NEXTGEN Spring 2024

Adult Education

Learn English, Aprenda inglés Aprann Anglè

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Continuing

GED® Test Preparation

Contact us for more information

Classes are geared to individuals or groups who want to upgrade their current skills for job retention or promotion. Information on course content and the enrollment process is included on our website: ManateeTech.edu/programs/continuing-education/

COMMUNITY TRAINING CENTER

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)

Basic Life Support (BLS)

HeartCode ACLS (Skills Testing)

HeartCode BLS (Skills Testing)

HeartCode PALS (Skills Testing)

Heartsaver® CPR AED

Heartsaver® First Aid

Heartsaver® First Aid CPR AED

Instructor Courses

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

LAW Advanced Report Writing (40 hours)

Case Preparation & Court Presentation

Equivalency of Training

Hostage Negotiation

Interviews & Interrogations (40 hours)

Line Supervision (80 hours)

Vehicle Operations Instructor: (40 hours)

FIRE SCIENCE

Apparatus Operations

Building Construction for the Fire Service

Community Emergency ResponseTeam

Company Officer

Firefighting Tactics & Strategies I & II

Fire Fighter Retention

Firefighter Training

/Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

/Human Factors on the Fireline

Fire Prevention Practices

Fire Service Course Design

Fire Service Course Delivery

Fire Service Hydraulics

Live Fire Training Evolutions

Some Career and Technical Education programs offer dual enrollment at area high schools, a hybrid schedule, clinicals, or accreditation. Some programs may be eligible for assistance through Career Source Suncoast. Licensure or certification is available in every program.

All costs are estimates and are based on Florida residency, in-state tuition, full-time attendance, includes tuitions, fees and books and are subject to changes. Additional supplies/tools/uniforms or licnsure testing fees may or may not need to be purchased. Sales tax is calculated at the point of sale. Some programs are only offered in the evening.

See our website for further details at https://www.ManateeTech.edu

Our

PUBLISHER

Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County

EDITOR

Katelyn Disbro

DEPUTY EDITOR

Kelly Harbour

DESIGN EDITOR

Mara Stork

STAFF WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER

Wendy Dewhurst

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sheri Roca, Colleen Hartnett, Christa Hardin, Rachel Spivey

ADVERTISING SALES

Kelly Stasurak | kstasurak@elc-manatee.org

PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION

PCI Communications, Inc

CONTACT NEXTGEN

EDITORIAL 941-757-2912

ADVERTISING 941-212-4988

FAX 941-757-2917

EDITOR | editor@nextgenmagazine.org

ADVERTISING | advertising@nextgenmagazine.org

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS | articles@nextgenmagazine.org

EARLY LEARNING COALITION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTEES

Adam Mohammadbhoy (Chairman)

Robert Bell (Secretary/Treasurer)

PRIVATE SECTOR APPOINTED MEMBERS

Christina Riggio, Zack Kallis, Dr. Michael Mackie, Gary Scott, Leslie Wells, Tim Pye, Bryan Rench, Peggy Sammons, Misty Ritch

LEGISLATIVELY REQUIRED MEMBERS

Rachel Kendzior | Children With Disabilities

Elida Mujic | Department of Children and Families

Annette Larkin | Private, For-Profit Provider

Dr. Sheila Halpin | Manatee County School Board

Jennifer Passmore | Board of County Commissioners'

Kathy Patreka | Head Start

Chantal Porte | Department of Children and Families

James Disbro | CareerSource Suncoast

Dr. Carla McGill | County Health Department

Dr. Kristina DeWitt | Florida College System

Marjani Jones | Faith-Based Provider

Connie Shingledecker | Children’s Services Advisory Board

BOARD OF EDUCATION MANATEE COUNTY

Gina Messenger, Mary Foreman, Chad Choate, Richard Tatem, Cindy Spray, Dr. Jason Wysong, Superintendent

NEXTGEN and the Early Learning Coalition do not endorse or warrant any products or services contained herein, unless otherwise expressly noted. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors. Submitted materials will not be returned. Whole or part of this publication may not be used or duplicated in any way without written permission from the Early Learning Coalition.

The Early Learning Coalition is a 501-C (3) nonprofit organization committed to ensuring affordable and creditable early child care and early education through School Readiness and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) programs. Sponsorship by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County and the State of Florida, Division of Early Learning and Manatee County Government.

Cornerstones Of The County

WORDS & PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst

We see the names Bishop and Parker on buildings throughout Manatee County, but who were Edward and Lillian Bishop and Mary Parker? How did they help to shape our community? What role does the Bishop Parker Foundation have in Manatee and Sarasota County today?

The first thing I found interesting was that they didn't go by Edward and Lillian. Everyone knew them as Ned and Patty. I would love to know THAT story!! So, in this article, we will mostly call them Ned and Patty.

The tradition of philanthropic giving can trace its beginnings to the immigration of a young couple from England in 1854. John Huntington and his wife Jane settled in Cleveland, Ohio, and there he established multiple business interests that contributed to his amassing a sizeable fortune. An inventor, entrepreneur, and astute businessman, John partnered with John D. Rockefeller to ship oil throughout the United States. One of his children, William R. Huntington, was also noted for being a successful businessman and was the father of Lillian (Patty) H. Huntington, the wife of Edward E. (Ned) Bishop. Ned came from a family that owned an important Cleveland firm, the early manufacturers of soda fountains and plumbing fixtures.

Ned and Patty married in 1914 and settled in Bradenton. They traveled extensively, often spending summers in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. While in Bradenton, the Bishops were active in the civic and cultural life of the Bradenton area. They made generous and impactful gifts, anonymously when possible, to many of the organizations and institutions in the area today. The Bishops met Mary Parker, a graduate nurse, in New York in 1934

and invited her to be their nurse/companion, a role she had until the passing of Ned in 1962 and Patty in 1972.

In December 1953, the Bishops established the Edward E. and Lillian H. Bishop Foundation for charitable giving purposes. Mary Parker established the Mary E. Parker Foundation with her own assets in 1986, also for charitable giving purposes, and gave generously from her account to meet community requests each year. Mary passed away in March 2020 at 108 years old, leaving an incredible legacy of giving.

Their giving reflected their personal interests in a variety of organizations and nonprofits working to build better communities. Their love of animals was a huge part of their legacy and was one of the many things that made them so endearing and special to both Manatee and Sarasota Counties.

The Mission of the Bishop Parker Foundation is to strengthen the Manatee County Community by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations that are working to improve the lives of individuals and animals. The Foundation achieves this by prioritizing funding in health, human services, education, the arts, the environment, and animal welfare.

Due to the fact that many of their contributions were made on a person-to-person basis rather than through organizations, the value of charitable contributions given during their lifetimes by both the Bishops and Mary Parker are inestimable and have had a profound impact in both Manatee and Sarasota counties.

In addition to financial contributions, the Bishops also worked directly in the community. Patty Bishop developed an interest in nursing and, for several years, worked both day and night shifts as a volunteer operating room nurse in the Bradenton General and Manatee County hospitals.

Another of their interests was the South Florida Museum, which originally began operation in a warehouse located on

Memorial Pier in downtown Bradenton. The Museum was able to remain solvent largely because of anonymous gifts from the Bishops and Mary Parker. Patty Bishop played a major role in the 1966 construction of the new Museum and the subsequent construction of the planetarium. Only after the planetarium was completed did Lillian most reluctantly allow the naming of the planetarium after her departed husband.

In July 1986, Mary Parker created the Mary E. Parker Foundation from her own assets. The Bishops left considerable income and assets to Mary without restriction. Mary felt strongly about continuing the legacy of the Bishops, and she took an active interest in ensuring the enrichment of the community through decades of financial support. Some of those institutions benefiting from her generosity include Manatee Memorial Hospital, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Manatee Performing Arts Center, State College of Florida, Manatee Community Foundation, Turning Points, Bishop Animal Shelter, Southeastern Guide Dogs Inc, Mote Marine, and many others in the local area.

Additionally, Mary sought out and supported many organizations around the county in the interest fields of animal welfare, supporting vulnerable people, nursing education, medical research, and the arts, to name a few.

The future of the Bishop and Parker Foundations is in the hands of four trustees and the corporate trustee, Wilmington Trust, Delaware, where the Bishop Foundation was incorporated. Wilmington Trust has managed the investments for both the Bishop and Parker Foundations for many years and takes an active interest in the granting and impact of the charitable contributions of both foundations.

"The Bishops moved here in the early 1900s, as did my mother's family", said Administrative Trustee Bob Black. "Mary, Ned, and Patty Bishop were among my parents' best friends, and I knew

Mary Parker my entire life. In 1976, after the Bishops had passed, Mary hired me to be her principal advisor. Mary was a lot of fun, and she had a wonderful sense of humor. She wasn't a big fan of being in the limelight, but she loved to travel, and she loved helping people."

Moving Forward…

In 2021, the Board of Trustees Bob Blalock, Mary E. Jarrell, Bud Parent, Barbara Jennings, and Mary Ruiz decided it was time to formalize and hire an Executive Director to handle the dayto-day needs of the Foundation. The vision of the Foundation will continue to support nonprofit organizations, the people of Manatee County and to enlarge its endeavors. Having an executive director will help to create an even larger impact going forward.

"Part of bringing me on board as Executive Director was to get things organized, said Adell Erozer. "We now have an office, computers, a great website, and a vision going forward. I feel like I am retiring with a great foundation in place, and I am positive that we have the right person to be leading the way."

That vision going forward will be under the new leadership of Executive Director Wendy Deming. Wendy brings tremendous experience and knowledge, having worked in the Foundation and nonprofit world for over twenty-five years.

"I know how critical it is to shepherd these dollars that donors leave," said Wendy. "It is a rewarding task to deploy the funds into the community the way the Bishops and Mary Parker would have wanted."

"Going forward, I know that the board is looking to have more impact in the community through initiative work rather than only

taking transactional grant applications. With initiative work, we coordinated to get the right group of people in a room together to solve a common problem. We are currently working on a food initiative that we are very excited about."

"When this opportunity became available, I saw it as everything I had worked for in my career over the past twenty-five years as being the pinnacle of that. I know that there is work to be done to continue everything Adell has started, and I look forward to seeing this organization become all that I and the trustees know it can be.

