SRQ MAGAZINE | 2026 35 Under 35 Honoree - Loren Jean Baptiste

Loren Jean Baptiste

EARLY CHILDHOOD COACH TEAM LEAD | CHILDREN FIRST

HOW DID YOU MAKE YOUR START IN YOUR PROFESSION AND WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR WORK DO YOU FIND THE MOST MEANINGFUL?

After graduating from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, I knew I wanted to combine my passion for early childhood education with my commitment to community wellness. When I discovered Children First, it felt like the perfect intersection of those two worlds. I began my career there in 2018 as an Infant Toddler Specialist, creating nurturing learning environments and collaborating with families to support children’s development.

To find fulfillment in life is to find your true purpose and align it with what you do every single day.

— Loren Jean Baptiste

Over time, I found joy in mentoring fellow teachers, which led me to seize the opportunity to become an Early Childhood Coach when the position was created and, ultimately, to be promoted to Early Childhood Coach Lead. Helping build our coaching department from the ground up confirmed that empowering adults is just as meaningful as teaching children. What I find most fulfilling is being a teacher in a new way— supporting educators so they can help every child thrive.

1723 N. Orange Avenue | Sarasota, FL 34234 | 941.953.3877 | childrenfirst.net | Social Media: @ChildrenFirstHeadStart