Children First, Inc., the exclusive nonprofit Head Start and Early Head Start provider for Sarasota County, is gearing up for the upcoming school year with an Orientation/Open House event today at Children First’s Dr. Elaine Marieb Early Learning Center. During the events, health screenings will be provided to all enrolled children in attendance. The Venice Lions Club, the Ear Research Foundation and other individuals in the healthcare field will be volunteering their time and services to provide screenings to ensure at-risk children are healthy and ready to learn. The majority of the children attending Children First come from households with incomes at or below the federal poverty guidelines, and may not have access to quality healthcare. These screenings further the organization’s mission of strengthening children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health and well-being. Firefighters will be showing off one of their trucks, representatives from Easter Seals will also be on hand to share information on language and literacy topics, and a representative from Sarasota County government will discuss energy conservation strategies. Parents will also have the opportunity to meet their child’s teachers, speak with their Family Advocates, and take part in fun activities during the open house.

Children First Inc.