"The Bishops moved here at a time when there was not an abundance of wealth in the area," said Adell. "They saw a need and were willing to fund the big projects without recognition and accolades. I think if there is one thing that the Bishops would want to have as their legacy, it would be that they have encouraged everyone to create a culture of philanthropy." NG

APRIL 05 2024

Arts Alive Celebration

Friday, April 5, 2024

5:30pm-6:30pm

Reception in the courtyard behind Library

6:30pm-8:00pm

Live celebration of the Arts with awards & performances

State College of Florida

Performing Arts Recital Hall

5840 26th Street West, Bradenton

Presented by The Manatee Arts Education Council, in partnership with the School District of Manatee County and the Manatee Education Foundation

Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres

Enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring student performances, a silent art auction, and the recognition of outstanding Arts education leaders from our schools & community.

Park in Lot H, off of 60th St. W. and walk to the Library building 3 courtyard.

For sponsorship information visit www.maecarts.org

The Manatee Education Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your contribution is deductible for tax purposes, subject to limitations established by IRS laws and regulations. Tax ID #65 0037457

BRADENTON READS!

PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst

The City of Bradenton hosted a ribbon cutting last month for the Bradenton Reads! Exhibit Grand Opening. The project, a partnership between the City of Bradenton and the School District of Manatee County through the Public Art Advisory Board, the School District of Manatee County Early Learning Team, and Soar in 4 Manatee, promotes the importance of early literacy through art. Mayor Gene Brown assisted in the ribbon cutting alongside School District of Manatee County Superintendent Dr. Jason Wysong, Vice Mayor Marianne Barnebey, and Council members Jayne Kocher, Pam Coachman, and Lisa Gonzalez Moore. 235 street pole banners showcasing beautiful SDMC student artwork are now hung along Main Street, the Riverwalk, and Village of the Arts. In addition to the student artwork, the banners also feature literacy tips and a QR code that links to the Soar In 4 website where parents can learn more about being their child’s first literacy teacher. NG

The Man Behind The Camera

Charles Clapsaddle and his amazing impact on Manatee County

WORDS & PHOTOS: Wendy

Station Manager Charles Clapsaddle, along with his Manatee Education Television (METV) staff and board members, have created a legacy here in Manatee County that will transcend time.

Before moving to Bradenton, Charles lived in Washington, DC, where he worked as a television production manager for the US Army. "My 11-year career working with the Army was very rewarding," said Charles. "It gave

Dewhurst

me the opportunity to travel and meet the tremendous men and women that protect our country."

In late 1999, Charles moved to Manatee County to care for his mother and was offered a position with USF, which led to his position with METV.

METV is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Bradenton that produces original programming

spotlighting community, educational, and cultural issues in Manatee and Sarasota counties. METV is committed to working cooperatively with all entities in our region. METV partners with many nonprofit and civic organizations to provide timely and important programs that focus on community interests, community programs, and community involvement.

METV also produces promotional videos and Public Service Announcements; for

educational, community, and cultural organizations countywide.

"METV's staff, myself included, have been very lucky to work with such a great community like Manatee County," said Charles. "I've been through the good, the bad, and the ugly. I think what we've done over the past twenty-five years is create an asset that Manatee County can truly use. We hope to continue that, and I think that we are well on our way to having the people and the mindset to make that happen."

Chris Dolan, who has worked with Charles for over 21 years at METV, says, "Charles has shown me the importance of community." Manatee County has many wonderful individuals and organizations that make our community truly exceptional. Charles' dedication to capturing these stories is not just his passion but a great source of fulfillment for me as well."

In 2009, long-time employee Richard Brooks had a chance encounter with Charles at a Veterans Day event that led to not just a working relationship but a friendship as well. Richard laughs as he recalls, "Charles needed a ride back to the studio, and during the drive, we bonded over our love of The Rolling Stones. Over the years, just a few of the most memorable times with Charles were filming many of the Sarasota Film Festival events. Especially the red carpet shoots we did when a METV documentary was being featured. There was a lot of community involvement in those programs. We felt a great sense of pride and accomplishment in being able to see local people and places on the big screen. Winning several film festival awards just reinforced his idea that there is a plethora of great stories to tell in Manatee and Sarasota counties."

Charles is proud to be part of all the organizations he has worked with over the years, but the ones that really stand out to him are the documentaries. Charles, Durand Adams, and Charles Williams have produced seven documentaries tackling tough topics.

Charles didn't shy away from the sometimes controversial topics. While all the documentaries are powerful, educational, and enlightening, it was his first documentary, Through the Tunnel, that continues to receive awards. It first premiered at the Sarasota Film

Festival in 2019 and continues to get requests for red carpet viewings. The story of Through the Tunnel follows how ordinary people navigated segregation in 1969 at Lincoln Memorial High School. Lincoln was the only high school for African/American children in Manatee

County and was closed due to the official ending of segregation in public places.

Other documentaries he has tackled with difficult topics were:

• Enduring Beauty of Memory is about the beauty, power, and frailty of memory.

• American Dreams…Stories of Immigration chronicles the stories of immigrants who explain their decisions, or a decision made for them, of abandoning their homeland to come to America.

• A Way Out is a documentary that explores how women get out of dangerously abusive relationships.

• Invisible is a story of poverty, hope, and the American Dream.

• Dangerous Ladies: Voices of the Suffragists is a look back on the suffragists and their precursors, whose courage ultimately led to women being given the right to vote.

• The Brightest Moment is the history of one exceptional elementary school with a dedicated band of educators and parents who met the challenges of poverty, desegregation, and inclusion of special needs children.

"While collaborating on these documentaries, it became clear to me that Charles Clapsaddle and METV have perfected the art of shining the spotlight on people and organizations in the Manatee County area which are involved in making their community a better place to live," said retired Circuit Court Judge Durand Adams.

In 2019, while standing behind the camera documenting an annual event at the Manatee County Fair Grounds,

Charles was surprised as he started to hear familiar things about the award recipient. Vernon DeSear shocked Charles when he announced he was the recipient of the Manatee County Distinguished Citizen Award. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant and meritorious contributions to Manatee County in the way of volunteer community service.

Also, in 2019, the Manatee Community Foundation created the Charles

Clapsaddle Community Spotlight Award, which is given out annually at the Spirit of Manatee Awards. The criteria for the winner is an outstanding nonprofit professional who embodies the spirit of philanthropy and community in Manatee County, transforming projects or initiatives from ordinary into the extraordinary, and giving a voice to those who otherwise might not have been heard. He or she gives freely to support other nonprofit professionals in their work and community efforts and unselfishly looks for the betterment of all of Manatee County

Many local organizations rely on Charles and the METV staff to document their stories and their legacies for future generations. Just a few of the organizations he has received awards from include the Manatee County School District, Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Arthritis Foundation, DeSoto Historical Society, Rotary International, and the Manatee County Veterans Council.

Michael Barber, Director of Communications, Family, and Community Engagement for the School District of Manatee County, considers Charles not just a colleague but also a friend. "I met Charles when I was covering the school

district as a reporter with the Bradenton Herald from 2001 to 2006. During my 18 years with the school district, he has become a valued friend. A few years ago, when it was obvious he was struggling health-wise, I told him that my wife and I were going on an Alaskan cruise for our 30th anniversary. I didn't see him for about a month, and then I spotted him outside Pier 22. As I was walking up to him, he flashed his famous smile and asked, 'Hey, how did you and your wife enjoy your Alaskan cruise? It was typical Charles. He has a heart of gold and is always interested in others."

It wasn't difficult finding people wanting to tell their stories about Charles. He has made a huge impact on Manatee County, and he's still creating important and invaluable content that will be utilized today and for future generations.

While his job keeps him very busy, Charles and his wife Sue enjoy spending quiet time at home with their two puppies, three-year-old Bubba and oneyear-old Bella. "We will be celebrating our twenty-year wedding anniversary this year and look forward to celebrating with family and friends. Maybe I'll even throw in a little gardening." NG

With every generation, we get better at protecting our environment.

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.

“

Dr. David Rubins with patient Melissa Durham

– Melissa Durham

Melissa Durham, 48, of Ruskin, knew something was wrong when she had pain in her thigh and hip for over a year. At first, she thought she had pulled a muscle, and took ibuprofen for the pain. Months passed, the number of pills she took increased, and yet the pain remained.

Tired of feeling badly, Durham was recommended to David Rubins, MD, BSME, FAAOS, an orthopedic surgeon at Manatee Physician Alliance Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine with a special certification in adult reconstructive surgery. An exam revealed Durham’s hip joint was bone-on-bone and full of fluid. After a steroid injection failed to relieve the pain for more than a few days, Durham underwent a direct anterior hip replacement.

Upon waking from surgery, Durham was fearful the surgery would be unsuccessful, but she was very wrong. “Once I put my feet on the floor and stood up, I started crying because there was no pain at all on either side,” she says. Durham began rehabilitation the same day as the surgery and received home care, including nurse visits and therapy, for three weeks.

I wish I could give a big hug to all the staff that took care of me during that time. From the staff at Manatee Orthopedics, including Dr. Rubin, Joy, and Sherrie, to the staff at the hospital, from admissions, pre-op, post-op, anesthesia, PT, and the nurses on the ortho floor, everyone was so caring and took the time to make sure I was comfortable and understood everything that was going on.”

AROUND TOWN

ALL ABOARD…

The new Gulf Islands Ferry service has started to shuttle visitors and residents to and from Anna Maria Island and downtown Bradenton.

You can catch a ride on the water Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the ride times on the water are approximately 30-35 minutes each way. The two 50-foot open-air catamarans, Miss Anna Maria and Downtown Duchess, hold 49 passengers and will have two crew aboard to ensure smooth transport to and from each port.

Riders can board from the day dock in downtown Bradenton, located just east of the Green Bridge and directly off Bradenton Riverwalk, to the Anna Maria City Pier and to the historic Bridge Street Pier.

"We anticipate families parking in downtown Bradenton, hopping on the ferry at the downtown port located just off the riverwalk near Green Bridge, and enjoying a beautiful boat ride out to the island," said Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione. "At the same time, visitors staying on the island can enjoy a leisure boat ride to downtown Bradenton to enjoy our amazing restaurants and attractions located on the mainland."

