The Florida Center for Early Childhood Receives Grant

November 6, 2024 | Sarasota

The Florida Center for Early Childhood recently received a charitable gift of $10,000 from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. The funds will go towards the purchase of furniture for the organization’s early education program, Starfish Academy.

“We are deeply grateful to the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation for their generous grant, which will contribute to the purchase of furnishings for two new classrooms for two-year-olds on our Sarasota and Northport campuses,” says Amy Robinson, director of Early Education. “This support is crucial for creating a nurturing environment where our youngest learners can thrive. The grant aligns perfectly with Suncoast Foundation’s mission to enhance the education, health, and emotional well-being of children in our communities, empowering us to make a lasting impact on their lives and those of their families.”

Starfish Academy, The Florida Center’s nationally accredited early childhood education program, serves children aged six weeks to five years in Sarasota and North Port. The school follows an inclusion therapy model, where typically developing children

and those with delays learn together, fostering leadership, empathy, and diversity. Highly trained educators collaborate with therapists to support growth in language, literacy, cognition, motor skills, and social skills, ensuring that each child reaches their full potential.

“We are proud to support The Florida Center for Early Childhood and their mission to provide a strong foundation for children’s growth and learning,” said Melva McKay-Bass, Chief Community Development Officer, Suncoast Credit Union. “By helping to furnish their learning spaces, we’re contributing to an environment where children can thrive, learn, and build the skills they need for a successful future.”

Photo caption: Pre-kindergarten students experiment with chemistry at The Florida Center for Early Childhood Education’s Starfish Academy in Sarasota.