOTOGRAPHY
Whitney Patton
Wendy Dewhurst
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Carlee Colonneso, Sheri Roca, Colleen Hartnett, Merab-Michal Favorite
Christa Hardin, Rachel Spivey
CALENDAR OF FAMILY EVENTS
Bradenton Macaroni Kid: Denise Granata
ADVERTISING SALES
Kelly Stasurak: kstasurak@elc-manatee.org
PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION
PCI Communications, Inc.
CONTACT NEXTGEN
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GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTEES
Adam Mohammadbhoy (Chairman) Robert Bell (Secretary/Treasurer)
PRIVATE SECTOR APPOINTED MEMBERS
Christina Riggio, Zack Kallis, Dr. Michael Mackie, Gary Scott, Caroline Halfacre, Tim Pye, Bryan Rench
LEGISLATIVELY REQUIRED MEMBERS
Rachel Kendzior Children With Disabilities
Program Representative
Annette Larkin
Private, For-Profit Provider Representative
Dr. Sheila Halpin
Manatee County School Board Designee
Jennifer Passmore Board of County Commissioners' Appointee
Kathy Patreka Head Start Director
Chantal Porte
Department of Children and Families Designee
James Disbro
CareerSource Suncoast
Dr. Carla McGill County Health Department Designee
Dr. Kristina DeWitt
June - July 2023
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.
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.
WORDS: Sheri Roca
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
Ms. Tracey Vita is a name you may recognize. She has become something of an icon in Manatee County, touching the lives of more than 200 families each and every year, for more than 42 years, through the art of dance.
At Tracey Vita's School of Dance, the kids don't dance for trophies, medals, or ribbons. They don't dance to prove they are the best dancers. According to the girls, they dance to express themselves. They dance because, while they are dancing, they don't think about things like school, family, friends, and the stresses of life. They dance because they love to dance.
And they love Ms. Tracey. In fact, for many, the school has become an extended family. Some dancers have been with Ms. Tracey since they were three years old and have made many of their closest friends at the studio. They share their problems and life lessons, and when a new dancer joins the studio, she is welcomed and brought into the family. One of the dancers remarked that the studio and the dancing simply seem to "bring them together."
It all started for Tracey at the age of three at the Ramsey, N.J. Dance Academy. From there, Tracey enjoyed an exciting dance career. At the early and enthusiastic age of 10, Tracey studied under Vitale Fokine, son of Michael Fokine, choreographer to Pavlova. Through middle and high school, she danced with the MidHudson Regional Ballet dance company, supported
by the Eleanor Roosevelt Foundation. Tracey performed with the company in such prestigious locations as Jacob's Pillow and the Lincoln Center, throughout New York City and into Canada. Tracey continued her dance education at St. Leo's University in Tampa, where she also studied elementary education.
In 1981, Tracey told her father soon after graduation, "I just need a big room and a record player to start my dance school." "And I did," she exclaims with a smile. The studio took off the first year, with more than 50 new dancers, and the story of Tracey Vita's School of Dance began. Even Tracey is surprised that she has taught for over four decades. "I thought that I would do it for a little while until I got a real job," she explained with a laugh. "But I just love it. I can't imagine doing anything else."
The school has been at its current location for about ten years, inhabiting the perfect residential rambler, gutted and fitted with barres, mirrors, and a backyard-turnedparking lot. Tracey had noticed that the home on the corner was for sale and somehow knew it was the right place.
But, on the day of closing, the current owner had a heart attack, and it looked like it might not happen. But, even in his weakened condition, he insisted on doing what needed to be done so that Tracey could have the space. Apparently, Tracey had taught their granddaughter to dance and, so, had become part of the extended dance family himself. Now, their greatgranddaughter is leaping and turning at the old family home, now known as Tracey Vita's School of Dance.
The school has always been a family effort, and Tracey's own family has been her "security blanket," she claimed, helping with whatever she needs. Her 91-year-old mother, Margaret Vita, still operates the ticket booth at recitals, and her brother John and his wife Tompie have been by her side since the beginning, handling the lights and music so that Tracey could concentrate on the dancing. Even her daughters-in-law, Amy and Alexandra, help backstage as "runners," making sure everyone gets on stage in the right place and in the right costume; not an easy feat, I am sure. And everyone, including her two
boys, Rich and Ray, portrayed different characters whenever needed. It won't be long before her two grandchildren, Parker, 4 1/2, and Paxton, 1, will be either dancing or helping out, to be sure.
In her first year in business, Tracey invited her dad to join her in a father-and-daughter dance. It was such a beloved memory that Tracy made it a tradition. Now, at four years old, each little girl and her father get to have their dance together on stage, and they share the stage together again on the night of each dancer's debut dance en pointe. A memory every father and child will cherish for life.
And that is what it is all about for Tracey and her two dance instructors, Elisha Byerly and Breslyn Reiber, whom both danced for Tracey for years before deciding to teach themselves. It's all about making memories and giving girls a safe place to grow. For Tracey, dance was what helped a shy young girl come out of her shell, which is what eventually made her want to teach. "I always wanted to show people how amazing dance is. I was kind of shy, but when I got on stage and heard the
music, I became a different person", she claims reflectively.
"I figure it gives girls self-confidence to get up in front of people and dance. And it gives them poise. Both are going to help them in life." Says Tracey. "When they come in, I see a group of girls flustered from home or school, and I can turn the lights down and put on some music, and it brings them back to the center. I just want the girls to have fun and be proud of who they are."
Tracey recalls another timid little girl, a few years ago, who did not want to be on stage. In fact, at her very first recital, during the first of two shows, she chose to wait backstage rather than dance with her class in front of the waiting friends and family in the audience. But she mustered the courage to go out there for the second show and, afterward, told Ms. Tracey, "That was the funniest day I ever had!"
Tracey Vita's School of Dance has undergone many changes in the more than 42 years that she has been in business, ranging in size from about 400 students and 12 teachers to the 200 students she can host at her current location. And though she is currently at full capacity, she does not have plans to expand. She has already done that and prefers to keep the studio small. She loves that she knows each and every dancer and their family. "It's a community," she states, "and it's not about being big. It's about teaching the girls and showing them all that they are so special."
At the end of every dance season, a spring recital is performed, and for the graduating seniors, it is a time of both excitement and tears, as they will not be returning in the fall. In celebration of each graduating dancer, they have a special solo choreographed for their final night on stage with Ms. Tracey's School of Dance. "They're my girls, I didn't have any girls, but these are all my girls, and I miss them all when they are gone," explains Tracey. "But they come back to visit, and many bring me their children to teach."
Throughout the years, Tracey has taught so many local dancers that regularly, past students come up to her while she is running around town, at the grocery store, pharmacy, or mall, and ask, "Do you remember me? I used to dance for you." And Tracey remembers everyone. Although, since young girls change so much, and she has taught so many, she would like to remind you all that a little hint is always helpful. Thinking back, Tracey concludes: "So many years of fun! It has been a good life!"
PICTURES: Wendy Dewhurst
By almost any conceivable standard a school district can be measured, Superintendent Saunders' five-year tenure as superintendent has been a rousing success. Since being sworn in as superintendent on June 26, 2018, she has been a difference-maker.
When the COVID-19 global pandemic broke out in early 2020, Ms. Saunders presided over one of the most challenging periods in the school district's history.
Working closely with the Florida Department of Health in Manatee, she established a District Operations Center to monitor cases
in schools. While other districts struggled to maintain teaching and learning – Manatee completed each school year during the pandemic on time and offered in-person graduation ceremonies to seniors.
When districts were forced to go to full-time online learning in March 2020, the Manatee District was one of the first in Florida to get up and running. The district distributed more than 11,000 laptop devices to students and placed internet hotspots on district school buses, stationing them at churches and community centers around Manatee County so students could access free internet to continue their lessons.
During that same time period, the district's Food and Nutrition Services Department set up more than 40 "Grab and Go" sites where parents could pick up pre-packaged breakfasts and lunches. In total, between March and May 2020, the district handed out more than 960,000 meals to students and families.
In 2013, when she first joined the district as the Executive Director of Secondary Schools, Manatee was ranked 47th out of the state's 67 school districts in terms of student achievement on state accountability testing. The district also had 18 "D" or "F" schools.
In 2018, the year she became superintendent, the Manatee district had improved to 33rd academically in the state. In 2019, following her first year as superintendent, the ranking jumped to 28th.
By 2022, the end of her fourth year as superintendent, Manatee ranked 25th in the state – its highest ranking ever. The district also eliminated all "F" schools and reduced the number of "D" schools to two.
In 2013, the Manatee District registered a negative fund balance (reserve fund) of $7.5 million – even though the state requires school districts to carry a minimum positive fund balance of 3 percent of revenues. That financial crash led to the resignation of a previous superintendent, a complete overhaul of district leadership, and a collapse in community trust and support.
In 2016, when Saunders was Deputy Superintendent of Instruction, the district's fund balance had risen to $16.1 million. By 2019, following her first year as Superintendent, it vaulted to $39.2 million.
By 2022, her fourth year as superintendent, the Manatee District posted a positive fund balance of $50.3 million – its largest ever. It equated to 9.3 percent of revenue.
In 2018, before Saunders became superintendent, the school board asked Manatee County voters to approve a 1-Mill property tax referendum to provide students with an additional 30 minutes of instruction per day, enhance teacher and instructional staff pay, expand STEM programs and assist charter schools.