In addition to providing easy transport to the island, the service is an extended

commitment in working to preserve and protect the natural beauty of the area for future generations. Powered by renewable energy sources and energy-efficient design elements, the vessels further support BACVB's Love It Like a Local initiative.

"This has been talked about for decades, and now it's here. It's just the beginning of something great. I am looking forward to seeing the service area expanded to include Palmetto, Cortez, and Longboat Key," said Manatee County District Three Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge. "The ferry system is a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors—all paid for with tourist bed taxes."

A one-way ticket will cost $8 per person, providing an economical and easy way to hop between the mainland and the island. Special pricing will be available for children and seniors. The two catamarans hold 48 passengers and will have two crew aboard to ensure smooth transport to and from each port. NG

To learn more, visit: bradentongulfislands.com/gulf-islands-ferry

READ ALL ABOUT IT!

The new Lakewood Ranch Library is officially open to the public! Located at 16410 Rangeland Parkway, the milestone project—as the county's first library built in the 21st century—has been a long-anticipated addition to the Lakewood Ranch community. The facility stands out with its modern design elements and cutting-edge amenities; with approximately 25,000 square feet of usable space and three meeting rooms, the Lakewood Ranch Library is an inviting oasis for learning and community engagement.

"This is an outstanding addition to this community," said District 5 Commissioner Ray Turner. "It will be a center for education and engagement for the East County area for generations to come."

Another key highlight of the Lakewood Ranch Library is Manatee County's first-ever library drive-thru window, revolutionizing how patrons can quickly interact with staff. With over 38,000 titles to check out, the library offers a wide range of resources catering to all interests and age groups. This vast collection ensures that the library is not only a center for knowledge but also a place for entertainment and exploration.

"This continued commitment to bringing resources to our residents is important," said Manatee County District Two Commissioner Amanda Ballard, who also serves as a member of the Manatee Library Advisory Board. "The work going into creating this facility and collating its collection is impressive." NG

GROWING THE COMMUNITY….

Helping the community grow is the goal of the brand-new Elwood Community Garden.

Located at 4008 39th St. E. in Bradenton, the Elwood idea started with a conversation between John and Janyel Taylor from Taylor Nurseries (located in Elwood Park) and Manatee County District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard. The unique and deep agricultural roots in the community first homesteaded in the early 1900s with the promise of "ready-made farms on easy payments," is evident to this day.

"Elwood Park has been an established agricultural homesteading community for over 100 years," said Ms. Taylor.

"We wanted to create a space where neighbors could gather and grow together," said Commissioner Ballard. "As a commissioner and a gardener, myself, I'm passionate about local food and giving our citizens the tools they need to become as selfsufficient as possible."

The fenced and secure community garden features 29 standard 4-foot x 8-foot one-foot-tall garden beds, two large two-foot high "L-shaped" 4-foot x 8-foot x 4-foot beds, two ADA-accessible two-foot-high 4-foot x 8-foot beds with concrete surrounding the beds for easier access and two 4-foot x 4-foot beds for

kids gardening and education. An 8-foot x 10-foot storage shed will house a variety of gardening tools, rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows, soil, and other supplies. Two large composting bins also have been provided, along with water connections for proper irrigation.

A shade structure, park benches, and ADA-compliant true grid paths with pebble rock connecting all the garden beds are also part of the community garden, as are a small play structure and swings for children who may temporarily tire of tending the plants. NG

A Force To Reckon With

WORDS & PHOTO: Wendy Dewhurst

Nine years ago, a group of three very influential and impactful organizations whose mission is to support early learning came together with the purpose of pursuing initiatives that would enrich the community, prioritizing collaboration while strengthening their individual agencies.

"This all began with the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading Program," said Shela Halpin with the School District of Manatee County (SDMC). "We wanted to form a collaborative taskforce that would focus on seeing beyond ourselves and would be the most impactful for our children."

The Early Learning Taskforce (ELTF), consisting of members from The Early Learning Coalition (ELC), The School District of Manatee County (SDMC), and Step Up Suncoast/Head Start, held its first event years ago focusing on the pillar of attendance, which is one of the five pillars in the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading program.

"When we first started to form the taskforce, our theme was "many players, one sandbox," said Kathy Patreka, Head Start /Early Head Start Director. "We all had a common goal in mind, but because it was coming from all different directions, it gave us a more complete vision to help our children."

Cari Whiddon, with the SDMC and one of the founding members of the Early Learning Taskforce, said, "It has been an honor to work with other Manatee

County community partners to make sure that the needs of our early learners and their families are met. The Early Learning Taskforce identifies needs, provides creative solutions, and brings resources to teachers, caregivers, and families. Each member of the taskforce brings a unique perspective and insight to give a positive voice to the importance of early learning in Manatee County."

Meetings with the ELTF were halted with the rise of COVID-19, letting years lapse between initiatives. New players have now joined the sandbox and renewed the passion for the group. The new members bring fresh and innovative ideas with them, making for an even larger force standing behind early learning. Current members include Kathy Patreka - Step Up Suncoast/Head Start, Rachel Spivey -

ELC, Kelly Beavers - ELC, Dr. Sheila Halpin - SDMC, Megan Smith - ELC, Melissa Cujas - ELC, Cari Whiddon - VPK Programs Manatee County School District, Elizabeth Thompson - SDMC, Cori Perry - ELC, and Francesca Ricciardo - ELC.

With revived energy, the ELTF has planned three events within an 18-month timespan to educate those who are educating our children in our community. The first Breakfast With a Purpose was focused on "Laying the Foundation for a Successful Transition to Kindergarten." The emphasis was strategically joining kindergarten teachers and pre-K teachers together to learn about a successful transition, discussing implementation ideas, and connecting the pre-K curriculum to the kindergarten curriculum through

a crosswalk and learning about the amazing opportunities families have in our community. There were over 150 professionals at this event, and one teacher noted in a follow-up survey "how passionate everyone involved is about doing better for all children. I felt supported."

Another event called "Shining a Light on Attendance" was a breakfast focused on improving the rates of absenteeism in early learning. It focused on sharing ideas of how to track this data and support families wanting to overcome barriers with attendance. Rachel Spivey, Director of Grant Management at the ELC, says, "These breakfast events are a great way to not only get the early educators from local child care sites and School District teachers in a space together but also an important opportunity to celebrate the work of our teachers and the value they have on our community. We are incredibly grateful to the Patterson Foundation and their work within the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. Their support not only generously covers expenses for the location and meal but also provides resources for children, families, and teachers with their innovative campaign strategies. What I love about Manatee County is the willingness to join hands and get the job done." 77% of respondents said that the knowledge gained from the event would positively increase the quality of care for the children in Manatee County.

Dr. Sheila Halpin, Director of Early Learning - SDMC, explains that "the taskforce is committed to creating a community where all children and families can succeed."

"The ELTF is unique," continued Sheila. "Our work is strategic and holistic. We share best practices, resources, and expertise to implement professional and peer learning for teachers and family literacy and engagement opportunities throughout the community."

"The SDMC is thankful for the Early Learning Taskforce's catalytic leadership. This network has highlighted the importance of early learning, school readiness, and high-quality early childhood programming that is safe, nurturing, and accessible for all families."

"Our work together ensures that meaningful steps are taken for the early learning community. By facing opportunities and challenges together, we can refocus our work toward a lasting impact."

This is my 2nd year on the Early Learning Taskforce," said Elizabeth Thompson. "I strongly believe that family engagement is beneficial to students, parents, teachers, and the community. I hope to see the taskforce facilitate a smooth transition for students and families from pre-K to kindergarten. Within Manatee County, we offer an array of valuable family resources. Collaboration

between ELC, SDMC, and Step Up can raise awareness among parents and teachers about the support available to guide children through a successful educational journey."

The upcoming Breakfast With A Purpose, called Summer of Discovery, will focus on data sharing and summer learning loss. As students return to school this fall, many of them – perhaps especially those from historically disadvantaged student groups – will be starting the academic year with achievement levels lower than where they were at the beginning of summer break. The ELTF is committed to finding a way to change these odds. And will present ideas to support a summer of learning and discovery while kids are off of school.

"I am passionate about contributing to the ELTF to drive positive change within our community through early education initiatives," said Rachel Spivey, Director of Grant Management at the ELC. The ELTF provides a unified platform to advocate for the significance of early learning, elevate the role of educators in this critical stage of development, and collaborate on innovative solutions to overcome challenges. I view our

agencies as the driving force behind the advancement of early education, and I am fully committed to leveraging our collective expertise to empower children, support families, and uplift educators. Together, I believe we can make substantial strides in fostering a brighter future for all stakeholders involved in early childhood education."

In writing this article, and it's clear while reading, the cohesive effort of ELTF members is working together and sharing a common goal to bring awareness and support to the early educators in the community. Their collaboration has led to significant achievements within a short timeframe and is helping to better our children's future. NG

MANATEE MANATEE What Do You See?

2024 DESOTO CHILDREN'S PARADE & ELC PARTY IN THE PARK

Friday, March 29, 2024 10:00am

Palmetto's 10th Street/Sutton Park

Showcase your favorite thing about living in Manatee County through the eyes of a child!

The first 10 parade entries will receive a $500 stipend to help with float supplies and building materials!

EXAMPLES INCLUDE:

Ocean/Beach Bishop Museum

Manatee County Fair Fishing/Boating

Pirates Baseball Robin Preserve

GT Bray Mixon Fruit Farm

Food/Dining Riverwalk

FEATURING:

Community Agencies

FREE Parent Resources

Games for Kids

The ELC Book Bus

Face Painting

Arts & Crafts & MORE!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Call (941) 757-2909 or visit www.desotohq.com

PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst

Need Your DCF Staff Credential?

Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship

A place where you can gather with co-workers and classmates to learn hands on activities and education that promote social/emotional, fine and gross motor development, language/cognitive skills, self-help and moral values skills that defines school readiness.

Classes follow the School District of Manatee County schedule and are conducted generally one night per week.

Featuring a NEW childcare lab for hands-on classroom instruction.

TIME FOR BED…

The Effects Of Sleep

On Your Child's Well-Being

WORDS: The Florida Center for Early Childhood

Idon't know about you, but when I don't get enough sleep, I'm GRUMPY. I've even been commanded to "go to bed" because of my grumps, and I'm 44 years old! Maybe this sounds like someone you know, your child, for example. Did you know that without the proper amount of sleep, your child's mental, physical, and emotional health are at risk?

