The Florida Center’s “Childhood Matters” Champions Early Learning & Community Change

April 2, 2025 | Sarasota

When young children thrive, communities thrive. That belief is at the heart of “Childhood Matters,” presented by The Florida Center for Early Childhood to spark meaningful conversations about the importance of early care and education.

Nationally recognized early childhood policy expert Dr. Dan Wuori—a senior fellow at the Hunt Institute and former director of early learning for South Carolina—will headline the program. Drawing from his groundbreaking book, “The Daycare Myth: What We Get Wrong About Early Care and Education,” Dr. Wuori will challenge common misconceptions and explore why early childhood issues affect everyone—not just parents and educators. The event takes place Thursday, April 10, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Avenue in Sarasota. Tickets are $75 and include lunch, the keynote presentation, and a signed copy of Dr. Wuori’s book for the first 75 registrants. For tickets and more information, visit TheFloridaCenter.org or call Shannon Clement at 941-371-8820.

“This event is more than a luncheon—it’s a call to action,” says Dr. Kristie Skoglund, CEO of The Florida Center for Early Childhood. “Whether you’re a policymaker, business leader, educator, parent, or simply someone who cares about the future of our community, ‘Childhood Matters’ will open your eyes to the far-reaching impact of early childhood experiences.”

Dr. Dan Wuori is the founder and president of Early Childhood Policy Solutions, a bipartisan consultancy focused on young children, their families, and early childhood professionals. With over 30 years of leadership experience, he also serves as a strategic advisor to the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation and previously led early childhood initiatives at The Hunt Institute. Though a trusted advisor to policymakers nationwide, Wuori is best known to parents for his engaging social media presence, where his daily child development videos have attracted over 250,000 followers. The New York Times recently praised his X account as “a font of delight and edification.” He’s currently working on his next book, “Wonderment: Our First Three Years,” set for release in 2027.