In 2021, her third year as superintendent, the school board asked county voters to renew the 1-Mill for the same purposes and to add additional funding for the arts.
With Superintendent Saunders leading the charge, the referendum passed by a margin of 69% to 31%.
Perhaps Ms. Saunders' most captivating contribution as superintendent has been her penchant for bringing exciting, new academic options to Manatee district students and schools.
In 2019, she collaborated with Apple Inc. co-founder Steve Wozniak to make Palm View K-8 the first WOZ Ed Career's Pathway school in the state of Florida. WOZ Ed teaches elementary students about coding, engineering, drones, and cybersecurity. She also introduced Florida's first Garner Holt Animatronics programs at Nolan and Sugg Middle Schools; the Tampa Bay area's first Community Partnership School at Manatee Elementary; Dual Language Programs at five district elementary schools and in 2022, the world's first Guy Harvey Academy of Arts & Science at Anna Maria Elementary.
While Ms. Saunders' impact as a leader in Manatee County will be missed immediately upon her departure, her success as superintendent of the School District of Manatee County will leave a lasting legacy.
After serving 34 years as a teacher, principal, administrator, and superintendent in Florida's public schools, Cynthia Saunders is set to retire on June 30, 2023.
Ms. Saunders came to Manatee County in 2013 as the Executive Director of Secondary Schools. She was promoted to Deputy Superintendent of Instruction in 2015 and became Superintendent of the School District of Manatee County in 2018.
Here are some of her thoughts as she looks back on her career and ahead to retirement.
Q: What did you know about Manatee County before you moved here?
A: I grew up in Sumter County and started my teaching career in Marion County, but like anyone who grows up in Florida that is not born here, I vacationed here. I was probably in my 30s the first time I came here. I loved the beaches and how friendly the people were.
Q: From 2013 to today, the district's academic ranking amongst the state's 67 school districts improved dramatically. How was that achieved?
A: When I arrived, the district did not have formal assessments that were conducted district-wide so that you could formulate a plan in the summer, execute it, and then monitor it along the way. Teams of people at each school worked with the Executive Directors and Curriculum Department to identify what training was needed, what supports were needed, and what adjustments needed to be made. That's what changed in 2013.
The plan that was formulated then is still in place today. Having that continual instructional plan in place for ten years has really contributed to our success.
Q: What was your thinking when you were being considered to replace Dr. Diana Greene as superintendent in 2018?
A: I never aspired to be a superintendent. I enjoyed working with the schools and being part of the team more so than being the face of the district. However, the School Board at that time felt that having a significant change of direction was not in the best interest of the district. They wanted to maintain consistency and keep moving along the same track.
Q: What has made your tenure as superintendent successful?
A: I don't know many people who can be successful in isolation. Our teachers are second to none, and our whole team of employees is top-notch.
In a fast-growing community like this, you need to work handin-hand with community partners, agencies, and non-profit organizations because that gives you leverage and momentum to move forward together. That means getting to know people, hearing what other agencies are trying to do, and how we can support their initiatives and make them stronger. Then when we need their help, they are there at the table.
Q: Have any second thoughts on retiring?
A: The purpose of my retirement is to be retired. I feel very blessed that I could serve 34 years in public education and now move on to the next chapter of my life.
Relationship-building describes the process of establishing emotional connections with others, starting from birth, which is based on trust and intimacy. Through relationships, children discover who they are and learn to understand others. When young children experience people helping, understanding, and enjoying them, they approach the world with openness and enthusiasm and grow to be responsive and caring.
Babies are born with a drive to relate to and connect with others, and they continue to develop the social skills necessary to form strong, healthy relationships throughout their lives:
• A newborn gazes at her mother's face as she breastfeeds. She recognizes her mother as the special, loving person who is always there for her and calms down almost immediately when her mother picks her up and holds her close. This baby is learning that she is loved and can trust others to care for her and treat her well.
• A 6-month-old laughs and laughs as his father holds a napkin over his face and then drops it to say, "Peek-a-boo!" Whenever his father tries to put the napkin back on the table, the baby says, "eh, eh, eh," to let his father know he wants him will hold up that silly napkin again. This baby is learning that he can connect with a loved one through a fun activity like this one. He is discovering that spending time together is satisfying and pleasurable.
• A 20-month-old wants to cut his own fruit for a snack. His grandmother says no. He stamps his feet and sobs. His grandmother tells him she has an idea: She gives him a dull butter knife and guides his hand to help him cut some melon. This toddler is learning that his interests and needs are important and what it feels like to be understood by another person.
• A 2 ½-year-old sees her brother fall off his bicycle and cry. She runs over and rubs his back like she's seen her mommy do. This toddler is learning to empathize with or understand another's feelings and experiences.
Below are some ideas for nurturing relationship-building skills in infants and toddlers.
Let her be the leader in deciding what to play. Don't multi-task during this special playtime - be there with your child one-on-one.
She will feel loved and special with your full attention. When you have to do your daily chores, you can stay connected with your toddler by talking with her or having her help with the activity, giving her "jobs" she can handle. With your baby, you can narrate what you're doing and offer her interesting, related objects to keep her connected to you - like giving her a wooden spoon to play with while you're cooking.
Show a sincere interest in your child - whatever he is doing. Your attention is what he desires and is thrilled to receive. You can show your interest by commenting on or describing what he is doing: "You are using so many beautiful colors to make that drawing." Or get involved by following his lead. If he is putting blocks in a container, see if he'll take turns with you or if you can build something together. This will also help him learn about the value and joy of back-and-forth play, which is an important aspect of all successful relationships.
Forming positive, healthy relationships depends on the ability to show feelings appropriately and recognize the feelings of others. Teach children acceptable ways to vent anger, like drawing an angry picture, running in the yard, or tossing a pillow on the floor. Label your feelings: "I am happy because you helped me clean up," or "I am sad that Grandma had to fly home." Children need to know that you have feelings too, but there are ways to cope with them so you can feel better.
This teaches your child to trust his instincts. It can also help him work through powerful or complex feelings and allow him to move on. Knowing you respect his feelings teaches your child empathy and respect for others, which are important elements in any relationship. Accepting his feelings without minimizing them or making fun also increases the chances that he will share more with you as he grows.
Use puppets to act out a young child's typical frustrations or fears, like having to share toys with a playmate, adjusting to a new baby, or separating from loved ones. Make drawings or hats for different emotions and discuss pictures in books that
communicate feelings. Also, watch what your child "tells" you during her play—it can be a window into her inner thoughts and feelings. For example, if your child dresses up in mommy clothes and acts out leaving her teddy bear at the babysitter's house, she may be wondering about separations. You can help her think through these big ideas and feelings by playing along and perhaps reminding her that, while Teddy misses his mama, he knows his mama always comes back.
Children need practice to learn to share, take turns, resolve conflict, and feel the joy of friendship. Playing together gives children all this - plus a chance for parents to connect with other adults, too! Being present during play dates is important at this age as children often need help learning and practicing their new friendship skills. And it's a good rule of thumb to keep play dates short for little ones - 45 minutes to an hour is about right for most toddlers. For older toddlers, you can use their playtime with peers to nurture relationship-building skills by:
• Suggesting, when appropriate, that children turn to peers for assistance or answers to their questions: "You are wondering how to get the little doll to sit in the high chair?
Why don't you ask Jeremy? I just saw him feeding her a few minutes ago."
• Asking children to imagine how their behavior might affect others: "I see you told Greta that she can't play ball with you. How do you think that made her feel?"
• Encouraging children to work in groups or as teams when appropriate: "Sam and DeShawn, could you please put the cars away? Then you can help me get your snack ready."
• Helping children see others' points of view encourages empathy: "Casey is feeling sad because his mom had to go."
Television takes time away from hanging out together and from children playing, solving problems, interacting, and actively learning about the world around them. When your child does watch, you can enhance the experience by talking about the show - what he thought it was about, which characters he liked and disliked, and how it made him feel. You can also act out the story as he understood it, use puppets to tell the story, or make up your own story together.
Reclamation ecologists like Ashlee work to return mined lands to productive use as wildlife habitats, public parks and more— so future generations can enjoy these lands for years to come.
every generation, we get better at protecting our environment.
Dr. Austen is a board-certified family medicine physician who provides comprehensive outpatient adult medical care that includes:
• Management of acute injury and illness
• Minor office surgical procedures
• Annual physical and wellness exams
• Preventive screenings and immunizations
• Medicare wellness visits
Dr. Zapotocky is board certified in internal medicine and brings more than two decades of experience. She treats patients ages 18 and older, and her areas of specialty include:
• Chronic disease management
• Preventive medicine (including well-woman exams, school and work physicals, and Medicare wellness exams)
• Urgent care
• Young adult and geriatric medicine
Both Dr. Austen and Dr. Zapotocky are accepting new patients.
To make an appointment, call 866-515-9777 or visit lakewoodranchmedicalgroup.com.
lakewoodranchmedicalgroup.com
Our local community has a plethora of established clubs and organizations that work hard every day to make Manatee County a better place to live. The Rotary Club of Bradenton especially strives to bridge the gaps in early childhood education to set young students up for educational success.
Rotary International focuses on six specific issues: teacher training, fighting diseases, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies, and protecting the environment. The Rotary Club of Bradenton really focuses on supporting youth education through its grants, initiatives, and partnerships.