As a school-based mental health therapist, one of the first questions I ask my students is, "How much sleep did you get last night?" Their answer provides a flood of information as to how their day will proceed.

Sleep is an extremely important aspect of a child's overall well-being, and the amount of sleep a child receives is dependent on age. If they don't get the recommended amount of a restful night's sleep, your child (and you!) could suffer.

How Much Sleep Do Kids Need?

How much sleep kids need varies by age. While every child is different, Kidshealth.org recommends:

● Infants (0–3 months): 14–17 hours, including naps.

● Infants (4–12 months): 12–16 hours, including naps.

● Toddlers (1–2 years): 11–14 hours, including naps.

● School-age (6–13 years): 9–12 hours

● Teens (14–17 years): 8–10 hours

● Preschool (3–5 years): 10–13 hours, including naps.

How Can I Tell if My Child Isn't Getting Enough Sleep?

A child who isn't getting enough sleep may exhibit:

1. Hyperactivity (sleeplessness can mimic the signs of ADHD)

2. Moodiness and irritability

3. Symptoms of depression and/or anxiety

4. Inability to focus and concentrate (this can have major ramifications on academics)

What Can Help Kids Sleep?

Below, you will find www.sleepfoundation.org's suggestions that will assist in transitioning your child from wakeful to sleepy. Establishing a healthy bedtime routine will signal the body that bedtime is near. It's also important to ensure you're putting your child to bed when they are sleepy, not when they are already asleep.

1. Turn those screens off and bright lights too; at least one hour before bedtime; two hours is preferred. The blue light emitted from many of our screens restrains the production of Melatonin. Melatonin is crucial in assisting us in going to bed and waking us up the next day.

2. Before considering administering Melatonin to your child, speak with your child's pediatrician.

3. A warm bath or shower one to two hours before bed will help lower that core temperature, allowing your child to fall asleep faster.

4. Putting on pajamas and brushing their teeth.

5. Read a bedtime story. May I suggest How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight or Herman Jiggle, Go to Sleep?

After having tried a consistent bedtime routine, if your child continues to struggle with sleep, seeking advice from your pediatrician is recommended, as there may be other issues involved. Good night! NG

ELC INSIDER CONTENTS

42 FAIRY TALE FOLLIES

Local child care providers, teachers, students and their families, enjoyed a FREE performance at the Manatee Performing Arts Center featuring a cast of their favorite Disney characters!

46 CHILD CARE PROVIDER DIRECTORY

Looking for quality child care in Manatee County? Search our listing of hundreds of Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) and School Readiness (SR) providers by zip code.

52 HATCHING NEW IDEAS!

American Rescue Act Plan funds across Florida HATCH new technology in early learning centers and family child care homes, as well as directly support educators.

56 FUNDING THE FUTURE

The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Bradenton Kiwanis Club to help fund the highly impactful ReadingPals program.

FAIRY TALE FOLLIES 2023

PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst

Social and Emotional Learning Books for Babies, Infant/Toddlers

Our dedication is to the young child, and creating materials that support interactive learning for babies, infant/toddlers and pre-school aged children and their families. We are particularly focused on multicultural and bilingual education, and with some of the country’s leading educators in Spanish and bilingual media, have created a program of bilingual learning for young children and their families and caregivers.

We look forward to working with you and discovering how we can extend the learning for your students and families. Please allow us to assist you in any way we can!

THE Power OF Growing TOGETHER

MCYC 2024

SATURDAY, APRIL 13th

Manatee Technical College

6305 SR 70 East, Bradenton, FL 8:30am-3:00pm

Keynote Speaker:

Ron Mohl, Lead Educational Presenter Lakeshore Learning Materials

Music and You: Moving and Grooving!

Service Project Benefiting:

Safe Children's Coalition of Manatee County

Workshop Topics:

Achieving & Exceeding CLASS® Scores

Communicating with Empathy

Process Art for Infants & Toddlers

Meaningful Interactions with Peers

Classroom Essentials for Early Childhood

Language & Literacy for Infants & Toddlers

Music & Movement for Infants & Toddlers

Empowering Employees: Onboarding & Retention

Full STEAM Ahead! Provoking Creativity

Messy Made Easy

Interactions with Intention (Spanish)

Science All Year Long

All attendees receive a special gift from Lakeshore Learning Materials!

www.elc-manatee.org/MCYC

CHILD CARE PROVIDER DIRECTORY

The child care providers listed in this directory are contracted with the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County. For more information on Child Care Resource and Referral services, call (941) 757-2910 or visit our website at www.elc-manatee.org.

34202

A Readiness Learning Academy

9045 59th Avenue Circle East Bradenton, FL 34202 (941) 727-9354

All Gods Children Preschool 11107 Palmbrush Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-739-2776

Braden River Elementary

6125 River Club Blvd. Bradenton, FL 34202 941-753-0958

CapoKids Martial Arts Preschool 11534 Palmbrush Trail

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-922-4520

Creative Child Learning Center at Lakewood Ranch 11520 Palmbrush Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-727-9990

Love Comes First Preschool 8630 East SR 70

Bradenton, FL 34202 941-755-7800

Primrose School

Lakewood Ranch Town Center 9127 Town Center Parkway Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-373-6363

The Goddard School 14534 Arbor Green Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-752-6600

The Learning Experience 14425 Arbor Green Trail Bradenton, FL 34202 941-251-4046

Woodland Early Childhood Center 9607 East SR 70 Bradenton, FL 34202 941-753-8588

34203

A Readiness Learning Academy II 6130 East SR 70

Bradenton, FL 34203 941-752-4927

Bright Angels Academy & Daycare 1716 53rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-962-0472

Community Christian School 5500 18th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-755-4968

Discovery Point Twelve Oaks 7218 55th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-200-4250

Education Time

5165 33rd Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-7332

Free To Grow Academy 5304 7th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-254-4268

In The Beginning Learning Center 5503 12th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-567-6106

La Petite Academy 6919 SR 70 East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-2336

Manatee Charter School 4550 30th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 239-745-9377

Tara Elementary 6950 Linger Lodge Road East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-0958

Walker Family Child Care 3213 44th Drive East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-752-6629

West Coast Christian Academy 1112 49th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-755-9667

34205

Ballard Elementary 201 10th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-753-0958

Bright Futures Daycare & Preschool 1617 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-251-5436

Bright Minds Family Home Daycare 2101 32nd Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-900-1052

First For Kids Children's Christian Center 603 11th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0824

Great Minds Childcare 1018 35th Avenue West Bradenton FL, 34205 941-896-5319

La Petite Academy 4301 37th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-756-5227

Little Tikes University 4200 32nd Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-567-6350

Our Kids West 2425 38th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-752-1715

Prine Elementary 3801 Southern Pkwy West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-753-0958

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

Smiling Faces Academy 910 19th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-756-1234

Smiling Faces Junior Academy 1720 11th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-747-3925

VPK Provider SR Provider VPK & SR Provider

For a complete list of child care providers and other specialty programs available in your area, please scan the QR code or visit https://caressearch.myflfamilies.com/PublicSearch.

Manatee County, FL

St. Joseph School

2990 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-755-2611

Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning - West Bradenton 2531 9th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-750-6667

Teachable Moments Learning Center

3005 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-900-1022

Toad Hall Children's Center 4004 8th Avenue Drive West Bradenton, FL 34205 813-614-7942

Toddler's Inn Child Care Center 1017 5th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-281-2523

Tree of Life Preschool 2200 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-747-1756

Trinity Children's Center 3200 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 353-894-2583

Victoria Morgan

Family Day Care Home

2809 8th Street Court West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-251-6431

34207

A Child's Galaxy Preschool 4417 20th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-920-9508

Bayshore Elementary 6120 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-753-0958

Children's Nest of Manatee 6228 26th Street Bradenton, FL 34207 941-807-1605

DeSoto Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County 5236 30th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-758-3828

Happy Go Lucky 1606 55th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-752-4608

Learning With Love

2712 47th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-751-4989

Learning! Kidz Zone 2211 53rd Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-254-7859

Loving Hands Daycare

1204 60th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-755-6306

Next Generation Academics 4635 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-345-4040

34208

A Growing Start Childcare Center 525 3rd Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-9750

Bashaw Elementary 3515 57th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-753-0958

CHILD CARE PROVIDER DIRECTORY

Bradenton Early Learning Academy (Downtown)

202 3rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-216-3060

Countryside Academy for Children

5807 18th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-747-3044

Faith Preschool of Faith UCC 4850 East SR 64 Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-7895

Free To Grow Academy 2 900 3rd Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-201-5853

Grandma's Babysitting Center 1728 26th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-580-4804

House of JBaby's Preschool 1300 Manatee Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-7415

Johnson K-8 School of International Studies

2121 26th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-753-0958

Kids Club Child Development & Educational Center of Bradenton 5231 4th Avenue Circle East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-900-2812

Kidzone Preschool 116 27th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-2727

Let's Learn Early Childhood Center 2118 1st Street Bradenton, FL 34208 941-567-4279

Manatee Elementary 1609 6th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-753-0958

Manatee United Methodist Preschool 315 15th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-750-6739

Pathways to Learning

2601 7th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-8804

Sand & Buckets Daycare

3407 17th Street Court East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-748-4799

Smarty Pants Preschool

832 62nd Street Circle East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-747-7710

Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning - Morton Clark

1707 15th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-750-6667

Toddler's Ark

711 36th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-879-2407

Willis2 W.E.Cares Childcare 708 32nd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-356-5205

34209

Bradenton Christian School Preschool

1305 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-404-4491

Bradenton Early Learning Academy 2015 75th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-216-3305

Busy Bee Child Development and Learning Center

455 48th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-900-2035

Happy Cubs

6207 21st Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-798-6173

Learning Unlimited

6210 17th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-5838

Miller Elementary

601 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-753-0958

Palma Sola Early Learning Academy

7315 1st Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-795-0788

Palma Sola Elementary

6806 5th Avenue NW Bradenton, FL 34209 941-753-0958

Sea Breeze Elementary

3601 71st Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-753-0958

Smarty Pants Preschool

904 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-896-4796

Stewart Elementary 7905 15th Avenue NW Bradenton, FL 34209 941-753-0958

Sunshine Academy & Daycare 2520 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-3143

