Investing in Families with Parenting Education and Early Learning

March 19, 2025 | Sarasota

With the opening of the new Lakewood Ranch Library, Forty Carrots Family Center had an opportunity to expand its Partners In Play® (PIP) programming. In June 2024, Forty Carrots welcomed families for parenting education and early learning thanks to generous grants from Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation and Weichel Family Fund of Manatee Community Foundation.

With two months of programming remaining in its inaugural year, PIP at Lakewood Ranch Library served 310 unduplicated clients, through 27 PIP groups, reaching new families from every corner of the community, all at no cost to participants.

PIP is designed to provide developmentally appropriate play activities for children, creating a language-rich environment that supports early literacy development, stimulates cognitive growth, and encourages positive social interactions at Lakewood Ranch Library. PIP groups play a vital role in teaching parents to become their child’s first teacher, equipping them with essential tools to promote early literacy which positively benefits cognitive development, enhances language skills, and prepares children for future academic success.

“At the heart of PIP programming, the caregiver/child relationship is strengthened, and caregivers are empowered to provide safe, stable environments for their children to grow into their full potential within their families and further into academic and life success,” said CEO of Forty Carrots Michelle Kapreilian.

PIP groups at Lakewood Ranch Library return on Friday, March 28 at 12:15 PM, once again welcoming any parent, grandparent, or caregiver with a child aged from babies to five years old.