Currently, the Rotary Club of Bradenton and the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) are working together to support Visible Men Academy. This school's mission is to provide boys with outstanding academic, character, and social education in a nurturing school environment. Rotary puts books provided by the ELC and other materials for the students into bags.
The Rotary Club of Bradenton PresidentElect Paul Grivas makes it a point to
volunteer at Visible Men Academy. "I want these boys to have a positive male role model. As a marching band and ROTC dad, I've always loved volunteering and being that person for the kids," he says.
The Rotary's involvement with Visible Men Academy goes back to 2013. In addition to the bag of various materials for the students, they also host monthly birthday celebrations and quarterly spaghetti dinners for their families. The most recent spaghetti dinner had a turnout of about 60 people, and seven Rotarians volunteered.
Paul explains: "It's something where you know you're making an impact. Even if it's as simple as slinging spaghetti for kids, feeding their families, and watching them gobble that stuff down like there's no tomorrow."
Also, in partnership with the ELC, Soar
in 4, Manatee Technical College, and the School District of Manatee County, Rotary has installed three giveaway libraries at Daughtrey Elementary, Manatee
Elementary, and Palmetto Elementary Schools. The libraries, called "Boxo Boox," make at-home book sharing more easily attainable for families by bringing various books to school locations where families frequent. The goal is to create a community of readers.
"If they learn to read and enjoy reading, it's easier for them to read to learn after third grade where they're actually learning the subject material," says Paul.
The books are for all children aged newborn to 12 and include bilingual books to support readers of all backgrounds. These stands are made from disposed newspaper boxes which are then painted and made fun for kids. The end goal is to bring a Boxo Booxs to all Title I schools in Manatee County.
Dr. Sheila Halpin, Manatee County Schools
Campaign for Grade-Level Reading & Volunteer Coordinator, explains: "Even before they start kindergarten, young children deserve to participate in learning experiences led by caring and well-trained adults. Parents and caregivers should have access to the support they need to encourage their children's development.
She continues: "Reading to a child for just 20 minutes per day exposes them to about 1.8 million words a year. Children whose parents regularly spend time reading and talking to them by age four may have heard as many as 30 million more words than their peers. This lays a strong foundation for learning to read. This Campaign for Grade-Level Reading collaboration ensures families can access free books in their neighborhood."
Another early reader and book initiative
The Rotary Club of Bradenton has invested in with the ELC is Newborn to Read. This program was born of a desire to share with parents how important it is to read to a baby while also creating the foundation for kindergarten readiness. Through the Rotary's support, every family with a baby born at Manatee Memorial and Lakewood Ranch Hospitals receives a care package containing a book from the Florida Division of Early Learning, titled First Teacher: A Parent's Guide to
Growing and Learning, an infant-friendly child's book from the ELC, other learning resources, and the "prescription to read" from Dr. Audrey Davis, a neonatologist at Manatee Memorial and Lakewood Ranch Hospitals.
The "prescription" itself has information about the benefits of reading. On the back is other information for parents about resources they can continue to utilize as their child grows. Inside every book is the ELC's logoed sticker with more tips about reading and a QR code for families to fill out a survey on how they feel about receiving the books and resources as well as what they're going to do with them.
Dr. Davis reached out to the ELC, wanting to develop a program that would help dispel the misconceptions or awkwardness about reading to a baby and highlight all the wonderful benefits. Rachel Spivey, Director of Grant Management at the ELC, is also a Rotarian. She presented the idea to the Club, and they generously donated a $2000 grant that the ELC currently has to support Newborn to Read. This funding will provide 1,000 of these care packages to the families of newborns.
"It was really this natural idea development where, if we could create the resources, then Dr. Davis would have the audience to share them with. We have the materials at the ELC, and she has the new parents with her," explained Rachel Spivey, Director of Grant Management at the ELC and one of the creators of Newborn to Read.
The Rotary Club provides for kids' education through indirect means as well. Beds for Kids Inc. was started by a Manatee County Sheriff's officer and First United Methodist Church of Bradenton. Manatee County was one of the few counties where the sheriffs went into the home to do child welfare checks, and often, they would find that these children didn't have their own beds.
"While this isn't necessarily an 'education' initiative, having a bed is very important for the purpose of education. Sometimes it's one of the main reasons why people have difficulty getting acceptable housing for their kids or permanency. Because they don't have simple infrastructure like a bed, things people take for granted, a child can have difficulty focusing in school when their home life isn't a stable environment," Paul explains.
These beds are handmade by volunteers, with Bible verses painted on the slats by other children. The beds are delivered to the child's home, and they even can help assemble them! Along with the bed, the children are given new linens, pillows, teddy bears, a rug for prayer, a children's Bible, and a storybook. This organization has built and delivered more than 400 beds across Manatee and Sarasota counties since 2017.
In addition to all they do locally, the Rotary Club of Bradenton grants money to a program that provides computers and resources in central hubs at schools in Tanzania. With their funds, they're able to prop up a whole new school, and they're set up between 50 and 60 schools in Tanzania.
The Club understands that not all education has to be four or more years of postsecondary school. This is why they've sponsored the Advanced Manufacturing program at Manatee Technical College.
Paul remarks: "You can't outsource certain jobs. Things like haircutting, advanced manufacturing, HVAC technicians, and plumbing can't be done with artificial intelligence."
Rotary has granted scholarships to four local high school students and one student enrolled at Manatee Technical College. Investing so much back into our local community encourages others to not only do the same but also return to their community and uplift others in atrisk situations.
"Within our Club, we had a love of people that are truly committed to education and literacy. We're coming up on our 100th anniversary, and we want to have an impact on Manatee County for another hundred years. It starts with children," Paul concludes.
• For more information on The Rotary Club of Bradenton or how to get involved, please visit: https://www.bradentonrotary.org/
WORDS: The Skin Cancer Foundation
Sunscreen is an important part of a complete sun protection strategy. But sunscreen alone isn't enough to keep you safe in the sun.
When used as directed, sunscreen is proven to:
• Decrease your risk of skin cancers and skin precancers. Regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent.
• Help prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun, including wrinkles, sagging, and age spots.
Who should use sunscreen?
The short answer is everyone! Men, women, and children over six months of age should use sunscreen every day. This includes people who tan easily and those who don't — remember, your skin is damaged by sun exposure over your lifetime, whether or not you burn.
Babies under the age of 6 months are the only exceptions; their skin is highly sensitive. Stay out of the sun; shade structures and sun-protective clothing are the best ways to safeguard infants. What type of sunscreen should you use?
With so many choices, how do you pick a sunscreen that's right for you? The Skin Cancer Foundation believes that the best sunscreen is the one you are most likely to use, so long as it provides safe and effective protection and is broad spectrum with an SPF 15 or higher. Learn about your options to make an informed choice that best suits your needs. The happier you are with your sunscreen, the more consistently you'll use it.
Sunscreen includes active ingredients that help prevent the sun's UV radiation from reaching your skin. Here's how the two types of sunscreen work for you:
• Physical (mineral) sunscreen ingredients (including the minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) block and scatter the rays before they penetrate your skin.
• Chemical sunscreen ingredients (like avobenzone and octisalate) absorb UV rays before they can damage your skin.
Are sunscreens safe?
While physical sunscreens may be less likely to cause skin irritation than chemical sunscreens, both types have been tested as safe and effective. In fact, many sun protection products available today combine both types of ingredients.
All active ingredients in sunscreen are chemically derived. Some people may think of physical sunscreens as more "natural" or even "organic," but they're actually inorganic mineral compounds. The sunscreens many people call "chemical" are actually "UV organic filters."
What does SPF mean?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The number tells you how long the sun's UVB rays would take to redden your skin if you apply the sunscreen exactly as directed compared with the amount of time without sunscreen. So, if you use an SPF 30 product properly, it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you used no sunscreen.
WHO: Everyone under the sun
WHAT: Broad spectrum SPF 15 or higher; SPF 30 or higher for a day outdoors
WHEN: Every day, 30 minutes prior to going outdoors. Reapply every two hours
WHERE: All exposed skin
HOW: One ounce (a shot glass full) to the entire body for each application
WHY: Reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer!
What level of SPF do I need?
If you're inside most of the day with just short intervals in the sun, you can use a sunscreen or cosmetic product with an SPF of 15 or higher. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially when and where the sun is strongest, you need an SPF 30 or higher, waterresistant sunscreen.
No matter the SPF, reapplication every two hours is key. Sunscreen must also be reapplied immediately after swimming or sweating.
Broad-spectrum protection
In the past, most sunscreens only included information on product labels about protection against UVB — the rays that cause sunburn, and not UVA — the rays that cause tanning and premature aging. Now that UVA dangers are well known, broad-spectrum sunscreen provides clear information on product labels about protection against both UVB and UVA.
Choosing a sunscreen: What to look for
• Broad-spectrum: Protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
• SPF 15: Ideal for every day, occasional exposure, like walking your dog or driving to work. Look for our Daily Use Seal of Recommendation SPF 30 or higher: Necessary for extended outdoor activities, including distance running, hiking, swimming, and outdoor sports. SPF 30 is a must if you work outdoors. Look for our Active Seal of Recommendation.
• Water-resistant and very water-resistant: For swimming or intense exercise. No sunscreen is waterproof; they all eventually wash off. Sunscreens labeled water-resistant are tested to be effective for up to 40 minutes of swimming, while very water-resistant sunscreens stay effective for up to 80 minutes in the water.
When should I apply sunscreen?