Thompson Academy 1212 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-748-2162

YMCA of Southwest Florida 3805 59th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 330-524-6603

34210

Top Kids Bilingual Preschool of Bradenton 7700 Cortez Road West Bradenton, FL 34210 941-782-8995

34211

Doodle Bugs! Children's Learning Academy 11015 Passage Drive Bradenton, FL 34211 (941) 757-0330

Imagine Schools at Lakewood Ranch 10535 Portal Crossing Bradenton, FL 34211 941-750-0900

Jump Start Preschool of the Arts 11005 Passage Drive Bradenton, FL 34211 941-747-8900

Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch 4225 Concept Court Bradenton, FL 34211 941-727-9072

Lakewood Ranch High School 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Bradenton, FL 34211 941-753-0958

Primrose School Lakewood Ranch North 5730 New Haven Blvd. Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 941-500-1092

Risen Savior Academy 14605 59th Avenue East Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 941-756-7545

34212

Freedom Elementary 9515 SR 64 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34212 941-753-0958

Sunny Daze Preschool East 9922 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-750-0042

Witt Elementary 200 Rye Road East Lakewood Ranch, FL 34212 941-753-0958

34216

School for Constructive Play 302 Pine Street

Anna Maria, FL 34216 941-778-2210

34217

Anna Maria Elementary 4700 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217 941-753-0958

34219

A Little Schoolhouse Christian Academy

11740 US Highway 301 North Parrish, FL 34219 941-776-1973

FORZA Child Development Center

12214 US Highway 301 North Parrish, FL 34219 941-981-5885

Parrish Charter Academy 8605 Erie Road Parrish, FL 34219 941-545-6380

Williams Elementary 3404 Fort Hammer Road Parrish, FL 34219 941-753-0958

34221

A+ Growing Academy 800 10th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-0797

Adventures In Learning

712 61st Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-1816

Bible Baptist Church of Palmetto Academy

1750 6th Avenue West, Unit 101 Palmetto, FL 34221 941-479-4958

Blackburn Elementary

3904 17th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221

941-753-0958

Bright Beginnings Academy

614 10th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-479-7910

C.O.R.E. Early Education & Learning Center

605 13th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-9069

Children's Nest of Manatee 2 600 7th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-479-7789

Growing Hands Learning Center 5743 69th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-356-5702

¡HOLA! Elementary @ MSA 700 Haben Blvd. Palmetto, FL 34221 941-812-0488

Imagine Charter School at North Manatee

9275 49th Avenue East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-981-5345

Kids On The Rock

1401 14th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-4567

Lil' Angels Daycare

1415 7th Avenue East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-0442

Linda Evans Family Day Care Home

1500 7th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-720-9640

Little Manatee's Cove 707 3rd Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-981-9967

Palmetto Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County

1600 10th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-761-2582

Palmetto Elementary

1540 10th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-753-0958

Palmetto Youth Center 501 17th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-0783

Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning - Palmetto 1315 2nd Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-750-6667

The Learning Post Child Care 623 30th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-536-4858

Tillman Elementary 1415 29th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-753-0958

Tiny Tots University 930 9th Street Drive West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-723-9072

Twin Angels Academy Preparatory School

737 8th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 947-776-4955

Vanessa Hawkins Family Day Care Home

439 47th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-405-2405

Virgil Mills Elementary 7200 69th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-753-0958

Wee World Child Development Center

1020 4th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-0810

34222

Sproutlings Kids Learning Academy 2 3411 US Highway 301 North Ellenton, FL 34222 941-845-4484

34243

Abel Elementary 7100 Madonna Place Sarasota, FL 34243 941-753-0958

CRPE Academy

1621 66th Avenue Terrace East Sarasota FL, 34243 941-242-2515

Easter Seals of Southwest Florida 350 Braden Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-7637

Kinnan Elementary 3415 Tallevast Road Sarasota, FL 34221 941-753-0958

La Petite Academy 4507 Vintage Drive Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-7677

Little Einstein's Academy 3631 Tallevast Road Sarasota, FL 34243 941-894-6505

Sandman Preschool & Academy 924 Wilmerling Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-755-2591

Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning - Parkland 6432 Parkland Drive Sarasota, FL 34243 941-750-6667

34251

Myakka City Community Center 10060 Wauchula Road

Myakka City, FL 34251 941-322-8114

Myakka Early Learning Center 37190 Singletary Road Myakka City, FL 34251 941-322-2605

Myakka Elementary 37205 Manatee Avenue

Myakka City, FL 34251 941-753-0958

The first five years of your child’s life lay the foundations for learning, health and behavior. As your child’s first teacher, you can prepare your child for success in life by providing a safe, consistent and loving environment.

The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County provides Child Care Resource and Referral Serivces to families based on thier individual needs.

Child Care Resource and Referral Services can help your family by providing:

Information about School Readiness and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten programs.

A customized list of local child care options from trained Child Care Resource and Referral Specialists.

Information about quality child care and early learning programs.

Financial assistance strategies and opportunities. Referrals to other community resources and programs.

Call today to speak to one of our trained Child Care Resource and Referral Specialists!

WORDS: Rachel Spivey

PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst

Hatching New Ideas!

Ever heard the old adage, "The early bird catches the worm?" Well, it turns out this saying applies to early learning, too! The earlier children are exposed to stimulating environments, the better the outcome. Years of research have reported that investing in early education programs yields a higher return on investment than at any other time in academia. Estimates on this return are said to be 13.7%, surpassing investments in K-12 and higher education. Back in the Fall, the Division of Early Learning released significant

American Rescue Act Plan funds across Florida to bolster early learning centers and family child care homes, as well as directly support educators. The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee (ELC) Hatched a plan blooming with new ideas to ensure children have the best possible learning outcomes. The Coalition's $4.5 million plan included investments in technology, hands-on learning materials, teacher training, curriculum support, and workforce development programs.

Interactive Technology

The Coalition recognizes that technology is here to stay and that in order for children to reach the coveted kindergarten readiness status, they need to be digitally literate or at least have developed comfort within the realm of technology.

Technology use with children, it is recommended that the child be over the age of two, must be done thoughtfully based on ideas that integrate best practices and developmental needs. "Following extensive research, the Coalition discovered Hatch –The Early Learning Experts. This organization has meticulously developed a range of interactive products that come preloaded with software full of hands-on, engaging, and age-appropriate content made especially for the three to five-year-old age range. The content truly fosters individual instruction and collaborative learning experiences, as well as supporting lesson planning and student development documentation for teachers. Excitedly, the product will be utilized in 52 child care centers around Manatee County. The Coalition is offering a wide range of professional development for teachers to ensure maximum effectiveness for young students.

Additionally, the Coalition is utilizing MarcoPolo, a curriculum supplemental program that can be shown on the Hatch boards. MarcoPolo gives teachers and families a fun, safe application to explore that lets children safely discover the world at their fingertips. MarcoPolo has features that help connect school and home learning, and together, these two products make a remarkable solution to address family engagement and literacy goals.

Hands-On Learning Materials

Most early learning professionals will likely share that play is the "work" of small children. So, in their plan, the Coalition ensured that children through their child care centers had many new and inspirational materials to explore and play with. In fact, 96 child care centers will receive one of three thoughtfully curated kits from KODO Innovations.

These kits feature materials supporting block and ramp play, exploration of light and color with the absolute neatest light table and translucent accessories, and an enormous outdoor magnet wall that teaches ideas such as gravity and friction.

materials that coordinated with the state-approved curriculum. These classrooms will be hopping with joy, new toys, and endless possibilities for little learners.

Curriculum Support

Curriculum refers to a structured set of educational plans and experiences designed to guide learning for a set topic or learning standards. To be effective, classrooms benefit from training in the use of the curriculum, the ideas, knowledge, or practices that make up the curriculum, and having the coordinating materials, books, toys, puppets, etc., to make the curriculum come alive for children.

The Coalition spent a large portion of their state-granted funds to ensure curriculums were full and complete in many child care centers with Learning Beyond Paper. They also added additional resources such as sets of classroom library books, puppets featuring characters with common disabilities, literature for teachers, and materials to advance the structured teaching of executive functioning skills for early learners.

These skills refer to those internal skills necessary for academic success, such as interpersonal relationships, emotional control, planning and organization, and self-control. It is vital to start building these while children are young, so the Coalition partnered with Discovery Source and other vendors to customize kits focusing on the whole child.

In addition, the Coalition invested in LENA Grow, a foundational program that measures conversational turns with a "talkpedometer." The number of opportunities children have to talk with adults increases a range of skills from bonding to engagement in the classroom to language and cognitive

development and even social and emotional development. With the LENA Grow program, students wear technology housed in a cute lightweight vest that captures the interactions on a sound level. This data, along with coaching, is shared with classroom teachers to help them enhance the quality of their environment, making it language-rich.

Teacher Training and Workforce Development Programs

The backbone of the current economy is high-quality early education. The fact is the workforce of tomorrow is growing today, so to ensure our future, we need to invest in theirs. Additionally, Manatee County can't go to work if its children aren't cared for during typical working hours. The Coalition is acutely aware of these facts and invested in programs and training to upskill and develop the child care workforce. Highquality adult-child interactions create an environment where children can thrive.

These positive interactions are the cornerstone of quality in early care and education and are measured by Coalition staff using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®). CLASS measures these high-quality interactions around ten dimensions, and therefore, the Coalition offered, managed, stipend, and recruited child care professionals from the newest teacher to the most experienced, encouraging additional training in this measurement practice and the professional's skills to ensure the workforce is fully invested in their role in building the future. Additionally, the Coalition made efforts to recruit and train early learning teachers. This included offering recruitment bonuses and providing health and safety training. On top of these impactful benefits, the ELC hosted three workforce projects. Two were celebratory breakfasts that involved coordinating a more unified approach to Transition to Kindergarten with the School District and Step Up Suncoast's Head Start Program. The third was a focused pilot project around measuring accurate results. By putting results first with the consultants from Results First, early educators and Coalition staff learned the value of measurement and how careful analysis of impact can help everyone succeed.

