Philip Tavill & Kwame Alexander | Children First

In February 1996, Philip Tavill became CEO of Children First. His leadership since then has been integral in the growth and success of the Sarasota County non-profit Head Start program. Along with many other accolades, Children First stands out in the top 1% of over 1,800 Head Start programs nationally, serving local children, families, and pregnant women living at risk. It’s also one of just nine programs in the United States recognized as a National Head Start Association Program of Excellence.

Though Tavill enjoys knowing Children First is impacting so many people in the community, he’s most proud of expanding services to impact infants and toddlers. This is a change he brought to the board early in his tenure, decades ago. “The highest demand in communities is infant and toddler care,” he said. “I’m really glad we took that step long ago because it was an unmet need. Starting with the pregnant family is a critical component of our work.”

At full enrollment, Children First provides Head Start programs for 260 infants and toddlers and just shy of 250 preschoolers. They also offer prenatal health care and nutrition education to pregnant mothers, working with families until children are five years of age, and kindergarten-ready. Children First provides families enrolled with a Family Advocate who works in partnership to support their health and success. One of those Family Advocates, Kwame Alexander, was mentored by Tavill.

As a Children First Family Advocate for four and a half years, Alexander is passionate about guiding families to meet their goals. “It’s very rewarding to see families leaving here better off than when they first came into the program,” he said. “I’ve helped parents get their lives back on track and get custody of their kids again. Now they’re living in a better place, with their kids in elementary school.” 

At times, many of these families are in crisis—whether it’s mental health, family dynamics, or financial need. At other times, they may need help with budgeting, learning English as a second language, or parenting classes. There’s help for that too. It ​​doesn’t take long to see the positive ripple effect Children First is making in the Sarasota-Bradenton community with the help of Tavill and Alexander’s contributions. 

1723 N. Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34234 

941.953.3877 • info@childrenfirst.net • childrenfirst.net