Every day! The best practice is to apply 30 minutes before venturing outside to allow the sunscreen to bind to your skin. Reapply every two hours of exposure and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
Even when it's cloudy, up to 80 percent of the sun's UV radiation reaches the earth. Going unprotected on an overcast day can lead to skin damage.
Experts recommend applying sunscreen to your entire body before you dress for the day. That way, your skin will be protected if your clothing shifts or you remove layers. At the very least, you should use sunscreen on every part of your body that is exposed to the sun, including those easy-to-miss spots: the tops of your ears, the back of your neck, your scalp (on the part line), tops of your feet and behind your knees.
How much sunscreen should I use?
To get the full broad-spectrum protection out of your sunscreen, apply one ounce — about a shot glass full — to your entire body. Most people apply less than half of that amount, translating into reduced protection.
With reapplication, a family of four should use one four-ounce bottle of sunscreen per person during a long day outdoors.
Sunscreen reduces your overall UV exposure and lowers your risk of skin cancer and sun damage.
Other things to consider
• Your skin cancer risk factors: Your skin type and family history will determine the level of protection needed for you.
• Photosensitivity: No matter your skin type, certain medications and disorders make your skin highly sensitive to the sun, raising your protection requirements.
• Skin conditions: You can choose from sunscreens for dry skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin, and sensitive skin.
Keep in mind that while crucial, sunscreen alone is not enough. Seek the shade whenever possible, wear sun-safe clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses for a complete sun protection strategy.
In homes where there are small children, safety is an important issue. Parents want to protect their children from all potential dangers and will most often take steps to make their home as safe an environment as possible. Unfortunately, despite one's best efforts, accidents may still happen. The National Safety Council cites injuries as the leading cause of childhood death. Of the accidents that cause these injuries, half occur in the home. When they do, parents or guardians must be prepared to take the necessary action. Understanding basic first aid and how to apply it according to the injury and age of the child is critical and can save the child's life.
Prevention is the first step that people should take to protect their families. There are various threats to take into consideration when making safety plans and changes to the home. Chemicals and other toxic items should be stored appropriately to prevent poisoning. Most often, this means storing them in a locked cabinet or in a high enough location inaccessible to children. To prevent fires and burns, matches and lighters should also be kept in locations children cannot access.
Fire and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home are
important to warn families of fire and carbon monoxide, the latter of which has no taste or smell. In addition, parents should create fire escape plans and conduct practice drills to ensure that everyone understands what needs to be done if there is a fire. Create an emergency phone number and contact list and place it in areas that are easily seen so that children know whom to contact in the event of an emergency.
Emergencies happen, but it isn't always the child who needs emergency care. If a parent is injured, it may be the child who must administer care and contact the authorities or emergency medical services. For this reason, children should be taught basic first aid so that they know how to react in an emergency situation. These skills can also help them in a situation where an adult is not readily available, but immediate action is required to quickly help a friend or other family member.
Children should be taught how to stop bleeding and how to help if someone is choking or has fallen and injured themselves. Parents should discuss what to do in an emergency and can even find useful online resources to help them teach their children. More importantly, a formal first aid course for kids can be beneficial as these courses provide child-friendly instructions on administering emergency care that is doable for their age.
Even before a parent teaches a child first aid, it is crucial that the child is taught how to call for help. All children should know how to call 911 in an emergency. They should also know their full names, their parent's full names, and their address and phone number so that they are able to provide this information over the phone. Children must be taught when it is appropriate to call 911 and the importance of only calling it for emergencies.
It's natural for new parents to be overly concerned about the well-being of their offspring. Despite the desire to prevent injuries and illnesses, some first-time parents don't know exactly where to begin. Falls, burns, and scalding commonly injure babies, toddlers, and younger children. Parents should ensure the baby is safeguarded from rolling off a surface. When training a baby to walk, sharp objects should be removed from the surroundings as they are prone to falling. A bad fall can result in trauma to the child's head and even brain injury. Infants can burn easily, even in bathwater that is too hot. To prevent burns, care should be taken to ensure that temperatures are tolerable for delicate babies.
Babies also have a high risk of choking, suffocating, and drowning. Babies are at risk of falling from beds, tables, or sofas. Both babies and toddlers are known for putting items in their mouths. If an item is not approved as a toy for infants, the child may choke on it and risk suffocation. Loose buttons, marbles, and other small objects should be placed safely to avoid choking or accidental suffocation.
Care should also be taken to buy the appropriate type of toys. Careful parents will also want to take infant and child CPR classes. Due to their smaller frames, techniques for infant and child CPR will differ from techniques for adults. First aid classes will also provide parents with the knowledge of what to do for other types of injuries, such as burns from overly hot water. Food is another area of concern for parents. Food should be stored appropriately and heated to prevent illness or accidental injury from heat.
The utmost care and precautions should be taken when dealing with children and infants. If this is observed, the chances of accidents and injuries can be minimized or totally avoided. However, proper education on first aid for children and infants will serve as a safety net if accidents occur. Preparation and education is the key to successful parenting.
WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen
After one of the most unprecedented times in our country's history in 2020, D C's Child Care Center was at a loss for what to do. Short-staffed, unable to find anyone to hire, and about to close their doors for good, they reached out to the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County.
"We called, said we're about to shut down, and we didn't know what to do. They explained that there was an Early Childhood Education program starting at Manatee Technical College (MTC) and asked if we wanted to be on the list for graduates to call," explains Adrianna Craddock,
child care lab so that students are able to immerse themselves fully into the classroom role.
When NEXTGEN last spoke with Ralitsa during her time in the program, she was working a night job, attending school during the day, and still providing for her family. Now, Ralitsa is working full-time at D C's Child Care as of October 2022 as a teacher in the two-year-old room.
"I love it," she says. "I'm still learning new things every day, and each day presents a new challenge. So, I ask myself, 'What can I do next to help these kids?'"
that Ralitsa is "just one of the most amazing employees ever."
Adriana, Devatta, and the students aren't the only ones overjoyed with Ralitsa. The parents have quickly grown to love her too! Adrianna recalled how the parents would first ask about who the new teacher was but started getting a lot of great feedback on her.
Directorof D C's Child Care Center.
The Early Childhood Education preapprenticeship program prepares students to be qualified child care teachers. It's an eight-week course made up of 150 hours of class time. The instruction they provide includes the necessary 45 DCF hours, CPR, first aid, inclusion training, and PEARLS training. These specific qualifications ensure that the students are employable as soon as they complete the program. As they wrap up their eight weeks, the students go out on interviews at local child care sites. The goal is for the students to have a guaranteed job waiting for them once they graduate.
D C's Child Care Center managed to stay open for another year from that initial ELC phone call, but they were truly at their wit's end. That's when Ralitsa Funez called.
Adrianna says: "We were praying and saying, 'If someone comes, they come. If not, then it's the end.' When Ralitsa called, we asked if she had her 45 hours and was ready to work. She told us yes, and when she came to interview, we thought she was just lovely! This could not have worked out better."
The program also prepares the students' soft skills like resume writing and interview preparedness. Additionally, the students get the opportunity to go on tours of different child care facilities within the community. A unique aspect of this program is how MTC has a mock
But it's not just caring for those fun, energetic little ones that she loves. Ralitsa has connected strongly with her special needs students. One student, in particular, was recently diagnosed with high-level autism. His mom has been having a hard time getting him to eat certain foods, but Ralitsa has been able to get him not only to eat but actually enjoy those foods he once had an aversion to!
There is also a deeper, personal connection that happens with some of the students.
"I connected with one child because they reminded me of my childhood. It can bring up difficult memories, but it also makes me sentimental. I strive to be that positive influence in their lives that they so desperately need right now."
Adrianna says that she and her mother, Devatta (D C's Child Care Center owner), are beyond happy with the results of the preapprenticeship program, stating
Through an app called "WhatsApp," Ralitsa and the other employees of D C's Child Care Center are able to keep parents updated throughout the day with pictures or videos of their children. From big play days to the little crafts, Ralitsa's lesson plans captivated the parents.
"Most of Ralitsa's crafts are hands-on activities. She says, 'Let's get messy; let's get dirty!' She'll make sure to tell the parents to pack an extra change of clothes or a bathing suit for their kids. Then, they'll do big, messy crafts or run around outside in the sprinklers, dancing on the turf," Adrianna describes, smiling.
Ralitsa took the initiative to implement spirit weeks at the center. The children participated in hat day, crazy sock day,
and holiday-themed days! That was something the center hadn't thought about doing before.
"Because the center was close to closing when I started working here, I noticed the
spirit needed to be lifted. The parents have even started to participate! Valentine's Day was a big hit. On St. Patrick's Day, one of the dads came in a big leprechaun hat to pick up his son," Ralitsa says.
It's important to Ralitsa that the kids are having fun even though they're there to learn. To celebrate Easter, she wore bunny ears that would pop up when she squeezed them.
Ralitsa's future endeavors include continuing her education and eventually owning her own child care center one day. She is currently enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship program at Manatee Technical College for higher-level training. What's neat about this is that Anna Maria Mascherino Carleton was Ralitsa's instructor during the pre-apprenticeship program and is also her course instructor now. Having a familiar face and teaching instruction really encourages the students to continue their education as they know what to expect when walking into the classroom each semester.