The Coalition hatched many new ideas this year, and the benefits will be cracken far into the future! Darrell King, CEO of the ELC, said of the investments made: "We are excited to see the rollout of our ARPA Discretionary spend plan. Our ELC team put a lot of strategic thought and planning into what our child care community needs and we feel that some really meaningful longterm investments have been made. I was also really happy to see 263 child care professionals who work on the VPK program all receive a $1000 stipend as it is absolutely crucial that we continue to invest in those who deliver the VPK program to our local children." NG

What the Teachers say…

A TeachSmart Board enhances our teachers' instructional activities, creates more learning opportunities for our students, and provides more hands-on learning activities. The board will allow us to provide learning opportunities that support multiple different learning styles. Using the smart board provides the teachers with access to more online resources that they can use right in their classroom in real-time.

Brittany Swift from Easterseals Southwest Florida

This technology will help our preschool classroom to keep up with today's world learning experience. We believe it is important that schools and young children are kept up to date with our fast-changing world.

Dafran Gutierrez from Top Kids Bilingual Preschool of Bradenton

It will allow for individual and specific child success and enhancement when needed. In addition, the teachers will be able to customize planning to meet the needs of students, as well as maintain portfolio and assessment data. Such interactive lessons will encourage further learning in the classroom.

Denise Jordan from Next Generation Academics

The TeachSmart tablet will enable me to do various activities in a small group and one-to-one setting that might otherwise take much more prep and materials. I'm particularly excited about being able to add a more fun aspect to learning, as children these days are extremely interested in working on tablets. Using the TeachSmart board and tablets will also allow me to give my students practice in using modern technology that some might not otherwise have a chance to do due to familial financial constraints. In addition, it will help to better prepare my students for using technology that is similar to the modes of assessments these days.

Jennifer Butzow from Imagine School at North Manatee: VPK Program

Because both devices are interactive, I believe this will help further excite the children about learning new skills. They will learn, all while having fun. Also, because the lessons are hands-on learning opportunities, they will help deepen the children's understanding/knowledge because we know they learn best by doing.

Keisha Small from Let's Learn Early Childhood Center

Hatch has partnered with educators to extend learning in the classroom through hands-on learning experiences; this will benefit daily operations and practices at our center by helping us focus on each child's learning ability as an individual to help them achieve the goals set for that student.

Sandra Eaton from Our Kids West

TeachSmart Board and tablets will give the teachers the ability to provide engaging activities that are customized to the needs of each child. This will build confidence for the children in their learning environment and create a strong foundation for their continued education. This will give teachers and parents the ability to work together making sure the children reach their full potential.

Tanya McGrath from Myakka Early Learning Center

FUNDING THE FUTURE

ELC Honored to Receive $10,000 Grant From Bradenton Kiwanis…

The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Bradenton Kiwanis Club to help fund the highly impactful ReadingPals program.

ReadingPals provides mentors to VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) children at local child care sites 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 young learners.

ReadingPals volunteer mentors meet with their students for one hour each week for at least 25 sessions throughout the school year. Mentors are screened and trained by the ELC, which also provides continuous mentor support. The books for the program are provided through the ELC, and students take a copy of the books home to add to their at-home libraries.

Last year, the ReadingPals program helped develop reading skills in over 100 Manatee County VPK students, who saw tremendous gains in their reading comprehension.

Sharon Greer, Director of A Child's Galaxy Preschool, said: "ReadingPals has made a phenomenal impact on my students. It has enlightened the children's love for reading and books. It's a great beginning for an early reader."

Darrell King, ELC Chief Executive Officer, said: "Early literacy is a mainstay of our work at ELC. Last year, we were able to provide over 52,000 free books to children in our local community. This grant from Bradenton Kiwanis will help us to train more volunteers so students can get one-on-one interaction, as well as provide more books for incoming students. We are so grateful that Bradenton Kiwanis recognizes the importance of early literacy as crucial to preparing children for school."

ReadingPals is a statewide initiative managed by The Children's Movement of Florida. The pillars of ReadingPals are mentoring, early literacy, and social-emotional development. These three things are crucial to ensuring a child gains the necessary skills for a successful transition to kindergarten. NG

60

MINUTES MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD

45% of children in Florida are NOT READY for Kindergarten.

Early intervention and individualized attention gives students the best likelihood of success.

51% of Manatee County students cannot read at a minimally proficient level by the end of 3rd grade.

BECOME A MENTOR TODAY!

A PLUS Program of

Calling All Parents in Manatee County!

Meals on Wheels PLUS is currently conducting a needs assessment of food and nutrition for students in Manatee County. Your input to this survey is critical!

Please use the QR code below to complete the survey by April 12th, 2024.

MealsOnWheelsPlus.org/

The data collected will enable Meals on Wheels PLUS to champion resources for food security for families in Manatee County through The Food Bank of Manatee. Please complete the survey today!

Breaking the Silence on Sexual Abuse

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a community that stands against sexual abuse. Your presence matters!

TRAINING SCHEDULE

4.05 | Friday Opening Night Premier Free T-Shirt Giveaway (first 750 fans)

4.06 | Saturday Opening Weekend with postgame fireworks!

4.20 | Saturday Margaritaville Night

5.04 | Saturday Star Wars Night with postgame fireworks!

SPRING INTO ACTION…

WORDS: Christa Hardin

As pretty as the days of Spring are in our gorgeous state of Florida, which is aptly literally named after the delightful flowers in bloom, with all the pollen (and all of the outof-state travelers on Spring Break) comes all the sniffles, too! This season, we thought it would be a good time to catch up on many strategies for taking good care of you and your kiddos and household this season.

First, remember to teach your kids how to not spread germs to or from themselves. Though most of us can live without having to wear masks, some of our kids' teachers, family members, and peers are truly immunocompromised, and it's important we respect social space and teach our kids to do the same. Teach your kids about healthy social distancing if a friend is repeatedly sneezing or has a hacking cough nearby, as well as about the importance of washing their hands after coughing or sneezing, as well as trying to lean into their elbow or under a shirt to avoid spreading droplets onto others nearby. Here are a few more important tips.

1. Teach your family about the importance of water to keep things flushing through their body and stay hydrated and energized throughout the day. It's a good thing water bottles are in style, so play it up and keep them hydrated and in style.

2. Make sure if they have a cough, you keep them hydrated. Keep a supply of the super helpful teas many theater professionals and opera singers alike drink when they have any kind of sickness, like Throat Coat by Traditional Medicines, which most retailers sell. You can add honey to make it a bit sweeter and have them drink up before school and bedtime, along with finding an over-thecounter doctor-approved medicine like Mucinex to keep their (or your) mucus clear.

3. It's also a wonderful strategy to help kids notice what the beginning of a cold or flu feels like for them. Help them to familiarize themselves with their unique bodies so they

can test out various remedies, as you do the same for yourself. Does it help to take a short rest mid-day on a weekend or to get to bed earlier? Rest is almost always something people enjoy.

4. Fitness is also a wonderful way to prevent sickness and to get back up on your feet after the worst of a sickness passes you.

5. A natural citrus source of Vitamin C also helps, such as adding lemon to your water or your kids' water bottle, especially if you can hit it at the beginning of the sickness.

6. Teach your kids about another aspect of sanitation. It may have taken humans till the 1800s to develop an understanding between germs and diseases, but we know now. Teach your kids how important washing your hands vigorously is to truly wash those germs off.

7. Remind your kids to wash their hands before eating and keep a small sanitizer in their bookbag freshly stocked.

8. Keep your Vitamin D and Zinc stocked at home. There are gummies, too, to make them even more fun and palatable for kids (and adults!)

9. Make good use of our wonderful area medical providers. Our state and area are known for offering top-notch care, some of which are advertised here in our magazine. We love knowing we have professionals who have dedicated

their lives to helping others through sicknesses, big and small. If you're not up for getting out, don't forget you can do telehealth visits nowadays, too.

As you consider best how to stay well, don't forget that it's not wise to resist hanging out with friends just because it's cold and flu season. You need social wellness every bit as much as self-care, and good social wellness also helps your immunity by keeping positive endorphins in your life.

However, as much as social ties are important, if a friend who is sick asks you to hang out, wait a few days at least, but get something on the calendar for the following week or weeks. If you want to show them you care and want to keep the relationship healthy, send them a simple get-well gift to let them know they're in your thoughts.

Lastly, it's so important that you remember your health is yours to steward. Be empowered to actively take care of yourself and use your voice to find providers who genuinely care. Even if you haven't found them yet, they are out there and have saved many lives in our area. Thank your friends in this field, as they often sacrifice their own sleep and time to help others, too! If you're a healthcare provider reading this, make sure you take care of yourself, too. NG

PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst

GOLF CLASSIC

12th ANNUAL

GETTING MOBILE…

WORDS: ZERO TO THREE

Crawling, cruising, walking, running. Once your baby is up and moving, they are a force to be reckoned with. Here's how to balance your dual role as safety officer and fellow explorer.

Welcome to the world of exploration, where your child gets better and better at getting where they want to go, and you get better and better at keeping up.

Here's what to expect as your child becomes mobile. Remember that milestones predict the order of developing skills rather than an exact timetable. Talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns about your child's progress.

ROLLING OVER

Your baby gets ready: Babies spend a lot of time on their backs, sleeping or confined in car seats and carriers. To develop the muscles they need to crawl and stand, they need to spend time on their tummies each day. Read more about Tummy Time here. What it looks like: Rolling over usually starts with tummy to back, followed by back to tummy. When they're on their tummies, you'll start to see them putting weight on their forearms and later, hands as they start building the skills for crawling.

When it happens: Between 4 and 6 months.

Babyproof: To prevent falls, keep a hand on babies while they're on beds, sofas, and changing tables.

CRAWLING

Your baby gets ready: You may see your baby on all fours, rocking back and forth. Or you may see them crawl backward when they really want to crawl forward. This is all part of learning how to move their bodies in order to crawl.

What it looks like: Babies have different styles of crawling - from classic to commando (lying flat on their bellies and dragging themselves forward). Some babies - about 7% - skip crawling altogether.

When it happens: Second half of their first year (6+ months)

Babyproof: Get down on the floor to see a baby's-eye view. Cover electrical outlets and remove electrical cords from baby's reach. Put baby gates at the top and bottom of the stairs. Install toilet seat locks. Pad anything with sharp edges. Move

houseplants, fragile items, and poisonous household cleaners out of reach. Baby's on the move!