Anna Maria speaks highly of Ralitsa. "I think her work ethic really says a lot about the program here at MTC. Ralitsa provides for her family while also attending school. This field takes a lot of dedication. Sometimes people feel like it's a thankless job or they're not paid as much as other people and the fact that these girls are putting in so much effort into wanting to be here shows their drive and passion."
Along with a want to make learning fun, Ralitsa and AnnaMaria share a passion for creativity. A lot of the craft ideas Ralitsa has for the students come from a large book AnnaMaria has available to her students. Her other ideas come from Pinterest or are her own invention.
Ralitsa says: "I can see that the Early Childhood Education Pre-Apprenticeship Program is working. It gave me all the skills I needed to begin my career in early child care. We even had one girl recently call to interview here who just finished her course."
Francesca Ricciardo, Workforce Initiatives Coordinator at the ELC, has been working with Ralitsa since she applied for the pre-apprenticeship program. "Ralitsa was always on time and willing to participate no matter how tired or stressed she was.
She worked really hard to be where she's at and I know she'll continue working hard to complete her goals. She is exactly what we look for in the program. Someone who has never worked in child care before, went through the program, and is now loving and thriving at where she's working."
After 12 years in business, Adrianna and Devatta are thrilled to continue operating
their center and credit the program's successful output of employable students in the community as a huge reason why they're still open. Having a child care center close its doors can be devastating for employees and families alike. Thankfully, the ELC and MTC are working hard to change the quality of
early childhood education for the better throughout Manatee County.
● For more information regarding the ECE Pre-Apprenticeship Program, contact Francesca Ricciardo at fricciardo@elc-manatee.org or call (941) 212-4994.
A Child's Galaxy Preschool
4417 20th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34207
941-755-6302
Adventures In Learning
712 61st Street East
Palmetto, FL 34221
941-722-1816
A Growing Start Childcare Center, LLC
525 3rd Street East
Bradenton, FL 34208
941-896-9750
A Little Schoolhouse Christian Academy
11740 U.S Highway 301 North
Parrish, FL 34219
941-776-1973
All About Children Christian Child Care Center
447 North Lime Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34237
941-365-4172
All Gods Children Preschool
11107 Palmbrush Trail
Bradenton, FL 34202
941-739-2776
Angel's Friends Child Development
611 North East Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34237
941-953-3852
A New Beginning Early Child Care Learning Center
2185 Wood Street
Sarasota, FL 34237
941-316-1555
A Plus Growing Academy 800 10th Avenue West
Palmetto, FL 34221
941-722-0797
A Readiness Learning Academy 9045 59th Avenue Circle East
Bradenton, FL 34202
941-727-9354
A Readiness Learning Academy 2
6130 SR 70 East
Bradenton, FL 34203
941-752-4927
Baby Fox Academy
7041 Professional Parkway
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240
941-359-3699
Barbara Lane Family Day Care Home
602 31st Avenue East
Bradenton FL, 34208
941-746-1774
Beautiful Blessings
1609 10th Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-952-1871
Bible Baptist Church of Palmetto Academy
1750 6th Avenue West, Unit 101
Palmetto, FL 34221
941-479-4958
Boys & Girls Club Daughtrey Elementary
515 63rd Avenue East
Bradenton, FL 34203
(941) 761-2582 ext. 116
Boys & Girls Club DeSoto
5236 30th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34207
941-758-3828
Boys & Girls Club Manatee Elementary
1609 6th Avenue East
Bradenton, FL 34208 (941) 761-2582 ext. 119
Boys & Girls Club Oneco Elementary 5214 22nd Street Court East
Bradenton, FL 34203 (941) 761-2582 ext. 118
Boys & Girls Club Palmetto 1600 10th Street West
Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-1268
Boys & Girls Club Rogers Garden/Bullock Elementary
515 113 Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205 (941) 761-2582 ext. 117
Bradenton Christian School West
1305 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-404-4491
Bradenton Early Learning Academy 2015 7th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-216-3305
Bradenton Early Learning Academy (Downtown) 202 3rd Avenue East
Bradenton, FL 34208 941-216-3060
Bright Angels Academy & Daycare, Inc.
1716 53rd Avenue East
Bradenton, FL 34203 941-962-0472
Bright Beginnings Academy
614 10th Street West
Palmetto, FL 34221
941-479-7910
Bright Beginnings Preschool
4111 Webber Street
Sarasota, FL 34232
941-921-6722
Bright Futures Daycare & Preschool, LLC
1617 26th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205
941-251-5436
Bright Minds Family Home Daycare, Inc.
2101 32nd Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205
941-565-9058
Busy Bee Child Development and Learning Center, LLC
455 48th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34209
941-666-8008
CapoKids Martial Arts Preschool
11534 Palmbrush Trail
Bradenton, FL 34202
941-922-4520
Children's Nest of Manatee, Inc.
5051 26th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34207
941-753-9024
Children's Nest of Manatee 2
600 7th Avenue West
Palmetto, FL 34207
941-479-7789
Community Christian School
5500 18th Street East
Bradenton, FL 34203
941-756-8748
Community Haven for Adults & Children with Disabilities
4405 DeSoto Road
Sarasota, FL 34235
941-355-8808
CORE Early Education And Learning
605 13th Avenue West
Palmetto, FL 34221
941-729-9069
Countryside Academy For Children
5807 18th Avenue East
Bradenton, FL 34208
941-747-3044
Creative Kids Connection 408 75th Street Northwest
Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-8687
CRPE Academy
1621 66th Avenue Terrace East
Sarasota FL, 34243
(941) 932-0984
DC's Child Care Center 5105 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-6090
Discovery Point Twelve Oaks
7218 55th Ave
Bradenton, FL 34203 941-200-4250
Doodle Bugs! Children's Learning Academy
11015 Passage Drive
Bradenton, FL 34221 (941) 721-0330
Doran Family Day Care Home 4719 Cayo Costa Place Bradenton, FL 34203 941-752-4802
Easter Seals of Southwest Florida 350 Braden Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-7637
Education Time 5165 33rd Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-7332
Faith Preschool of Faith UCC 4850 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-7895
Family Life Community School 7002 121st Avenue East Parrish, FL 34219 941-281-6412
First For Kids Children's Christian Center 603 11th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0824
First United Methodist Church Early Care Center 104 South Pineapple Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-9522
FORZA Child Development Center, Inc. 12214 US Highway 301 North Parrish, FL 34219 941-981-5885
Foundation For Dreams 16110 Dream Oaks Place Bradenton, FL 34212 941-746-5659
Foundations Christian Montessori Academy of Sarasota 4141 DeSoto Road Sarasota, FL 34235
Free To Grow Academy 5304 7th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-254-4268
Free To Grow Academy 2
900 3rd Street East
Bradenton, FL 34208
941-773-5062
Grandma's Babysitting Center
1728 26th Avenue East
Bradenton, FL 34208
941-708-9864
Great Minds Childcare
1018 35th Avenue West
Bradenton FL, 34205
941-896-5319
Growing Hands Learning Center
5743 69th Street East
Palmetto, FL 34221
941-845-4873
Happy Cubs
6207 21st Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34209
941-798-6173
Happy Go Lucky
1606 55th Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34207
941-752-4608
Horizons Unlimited Christian Academy
2674 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Sarasota, FL 34234
941-957-0409
House of JBaby's Preschool
1300 Manatee Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208
941-896-7415
Imagine Charter School at North Manatee
9275 49th Avenue East
Palmetto, FL 34221
941-981-5345
Imagine Schools at Lakewood Ranch
10535 Portal Crossing
Bradenton, FL 34211
941-750-0900
Imagine Schools Palmer Ranch
6220 McIntosh Road
Sarasota, FL 34238
941-923-1125
In The Beginning Learning Center
5503 12th Street East
Bradenton, FL 34203
941-567-6106
Jackson Family Day Care Home
6715 36th Avenue Drive West
Bradenton, FL 34209
941-794-5097
Jones Family Day Care Home
10447 Brendle Road
Myakka City, FL 34251
941-219-3605
Jump Start Preschool of the Arts
11005 Passage Drive Bradenton, FL 34211 941-747-8900
Just for Girls
1500 10th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-8988
Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch
4225 Concept Court Bradenton, FL 34211 941-727-9072
Kids Academy Plus 57th
1415 57th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-727-1841
Kids Academy Plus HL 4635 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-345-4040
Kids Club Child Development & Educational Center of Bradenton, LLC 5231 4th Avenue Circle East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-900-2812
Kids On The Rock 1401 14th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-4567
Kidzone Preschool 116 27th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-2727
Kingdom Academy Preschool LLC 374 Scott Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-0026
Lakewood Ranch Early Learning Center LLC 11520 Palmbrush Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-727-9990
La Petite Academy 37th 4301 37th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-756-5227
La Petite Academy SR 70 6919 53rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-2336
La Petite Academy Vintage Road 4507 Vintage Drive Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-7677
Learning Academy of Sarasota 133 McIntosh Road Sarasota, FL 34232 941-342-0800
Learning! Kidz Zone
2211 53rd Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34207
941-254-7859
Learning Unlimited
6210 17th Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34209
941-794-5838
Learning With Love
2712 47th Avenue West
Palmetto, FL 34221
941-729-0442
Legendary Steps Academy, LLC
1010 North Orange Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 243-7818
Let's Learn Early Childhood Center
1415 7th Avenue East
Bradenton, FL 34208
941-567-4279
Lil' Angels Daycare, Inc.
1500 7th Street West
Palmetto, FL 34221
941-720-9640
Linda Evans Family Day Care Home
1500 7th Street West
Palmetto, FL 34221
941-720-9640
Little Caterpillar Early Child Care
3059 Gypsy Street
Sarasota, FL 34231
941-960-6312
Little Einstein's Academy
3631 Tallevast Road
Bradenton, FL 34243
941-894-6505
Little Manatee's Cove, LLC
707 3rd Avenue West
Palmetto, FL 34221
941-405-7991
Little Tikes University
4200 32nd Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205
941-567-6350
Loving Hands Daycare
1204 60th Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34207
941-755-6306
Manatee United Methodist Preschool
315 15th Street East
Bradenton, FL 34208
941-750-6739
Morgan Large Family Day Care Home
3311 Barstow Street
Sarasota, FL 34235
941-957-0608
Myakka Early Learning Center, Inc.
37190 Singletary Road
Myakka City, FL 34251 941-322-2605
Next Generation Academy
4636 26th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34207 941-251-2491
Our Kids West
2425 38th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-752-1715
Palma Sola Early Learning Academy
7315 1st Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-795-0788
Palmetto Youth Center 501 17th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-0783
Pathways to Learning LLC 2601 7th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-8802
Parrish Charter Academy (Forza 1) 8605 Erie Road Parrish, FL 34219 941-545-6380
Play & Grow Preschool Inc. 2435 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL 34237 941-366-7300
Portal To Adventure 911 Rye Road East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-739-3929
Primrose School Lakewood Ranch North 5730 New Haven Blvd. Bradenton, FL 34211 813-230-2827
Primrose School Lakewood Ranch Town Center 9127 Town Center Parkway Bradenton, FL 34202 941-373-6363
Puppy Patch Preschool 1116 35th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-6648
Reaching For The Stars Academy 2239 14th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-3901
Risen Savior Academy 14605 59th Avenue East Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 941-756-7545
Sanchez Large Family Day Care Home
2016 Fern Avenue
Sarasota FL, 34235
941-879-6156
Sand & Buckets Daycare Corp
3407 17th Street Court East
Bradenton, FL 34208
941-748-4799
Sandman Preschool & Academy
924 Wilmerling Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34243
941-755-2591
School District of Manatee County
Professional Support Center
2501 63rd Avenue East
Bradenton, FL 34203
941-751-6550
School for Constructive Play
6608 Marina Drive
Holmes Beach, FL 34217
941-778-2210
Smarty Pants Preschool LLC
832 62nd Street Circle East
Bradenton, FL 34208
941-747-7710
Smarty Pants Preschool 2
904 43rd Street West
Bradenton, FL 34209
941-896-4796
Smiling Faces Academy, Inc.
910 19th Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205
941-756-1234
Smiling Faces Junior Academy, Inc.
1720 11th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205
941-747-3925
Sproutlings Kids SFCP Too, Inc.
1222 36th Avenue East
Ellenton, FL 34222
941-776-4947
Sproutlings Kids SFCP Too, Inc.
3411 US Highway 301 North
Ellenton, FL 34222
941-845-4484
Stapleton Family Day Care Home
1110 42nd Terrace East
Bradenton, FL 34208
941-580-0510
Step Up Suncoast
Rise & Shine Early Learning Morton Clark
1707 15th Street East
Bradenton, FL 34208
941-750-6667
Step Up Suncoast
Rise & Shine Early Learning Palmetto
1315 2nd Avenue West
Palmetto, FL 34221
941-750-6667
Step Up Suncoast
Rise & Shine Early Learning Parkland
6432 Parkland Drive
Sarasota, FL 34243 941-750-6667
Step Up Suncoast
Rise & Shine Early Learning Pine Village
1103 56th Avenue Drive East
Bradenton, FL 34203 941-827-2887
Step Up Suncoast
Rise & Shine Early Learning West Bradenton 2531 9th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-750-6667
Sunny Daze Preschool East 9922 SR 64 East
Bradenton, FL 34212 941-750-0042
Sunshine Academy & Daycare 2520 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-3143
Taylor Family Day Care Home 3906 29th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-755-8418
Teachable Moments Learning Center LLC 3005 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-900-1022
The Center of Anna Maria Island, Inc. 407 Magnolia Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216 941-778-1908
The Goddard School 14534 Arbor Green Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-752-6600
The Learning Experience Lakewood Ranch 14425 Arbor Green Trail
Bradenton, FL 34202 941-251-4046
The Learning Post Child Care 623 30th Street East
Palmetto, FL 34221 941-536-4858
The Learning Tree at Pines of Sarasota 1501 North Orange Ave
Sarasota, FL 34236 941-552-1861
The Myakka City Community Center
10070 Wauchula Road
Myakka City, FL 34251
941-322-8114
The Renaissance Preschool Inc. 2500 10th Street Sarasota, FL 34237
941-365-0749
The School House 4055 Bee Ridge Road Sarasota, FL 34233 914-371-0171
Thompson Academy LLC
1212 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-748-2162
Tiny Tots University 930 9th Street Drive West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-723-9072
Toad Hall Children's Center of Bradenton
4004 8th Avenue Drive West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-3951
Toddler's Ark FCCH 711 36th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-879-2407
Toddler's Inn Child Care Center LLC
2611 9th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208
941-746-4631
Top Kids Bilingual Preschool Of Bradenton 7700 Cortez Road West Bradenton, FL 34210
941-782-8995
Tree of Life Preschool Inc 2200 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-747-1756
Trinity Children's Center 3200 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-8608
Vanessa Hawkins Family Day Care Home 2674 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Sarasota, FL 34234 941-957-0409
Victoria Morgan Family Day Care Home 2809 8th Street Court West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-251-6431
Walker Family Day Care Home 3213 44th Drive East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-752-6629
Wee Care Christian Academy 10540 Hamilton Way Myakka City, FL 34251 941-322-6409
Wee World Child Development Center 1020 4th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-0810
Weitz Family Day Care Home 6405 37th Avenue Circle West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-792-7257
Willis Family Day Care Home 3206 Clark Drive Sarasota, FL 34234 941-355-6574
Willis 2 W.E.C ares Child Care 708 32nd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-356-5205
Woodland Early Childhood Center 9607 SR 70 East Bradenton, FL 34202 941-753-8588
April 7th marked the 75th De Soto Children's Parade sponsored by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC). Children from all over gathered in Palmetto to watch a slew of handmade floats, performance acts, and conquistadors march down 10th Street to Sutton Park. The winning float for "Best Use of Theme" was designed by Palma Sola Elementary School.
It featured students performing real instruments on a stage! Palmetto Charter School won the "Most Imaginative" award, Freedom Elementary won the "Most Colorful" award, and the Bradenton Twirlers won the "Most Crowd Pleasing" award with their baton skills. These floats and performances were granted the opportunity to walk in the De Soto Grand Parade that was held on April 29th.
Judges for the floats were Amanda Horne, owner of Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Patrick McKenna of Riverhouse Reef and Grill,
Amongst those who participated in the parade were Learning is Fun Child Care Center, Jessie P. Miller Elementary, Freedom Elementary, Palmetto Charter School, Star Academy of Dance and Aerial Arts, Pressure House Academy, and more.
At the end of the parade, walkers and watchers gathered at Sutton Park for ELC's Party in the Park. $620 of the proceeds Kona Ice made at the party was given back to the ELC. Partiers enjoyed informational resources and free prizes from organizations such as Step Up Suncoast, Manatee Library, Team Success, Safe Children Coalition, Parenting Matters, The Bishop, and more. Additionally, the ELC brought a preview of Block Fest and exercise dice from their CATCH program for children of all ages to enjoy.
Jennifer Cox Lipsey of Cox Chevrolet/Mazda, and Leah Brown of Charter Communications.
PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen
WILL YOU SPARE AN HOUR TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD?
ReadingPals provides mentors to positively influence students’ understanding of the fundamental building blocks of early literacy. In addition, through genuine and impactful relationships, mentors help enhance a solid social-emotional foundation for their young learners.
• Offered in Manatee County through the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County under the direction of the Children's Movement of Florida.
• Mentors meet weekly in person with 1-3 students at a time (25+ sessions).
• Screening, training, continuous mentor support and books provided by the ELC of Manatee County.
• Students receive copies of the read-aloud books to enjoy at home.
For More Information: Contact the ELC of Manatee County (941)757-2900 ext. 2500
ReadingPals@elc-manatee.org
LEARN MORE: Visit www.elc-manatee.org/ReadingPals today!
Bradenton Macaroni Kid is one of the area's top resources for all things family-friendly! With a comprehensive listing of holiday events, play groups, classes, festivals, summer programs, shows and much more, Bradenton Macaroni Kid makes it easy for parents to keep their children busy and entertained all year long. Don't miss the exciting giveaways, promotions, timely bits of parenting advice and humor! Like us on Facebook and sign up to receive the FREE weekly e-newsletter with the latest scoop on fun outings and events in Manatee County at www.bradenton.macaronikid.com.
(Birth to 3)
Your child will enjoy viewing familiar pets in the colorful photos of this board book. Part of the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) Beginnings collection, this book features a pet along with descriptions of what the animals do, eat, and how they behave. A great book to engage young children in pointing to and identifying each animal, encouraging animal sounds, and repeating simple text. A musthave for any family with pets or an animal-loving child.