Avoid Baby walkers. They can be dangerous. And it's much better for your baby to be on the floor where they can practice crawling.

Avoid lots of time in baby seats and carriers. Babies need plenty of time to play, move, and explore.

PULLING UP/CRUISING

Your baby gets ready: You may see your baby begin to pull up to a standing position or walk with assistance (like holding your hands). You can encourage pulling up by putting an interesting toy on the couch for them to find when they stand.

What it looks like: Your baby will use furniture to pull themselves upright, then walk by holding on for balance.

When it happens: 9 to 12 months.

Babyproof: Everything you did at the crawling stage, plus look for hazards that may have been previously out of reach, like the cords on blinds. If you've not done so already, now is the time to pad furniture with sharp corners and remove anything that might tip over if your baby grabs or pulls on it. Also: make sure that bookshelves and other furniture that might be toppled by a cruising or climbing baby are anchored to the wall.

WALKING

Your baby gets ready: Your baby may stand, unassisted, and then sit/fall to their bottoms after a second or two. They may take a shaky step and then fall again. Usually it takes 4-6 weeks of early steps before a baby becomes a confident walker. What it looks like: You know: One minute they're gripping your hand and the next minute they're taking a few wobbly steps, all by themselves. Often when babies take their first steps, their arms are held out by their sides—this is to help them balance. As they get more comfortable with walking, their arms will come down next to their bodies.

When it happens: 12 months to 18 months.

Babyproof: Again. Higher and farther.

Expect: A lot of practice to get good at walking.

● Falls. One study found that toddlers between 12 and 19 months old fell 17 times an hour. New walkers fell 69 times an hour! This is why you padded all the sharp corners of the furniture the moment they started pulling themselves up.

● Exhaustion - yours and theirs. A busy toddler will take more than 9,000 steps and travel the distance of more than 29 football fields - every day. All this new activity may make it harder for them to go to sleep at night. This is common when children are mastering a new skill. Don't be surprised if you're exhausted, too!

Watching your child take their first steps is one of the many powerful moments of parenthood, as your child begins to explore the world with you at their back. Remember that you will always be their touchstone, and they'll keep coming back to check in and make sure all's well. NG

On The Bookshelf

REVIEWS: Colleen Hartnett

Wild! Numbers

By Courtney Dicmas (Birth

to 3)

Brightly colored birds land on a wire and are numbered 1-10 in this sturdy board book. With a sense of humor and vibrant illustrations, author Courtney Dicmas engages children in counting and having conversations about the pictures. Part of the Wild! Concepts series.

You Matter

Written and Illustrated by Christian Robinson (4-6)

A simply beautiful book with illustrations and text, Christian Robinson's You Matter lets the reader know that they matter. Illustrations include people, settings, and creatures. It is a lovely gift for anyone at any age and a must for any classroom. Look at each illustration for connections between them.

Rainforest

By Sean Callery (7-9)

Part of the Life Cycles series, Rainforest, includes an easy-to-understand introduction to rainforests, where they are, what they are, and where they are on the world map. The book takes the reader through three food chains present in three distinctive rainforests in different parts of the world. Also, learn about the life cycle of ten animals and one plant. The photographs are stunning, and the information is interesting. Included at the end of the book is a food web that combines the three food chains from the animals presented earlier. No science center should be without this book!

The Library, Black Moon Rising Book 2

By D. J. MacHale (10-12)

If your readers enjoy action and adventure, they are sure to adore The Library, Black Moon Rising, Book 2. When bizarre happenings shadow a middle school in Massachusetts, Marcus, the main character, is in the minority to find out the cause. Follow Marcus and his friends Theo and Lu as they unravel puzzles, tales, and mysterious accidents.

STOP, LOOK

It’s

an ELC Book Nook

Community Book Nooks are supplied with FREE books available from birth - 12 years old to support reading in everyday places. Children can browse from a variety of titles the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County has supplied to our Book Nook sites and choose one to take home. Book Nooks are placed at local business and community locations to serve children and their families. Look for a book to enjoy with your child when already visiting one of the locations listed below:

● Anna Maria Oyster Bar Locations: Landside

Bridge St. Pier

Cortez

Ellenton University Town Center

● Manatee County Clerks 1115 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205

● Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County 600 8th Ave W #100, Palmetto, FL 34221

We encourage all families to carry books everywhere. They are great to use when waiting for appointments, waiting for a meal, or to spark conversation on a long car ride. Children who are not yet readers can still gain valuable literacy skills by turning the pages and enjoying illustrations.

Interested in having a Book Nook at your business? Email communityengagement@elc-manatee.org

Reading Tips

Consejos de Lectura

Birth-OneYear Old/Nacimiento-Un Año de Edad

● Use facial expressions and gestures along with the story. Use expresiones faciales y gestos junto con la historia.

● Choose board books, cloth books, books with faces, and nursery rhymes. Elija libros de cartón, libros de tela, libros con caras y canciones infantiles.

One-TwoYears Old/Uno-Dos Años

● Name the pictures; labeling is how toddlers learn new words. Nombra las imágenes; el etiquetado es la forma en que los niños pequeños aprenden nuevas palabras.

● Start with your child in your lap, sharing the book, but be flexible and allow your toddler to move around while reading. Comience con su hijo en su falda, compartiendo el libro, pero sea flexible y permita que su niño pequeño se mueva mientras lee.

Three-SixYears Old/Tres-Seis Años

● Point out letters and letter sounds as you read. Señale las letras y los sonidos de las letras mientras lee.

● Have your child sit close, or in your lap, and encourage them to turn the pages as you read. Haga que su hijo se siente cerca, o en su falda, y animelo a pasar las paginas mientras lee.

Seven-NineYears Old/Siete-Nueve Años

● Read a variety of books including storybooks, nonfiction books, and informational texts. Lea una variedad de libros, incluidos libros de cuentos, libros de no ficción y textos informativos.

● Ask your child to explain what the book was about in their own words. Pídale a su hijo que explique de qué trata el libro con sus propias palabras.

Ten-TwelveYears Old/Diez-Doce Años

● Vocabulary is vital. Help your child know what to do when they encounter a new word: Use context clues to identify the meaning of new words, and look up words they do not know. El vocabulario es vital. Ayude a su hijo a saber qué hacer cuando encuentre una palabra nueva: Use claves de contexto para identificar el significado de nuevas palabras y busque palabras que no conozca

The Art of Setting Boundaries…

WORDS: Women's Resource Center

There is a delicate balance between nurturing relationships and safeguarding our own well-being. For many, this equilibrium tilts towards the realm of people-pleasing, where the pursuit of validation often eclipses the importance of setting personal boundaries. The truth is our worth isn't measured by the number of nods we receive but by the depth of our self-respect.

Does this resonate with you: you're stretched thin, juggling tasks and commitments like a circus performer with too many plates in the air? Your inbox is overflowing, your schedule resembles a Tetris puzzle, and you feel overwhelmed. Yet, when a friend asks for a favor or a colleague requests your assistance beyond your capacity, you find yourself uttering that dreaded word: "Yes," even when every fiber of your being is screaming "No." Does this sound familiar?

We've all been caught in the web of people-pleasing, where saying "No" feels like you are letting people down. But here's the truth: setting boundaries isn't selfish; it's an act of self-love and preservation. It's about recognizing your own limitations and honoring your needs, even if it means disappointing others.

Boundaries are the invisible fences we erect to protect our time, energy, and emotional well-being. Boundaries signal to others that your worth isn't contingent upon meeting others' expectations. By establishing clear boundaries, you are paving a path toward healthier, more authentic relationships. But setting boundaries isn't always easy. It requires courage, vulnerability, and unwavering self-assurance. It means facing the discomfort of disappointing others or risking their disapproval.

So, how do we cultivate the art of boundary-setting amidst a sea of people-pleasing tendencies? Start by tuning into your intuition, that quiet voice within that whispers your truths. It starts by identifying your core values and priorities and letting them guide your decisions.

Practice saying "No" with grace and conviction. Remember, every

refusal is an affirmation of your priorities and a testament to your self-respect. Communicate your boundaries openly and assertively, without apology or justification. Your needs are valid, and it's okay to prioritize them. One of my favorite statements in this regard is don't let the discomfort of no lead to the resentment of yes.

Surround yourself with allies who respect and honor your boundaries. Cultivate relationships built on mutual understanding, where your needs are met with empathy and support. And for those who push against your boundaries or dismiss your needs, remember that you are not obligated to accommodate their discomfort.

As you establish boundaries and move away from peoplepleasing, you'll discover a newfound sense of freedom and authenticity. You'll reclaim your time, energy, and sense of self, forging deeper connections grounded in mutual respect and understanding.

We encourage you to set your boundaries boldly, without hesitation or apology, and pay attention to the changes in your world. You are worthy of love, respect, and validation simply by being unapologetically yourself. NG

Power of Conversation: Embracing Generational Differences.

PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst

STAGE SKILLS TEACH LIFE SKILLS

Early Childhood Education

Childcare Worker 1 & 2

Length: Approximately 16weeks

Dual Enrollment: No

Delivery: On-Campus, Daily

Test for: DCF 45 Hour Certification

Job Titles: Child Care Worker 1 & 2, Teacher Aide

Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program

Length: Approximately 2 Years

Dual Enrollment: No

Delivery: On-Campus: Evening

Test for: DCF Staff Credential

Job Titles: Child Care Teacher

Child Care Center Operations

Length: Approximately 8 weeks (45 Hours)

Dual Enrollment: No

Delivery: On-Campus, Evening (Tuesday & Thursday)

Test for: DCF Director’s Credential

Job Titles: Child Care Center Director

PREVIEW Let The Festival Begin!

WORDS: Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading

Back in 2022, some 165 organizations offered over 140 free, fun, and engaging events for families in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto counties, and more than 10,000 guests came to the inaugural Suncoast Remake Learning festival.

Suncoast Remake Learning Days 2023 was then an enormous success due to the dedication, creativity, care, and hard work of community innovators. The collective effort resulted in over 25,000 individuals attending 200+ events across four counties in 10 days.

With huge enthusiasm, we are gearing up for Suncoast Remake Learning Days 2024and extend a warm invitation for you to join us!