(4-6)
By Pilar López Ávila, Illustrated by Mar AzabalThis delightful tale tells the story of a girl eager to attend school when the war finally ends. Walking to school, Ayobami leaves the safe path and ventures into the jungle, where she encounters various animals. Ayobami uses literature to outsmart the animals while learning to write on her own. An enchanting book about the will to learn to read and write. Striking illustrations set the tone for this exciting journey, along with letters of the alphabet depicting Aoyama's writing.
(7-9)
By Tim HarrisMr. Bambuckle is the wacky, adventurous teacher featured in The Class 12B series. This book has Mr. Bambuckle taking his class on a camping trip. The group is enjoying themselves when the harsh Ms. Frost, the new assistant principal, crashes the trip leading to more adventurous happenings. Find out how the class deals with Ms. Frost and the great outdoors at the same time.
(10-12)
By Roald Dahl
This is Roald Dahl's autobiography, filled with fascinating and outlandishly funny escapades. Find out the backstory of how he came up with the ideas for all his imaginative stories. The prequel of this book is Boy: Tales of Childhood. A great readaloud book for a younger audience or a nice book to escape into. A must for any Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, BFG, James the Giant Peach, or Matilda fan. Be aware, there are references to canings that took place during Dahl's schooling in the 1920s and 1930s.
The first 50 people to come into the lobby of the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, 600 8th Avenue West, Suite 100, Palmetto can pick up free copies of the books reviewed.
You are the in our community. LIGHT
WORDS: Christa Hardin
When summer first rolls around, kids and parents get so excited! By then, we're often tired of the hectic schedules and the carpooling to activities. But let's admit, after we can take a deep breath for a week or two, the fun wears off. We're looking for — actually, we NEED — practical ways to keep our kids from getting too bored, complaining, or perhaps worst of all for their healthy brain development, sitting on their devices scrolling all day!
Keeping our kids healthy and active in the summer is so much more than spending money, watching their favorite shows, or playing round after round of video games. It looks like preventing summer learning loss by keeping their brains and bodies healthily activated.
Some of this healthy activation will come in the form of creative outlets and from getting proper rest and nutrition, but it's also beneficial for some of it to come from active learning.
Let's make something clear, however. We don't want to introduce summer learning in such a way that it will overwhelm or discourage our kids or make them feel like they don't get proper rest or time to be a kid. The world is already so fast-paced, and most learning websites call kids for more, more, and more stimulation!
Since we don't want them to be caught up in the "bots" calling them to earn just one more reward for a metaphorical carrot, we do want to keep them on track with how the world works - we must be a wise team in our approach.
In other words, it's healthy for school-aged and up individuals to do small amounts of work most days to keep them from sliding into apathy, forgetfulness, or selfishness.
Knowing this, finding the balancing act of letting your kids be kids while also preventing summer learning loss is essential. Here are a few simple but structured ways that you and your kids can ensure you don't fall under the statistic of losing important core language and math skills this summer. Math skills are a particular area that drops more than other subjects, but we can ideally keep them sharp with reading and other areas as well!
1. Give your child a light, balanced breakfast and a book to read or read aloud with you while they eat.
2. Play the three-minute game "Boggle" together, which is a simple yet excellent game for spelling and vocabulary without them even realizing it.
3. Give your kids math worksheets that you print and have ready in an area of the home that does not involve complex new teachings. If they ask for help and you can't help them, consider adding an online class in the subject area you need help in. For a list of virtual classes on most school subjects, visit www.outschool.com
4. If your kids struggle with concentration, sit with them and walk through their distraction triggers with compassion and curiosity. Reward even small amounts of concentration versus critiquing them when they break attention. You may even learn something to share with their teacher in the fall if you pay attention, too!
5. Pair chores and learning. Bring counting and sorting into laundry or dish duties together and offer them a little cash if they go the extra mile.
6. Add fun treats and make certain days off limits for work, too, so they can see the differences between the school year and summer!
7. If you work, add fun field trips to science or art museums for learning on Saturdays or at least a couple of times this summer.
8. Allow time for Audible audiobook recordings on the topics you think they'll need most in the fall and be sure to choose books you think they will generally like. Let them take part in choosing between a few titles, which they don't always get to do at school.
9. Head over to the library each week and allow your kids the freedom to explore new books they're interested in versus just recommended reading lists. An excellent way to track this is to allow them to check out one fun book for every recommended reading list book.
One more caveat. Don't make your kids feel like they're back in school and that there's no attention or reward given for all these summer efforts. Reward them with praise and attention, encouraging them as you help them to make learning a little more satisfying.
I can't stress praising them for their hard work enough. We're all busy, but it only takes a few literal seconds to pause and really look at your child squarely to tell them how proud you are of them and how much you love seeing them as part of the family team. With your encouragement, they are more likely to work hard and play hard this summer and all year!
As mentioned earlier, for summer learning with actual online instructors, you can visit outschool.com and find academic and just-for-fun classes like gardening, Spanish, or learning magic tricks.
Visit https://readingprograms.org/ for reading lists for summer for kids of all ages.
Visit https://www.manateeschools.net for some recommended summer goals by grade (of course, all children have their neurodiversity, but these are general guidelines).
It is hard to believe that the 2022-2023 school year has already ended. Time certainly does fly when you are having fun and keeping busy with homework and after-school activities. However, learning and enrichment don't have to stop just because we are heading into summer.
To prevent the summer slide, it is important to incorporate activities that encourage hand-eye coordination, reading, and writing, as well as reinforcement of numbers, colors, and shapes.
If you want an activity for your early learner and elementary-age child, check out this My Summer Journal Craft my family put together. Not only is this a great way to plan out activities together as a family, but it is also a perfect opportunity to encourage physical activity during the summer months.
To recreate the My Summer Journal Craft activity with your child, you will need the following:
- Construction paper
- Notebook paper
- Paste
- Crayons
- Hole punch
- 3 Metal fasteners, AKA brads
- Optional: Buttons, Confetti, Glitter
Tip: Most of these items can be found around your home or purchased from a local craft store.
First, have your child pick out seven pieces of construction paper, deciding which will be the cover and the back of their My Summer Journal.
Then, discuss some of the activities you will be doing as a family or that they might like to do over the summer. This could be trips to the beach, swimming, playing outside, riding their bike, or reading together.
Next, have your child start decorating the front of the journal. I didn't even need to purchase items for this activity, I simply went through my craft box and pulled out buttons, glitter, and confetti, and we also picked out various colors of crayons. My daughter then used the paste to attach the various items and added more designs to each with the crayons. FYI, the journal cover would be just as beautiful if it were only decorated with crayons, and a child could even decorate it with watercolors or acrylic paint.
Next, it is time to start pasting the pieces of notebook paper to one side of the construction paper.
Tip: If your child is not reading or writing yet, you can skip the notebook paper and bind construction paper together as an art journal to record their summer adventures and places they have seen.
Then, use the hole punch on the outside of all the journal pages. We put three holes along the edge and used the metal fasteners to bind the journal together. Younger children will need help putting holes into the journal and attaching the metal fasteners.
Once together, we used the first page of the journal to write some of the wish lists for summer. Then, the next page started with "The first day of summer I…" Of course, this can be done by the day, the week, or even the month.
A wonderful element of this craft is unlatching the metal fasteners and adding more pages to the My Summer Journal. This activity will also come in handy when your child goes back to school and their teacher asks, "What did you do this summer?"
I hope your family enjoys creating this activity together and has a wonderful break!
Carlee Colonneso is a wife, and stay at home mother of three. She is a graduate of the University of South Florida and author of funlearninglife.com. Her website is a lifestyle blog that centers on family, crafts, recipes, and frugal living.
Parents and caregivers play an enormous role in school readiness. The first five years of brain development establish the foundation of all future learning. Children who enter school with early skills, such as a basic knowledge of math and reading and a well-developed vocabulary, are better positioned for school success.
As early as 18 months old, children from asset-limited families begin to fall behind in vocabulary development and other skills critical for school success. By age 4, they will likely have heard 30 million fewer words than their affluent peers. When children start school with this gap, they are less likely to do well academically, attain higher levels of education, or secure employment after school.
Physical health and wellness and the timely recognition of developmental delays are also essential factors in school readiness.
For the seventh year, due to popular demand from teachers, principals, and willing funding partners (including The Patterson Foundation, Rotary Club of Sarasota Foundation, Charlotte Community Foundation, the School District of DeSoto County, and Community Foundation of Sarasota County), Kindergarten Readiness Bags are back!
Who gets these bags? All incoming kindergarteners attending public schools in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto counties.
Where can I pick up my child's FREE Kindergarten Readiness Bag?
Families enrolling their child for kindergarten can pick up their Kindergarten Readiness Bag at the time of registration.
What's included in these magical bags?
• Two packages of flashcards
• Literacy charts
• Magnetic lowercase alphabet letters
• Magnetic uppercase alphabet letters
• Drawing paper
• Jumbo crayons
• Kindergarten Readiness Checklists
• Information packets about Attendance Works, Vroom, Mind in the Making, and Stronger Me, Stronger We
• Josh the Baby Otter book
• Magic Postcards – when sent in, the child receives another book for their home library
SCGLR created Kindergarten Readiness Bags to provide learning support for incoming kindergartners in the months before school begins so that children can start school ready to learn.
SCGLR Engagement Team member Shalia Moore-Hayes shared, "Only a few weeks or months separate the preschooler from the kindergartner. A child's developmental needs do not change significantly in that short span. Still, the kindergarten classrooms where they receive care and education may differ dramatically from the settings to which they have grown accustomed. A growing body of research also suggests that today's kindergartens are becoming more focused on academic goals. This trend can make the transition from VPK to kindergarten even more complex."
Parents, caregivers, doctors, family members, preschool teachers, early-learning programs, and the broader community all play a role in closing the gap on school readiness and ensuring that all students arrive at school healthy and developmentally ready to actively participate and learn. Let's get our kiddos ready!
know. go.” from (snuggled chair, reading reading book to tell a these actual book? erent? your know lunch? reading books like:
Play school with your child. Practice these skills and check them off as they are mastered. Celebrate!
I CAN:
I CAN:
“The more you read, the more things you know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Dr. SeussDaily reading, or storytelling using pictures from books, in a comfortable, warm setting (snuggled together on the couch, rocking together in a chair, before bedtime, etc.) will help create a love of reading and learning in your child. They will associate reading with comfort and special times with you.
•Ask your child to make predictions about a book from the title alone.
•Ask them to use the pictures from the book to tell a story before reading the book itself. Then ask these questions to compare their story with the actual content of the book...
º Was your story the same as the one in the book?
º How was it the same or how was it di erent?
º Which story did you like best? Why?
Be sure to take time to answer any questions your child may have about kindergarten. (How will I know where to put my backpack? Where do we eat lunch? Will I ride a bus? etc.). Visiting the school and reading books about the rst days of school will help.
You might go to the library and check out books like: Annabel Swift, Kindergartener by Amy Schwartz
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Tomorrow is the First Day of School by Maureen MacDowell
Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come by Nancy Carlson
recognize and name basic shapes: square, circle, triangle and rectangle
recognize and name numbers 1-10, even when they are out of order
count to 20
count ten objects, pointing to each one as I count
say or sing the alphabet
tie my shoes take turns and share sit quietly and listen follow simple directions put on my backpack recognize the letters of the alphabet, both uppercase and lowercase (even out of order)
identify colors in an eight-count crayon pack
recognize my rst name in print
sort items by size, color or shape
hold a book and turn pages
tell if two words rhyme
identify some letter sounds
say my parents’ full names, address and phone numbers (at least one)
put on my coat or jacket and zip it up
use the bathroom by myself (including zipping and buttoning pants)
hold a pencil or crayon cut with scissors put things away hang my backpack on a hook wash my hands with soap use a tissue to wipe my nose cough into my elbow stand in line drink from a drinking fountain raise my hand and wait to be called on open any food containers in my lunch
Source: www.itsalwaysautumn.com
Have you ever wanted your child to be enrolled in an afterschool care program but worried about lack of transportation? Would your child benefit from free tutoring that's done on at least a 3:10 teacher-to-student ratio? What about being secure in knowing that your child is in a safe, positive, and lifeaffirming environment?
Avenue941 is a local initiative that does all of these things and more! Brenda Critchfield, Founder and Director of Avenue941, got the inspiration for the program in the summer of 2019 when she was at
a leadership institute in Orlando. They challenged everyone to find a problem in their community and create a solution. Teaching at Lee Middle School at the time, Brenda knew many of her students were academically below grade level.
"The problem I focused on was accessibility for students to tutors. The School District of Manatee County offers free tutoring after school, but that assumes they can stay. So, what happens when these students have siblings at home that they're taking care of, or they are bus riders?" Brenda stated.
In Manatee County, there are 53 neighborhoods and 300 churches. That equates to six churches per neighborhood on average. But there are seven high schools, so about a sixth of the high school population resides in each neighborhood.
Brenda began speaking with Kevin Chapman, Chief of Staff of the School District of Manatee County. The solution was to create pods inside of neighborhoods within these churches and outfit them with Chromebooks, books, and teachers, along with a spiritual component. Brenda wanted Avenue941 to be a faith-based initiative
to support these students to have hope for their future beyond academics. They pitched the idea to the school district, and they loved it.
Avenue941 was piloted in January 2021 with e-learners. The pilot consisted of 12 students from Lee Middle School and put them at Resonate Life Church with three adults and Chromebooks for every kid. The school district interviewed the principal, graduation enhancement tech at Lee Middle, and Brenda, as well as came on-site to see what the kids were doing. Every student that attended consistently showed improvement in their grades and attendance.
They opened one location for the first year to work out the details. In February 2022, they added two more locations. In the fall of 2022, they added three more locations. Two more opened in the spring, and now they hope to open three more every semester. The goal is to be in all 53 neighborhoods by 2031.
Brenda explains: "When we started, I was still teaching full-time. I asked, 'How can the faith community come alongside and help these students?' There is basically no overhead since these churches will give that space over for free. It's such a cost-effective way to make a huge dent in academics and the overall lives of children."
The program won't open its doors in a
new location until it can make a 3:10 adult-to-student ratio. Some sites are close to an 8:10 ratio. They'll operate for a minimum of two days a week. Seven sites are two days a week, and one is three days a week. The pilot started at four days, but due to funding and staffing, it was a challenge. Brenda's vision for Avenue941 is to be able to operate five days a week at all locations, with two days being dedicated to academics, then a STEM day with SAT and ACT prep, a character education counseling day, and a life skills day with cooking classes and financial advisors and contractors participating.
A site facilitator who attends the church is on location from doors open to doors close. This person serves as a point of contact for the volunteer, intern, school teacher, counselor, church, and Brenda. Avenue941 raises the funds to hire these site facilitators who can also get the families involved in other things the church might be able to offer to them, such as recovery or parenting classes. They also serve as a liaison between the program and the church. A teacher will come after they're done with school, and three locations have high school interns who also get there after school. The rest are volunteers.
Thanks to Samaritan Counseling Services and a matching grant from Manatee Community Foundation, every site now has access to a counselor. Now, Avenue941 has $20,000 in counseling funds to give to the students. Instead of a 1:300 student-to-counselor ratio like within the school district, they have a 1:20 student-to-counselor balance.
"Besides academics, what else do these kids need? We know mental health support is huge for them right now. That's why we wanted to ensure they can speak to a counselor whenever they need."
The program operates from 2:30 PM until 6 PM. The first hour is dedicated to
high school students, and then it's on to a snack and debriefing time. After that, the elementary students arrive, and it's crunch time for their homework. They get a "brain break" at 4:30, where they can let out some energy by singing songs, making art, or even shooting a few hoops in the gym. The end of the day focuses on the middle school students since they leave school last.
Snacks and drinks are provided through One More Child, the Azinger Family Compassion Center, and Meals on Wheels. The school district also provides a snack from the cafeteria for any Title I student enrolled in Avenue941.
When the students first arrive, they decompress from their day, and the adults let them know that they're so glad they came; it's good to see them again and ask what's been going on since they saw them last. This helps build the relational component.
"So many students in Manatee County have gone through a ton of trauma. They need their stories to be heard. If they're coming from a really broken spot the night before and then expected to be quiet, sit down, and do their work, it creates a lot of tension, and they don't feel seen. This is where much of that academic discord can happen," Brenda says.
She goes on to explain: "We don't necessarily do a salvation message, but we do let the kids know that we love them, we believe there is a call on their life, there is a purpose, and that they're designed with intention, and no one else on Earth is like them. We want to speak life over them."
Jessica Marty, Site Facilitator at First Baptist Church, lived in Kansas City when she felt led to return to Florida. She connected with her pastor at First Baptist Church, who connected her with Brenda. Brenda explained her vision for Avenue941, and Jessica said the door opened for her to not only work at the church but also partner with the program.
Jessica says: "I love the opportunity to see God work in these people's lives. Whether they're volunteers, staff, or students. He's
capturing people's hearts, and even at a young age, He's calling them up to the plans He created them for. I love being a part of the affirming, redeeming, lifechanging, beautiful work of God in the lives of the students."
Currently, there are about 100 students enrolled and about 12 to 17 kids at each site. By doing this, they strive to make that quality, individualized impact. Brenda ventures that 70% of these students are making strides in academics, behavior, confidence, and spiritual growth.
February through May, they host a pen pal program for all students from third grade through twelfth to write five letters back and forth with somebody in the field they want to be in when they grow up. At the endof-year celebration in May, the pen pals have the opportunity to come and meet the students they've been in contact with and encourage them to pursue their goals.
"Now, Sarasota, Pasco, and Hillsborough school districts are calling me asking what we're doing and if they can do it in their counties. Here, the school district sends a teacher and uses the millage funds, so
we have a paid teacher through the school district at every site. That's a partnership and huge support we have in Manatee County that the other counties would have to figure out," says Brenda. "I want to see this be a city-wide, region-wide, and even state-wide initiative."
Being able to sustain a nonprofit organization is a challenging feat. But
with twelve churches on the waiting list and such positive results, Avenue941 will continue changing the lives of students throughout Manatee County. It's not every day that a free-to-enroll program impacts not just a student's academic success but also supports their mental well-being.
Manatee Memorial Hospital Comprehensive Stroke Center of Excellence has been recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals 2022-23 ratings.
The hospital was named as a 2022-2023 High Performing Hospital for Stroke. This is the highest award a hospital can earn for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings and is based on the percentage of stroke patients who had positive outcomes.
At the Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center at Manatee Memorial Hospital, stroke patients receive specially designed services and treatments which focus on prevention and intervention, as well as rehabilitation and education.
For more information about the Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center, call our Comprehensive Stroke Program Coordinator, Christine Gonzalez, BSN, RN, CNRN, at 941-812-9566.