From Saturday, April 20, 2024, through Saturday, May 4, 2024, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto counties will dazzle for 15 consecutive days during this free regional learning festival. Join us and celebrate the joy of adults and children learning side by side, all while embracing curiosity and wonder!

Scan the QR code and let the anticipation for the 2024 Suncoast Remake Learning Days festival unfold!

Suncoast Remake Learning Days – A Sneak Preview…

Friends,

I don't know about you, but one of my favorite parts of a vacation or a long-awaited meal is the planning. For me, planning a trip or special restaurant visit becomes a cherished prelude to the actual journey. The anticipation of creating memorable experiences starts with research – choosing accommodations, mapping out activities, browsing food pictures, and uncovering hidden gems. Making these selections ahead of time enhances and extends my overall experience. In short, it's fun to think about upcoming fun!

That's why I'm so excited to share the new Suncoast Remake Learning Days Event Calendar. It's a sneak peek into all the cool festival events before it goes public. Which means you can start planning your 15 days of hands-on learning experiences now.

You will see that some early submissions are already in, and planning is underway. For those of you who'd rather read the cliff notes version, here are some events worth marking on your calendars early.

Escape the Library Zombies on 4/20 at The North Port Library

Do you have what it takes to escape from the zombie apocalypse? Embark on a heart-pounding adventure with this exhilarating library program where you and your eclectic group of survivalists must navigate the undead-infested halls, uncover clues, decipher puzzles, and find the antidote to save humanity before it's too late.

In this in-person game, all props and clues are cleverly hidden within the library, creating a fun experience for everyone involved. Pick up a clue sheet from the front desk or children's desk and solve at your own pace. Bring a friend and have some fun solving our library zombie escape game! All ages are welcome.

Um, yes! This event had me at "zombie apocalypse." So fun!

Feline Feud on 4/27 at Cat Depot

Play Feline Feud and test your knowledge of everything related to cats. Lots of cat lovers have been surveyed, and the top answers are on the board!

Who doesn't like games and cats and games about cats?!

May the 4th Be With You With Drones on 5/4 at SCF Bradenton Campus

Celebrate May the 4th with exciting drone demonstrations, races, and learning opportunities with FIRST LEGO League robotics! Just the name of this event made me smile. Drones? Check. Robotics? Check. Star Wars joke? Check. I'm in! These are just a few of the MANY amazing events already listed on the calendar. I'd love to highlight them all, but this is a short article. So, open the calendar and get a greater glimpse of what's to come for yourself.

Thank you to The Patterson Foundation and the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading for supporting #SuncoastRemakeDays and to all the planners and non-planners out there reading this. I hope seeing this preview has amplified your anticipation. It's part of the adventure! NG

Your friend,

Laurie Miller

Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading

Unlocking Joy Through Dance

WORDS: Sheri Roca

PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst

ReImagine Dance is a local, nonprofit organization offering dance classes, at no charge, to young people between the ages of 5 and 25 with any disability. Constructed through the love and imagination of two sisters who both have children with disabilities as a way to involve their kids in a creative outlet where they can socialize and express themselves in healthy ways.

Sisters Shannon Johnson and Melanie Simmons both had "miracle babies" and had been told, at one time, that their children may not make it. Initially, this is what inspired both mothers to pursue medical careers. Shannon is now a Nurse Practitioner (NP), and Melanie is a Registered Nurse (RN). But their true passions and the needs of their children are what finally fueled the idea for ReImagine Dance. Shannon has always loved to dance and was a dancer in high school and college, while Melanie thrives in business, so ReImagine Dance was a natural partnership for the sisters and an ingenious way to help both of their children.

Shannon's daughter, Madison, or Mattie, and Melanie's son, Bryce, had difficulties finding any activity where they would feel included and their differences would not stand out. Mattie is resigned to a wheelchair with very limited mobility, and although she was often dragged along to her siblings' sports and other extracurricular activities, she did not have any social activities of her own. Although many organizations offered to find ways to include her, with her mobility limitations, Shannon could not find a local organization that was the right fit for her. Melanie's son, Bryce, was born with cardiac complications, which made it problematic for him to play sports and engage in other physical activities, so he also had difficulties finding his niche.

It was evident early on that both kids loved music, and Shannon knew, from her experience as a dancer, that dance could be the perfect creative outlet for them. According to Shannon, "Dance gives the individual the ability to interpret the music and express themselves through dance however they see fit." And so, armed with nothing but the dream of helping their children and their backgrounds in business and dance, the dream became a reality, and ReImagine Dance was born.

Established in August 2020, it was a test year, with only three dancers. But it all came together without a hitch and became a nonprofit organization in 2021. Currently, seven students dance together once a week: Leah and Sofia, age 10; Truman, 12; Alexa, 19; Addison, 17; Mackencie, 21; and Madison, 23.

"These kids are just amazing!" Shannon exclaimed. "They have so many obstacles, but they do everything with a smile on their face. They love unconditionally, forgive, and forget no matter what, and always cheer each other on."

Because it was important to the sisters to keep the classes free for all who would like to participate, Shannon and Melanie needed to find a host studio that could offer the program an hour or two a week of studio time at no charge, obtain donations for costumes and supplies, and they were going to need volunteers. "Finances can be a disability, too," explains Shannon. "These kids have enough to overcome; how to pay for dance lessons shouldn't be one."

Art and Soul Dance Company in Lakewood Ranch has graciously donated the necessary studio time. "We absolutely could not do this without them," offers Shannon. And through Art and Soul, the dancers have also had the opportunity to participate in multiple performances at recitals, Boo Fest, and the Christmas Parade. "One of our dancers made a heart shape with her hands during the parade and was so excited to see her picture in the paper!" recalls Shannon.

The donations come from fundraisers, local businesses, silent auctions, and social media. Clancy's Irish Pub and Grill recently hosted a Chili Cook-Off, and all proceeds went to ReImagine Dance. "We are hoping to do more events like this in the future," said Shannon. "But it's definitely been a learning curve," she explains. "Now we are trying to learn more about grants and other financial opportunities but have not had much luck with that aspect of fundraising so far, but we keep learning as we go."

Each participating dancer is paired with a volunteer or peer to help them learn the various motions, help with socialization, and assist them in whatever capacity they require. "Without our volunteers, it wouldn't be possible to do so much of what we do," explains Shannon. "They are invaluable to us." Most of the volunteers are high school teens, gathering volunteer hours, and Shannon's other children also volunteer. "Some of the volunteers have been with us since we started," Shannon noted, "friendships have been formed, and valuable life lessons are being learned, as well as patience and compassion."

Mackencie Carrel, a dancer in her third year at ReImagine Dance, really looks up to her peer and often talks to her about things that happen at school or at home, considering her a very positive person in her life, according to her mother, Kathy. "I cannot stress enough how much ReImagine Dance has helped her. She has a lot of challenges and it's hard for her to meet people, so she had a difficult time adjusting to the move to Florida, and this class has been so good for her," she recalls. "And I definitely think her confidence has grown. She gets to be herself in a safe and stable environment while learning something fun. And, because Shannon and Mel are so good with them, I can relax

and not worry while she is there," she continues. "I even get to socialize and have kind of a community of my own."

Jennifer Lindsey's daughter, Leah, also in her third year at ReImagine Dance, loves learning new dance moves and being with wonderful friends. "Everyone (at ReImagine) is very loving and caring," commends Jennifer. "From the dancers to the helpers, they are wide open with hugs, love, and no judgment. She can be herself and make silly mistakes without being judged." she continues. "Shannon and Mel are wonderful people who also open their hearts to love each child and treat them as equals. They all know each other well and have a great time being themselves. It is a safe place for everyone to just be you!"

"Seeing the kids from the beginning of the year and then towards the end has really brought them out of their shells," Shannon proclaimed. "We have students that start the year without making eye contact or talking to anyone, and by the end of the year, they are excited to come to class, singing along with the songs, inviting each other to their birthday parties, making lasting friendships with others, and all in a safe environment where they can just be themselves."

And, of course, all the classes lead up to the big stage performance at the annual recital. "Getting on the stage for the first time, everyone was a little nervous," Shannon admits. "No one knew how the audience would react to our unique dance class. In the end, there were a lot of tears, and many stood to applaud them," she remembers. "Our students were so excited and now look forward to dancing at any event. We stand on the sidelines in tears ourselves and are so proud of them."

Mattie has been known to watch their recital video over and over. They usually choose inspirational music for the recitals,

such as "This Is Me," a song declaring that it is okay to be different, or "Rise Up," a tribute to caregivers, and the dancers threw roses to the audience as a thank you.

"Leah absolutely loves being on stage and performing," recalls Jennifer. "She was not nervous at all, but again, all the dancers have built a strong relationship and know they have each other next to them." She continues, "Seeing her perform has brought tears to my eyes a few times over the last few years. I very much enjoy watching them all perform."

Shannon's big dream is to be accepted to perform in the Macy's Day parade. She has been trying to apply and, if accepted, would love to collaborate with similar organizations and invite all disabled dancers to participate.

ReImagine Dance is currently involved in a research study to prove how the creative arts are beneficial to those with special needs, hoping the project will open more doors for similar programs. NG

Learn more about ReImagine Dance, visit reimaginedance.org

Their mission statement:

Reimagine Dance, where we believe that every individual, regardless of ability, deserves the joy of dance. At our heart, we're a community fostering inclusivity and empowerment through expressive movement. Join us as we create a space where children and young adults with disabilities discover the beauty of dance, celebrating their unique abilities and redefining what's possible. Together, we reimagine dance as a transformative and inclusive experience for all.

KNOWLEDGE. INVESTING IN

KNOWLEDGE. INVESTING IN

KNOWLEDGE. INVESTING IN

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.

“The doctors and staff are best in class.”

- Ernie Withers

Ernie Withers suffered a cardiac arrest at Pirate City’s Roberto Clemente Field last spring.

Pirates Medical Director Dr. Patrick DeMeo responded quickly, performing CPR and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to get Withers’ heart beating again. Withers then was rushed to the cardiac catheterization lab at Manatee Memorial Hospital, where stents were placed to open blocked arteries and a dual pacemaker/defibrillator was implanted.

A week later, Withers was back at the ballfield, throwing out the first pitch for a Pittsburgh Pirates™ spring training game.

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