When we invest wisely in children and families, the next generation will pay that back through a lifetime of productivity and responsible citizenship. The Science of Early Childhood Development, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University A Poverty Solution That Starts With a Hug Perhaps the most widespread peril children face isn’t guns, swimming pools or speeding cars. Rather, scientists are suggesting that it may be “toxic stress” early in life, or even before birth. This month, the American Academy of Pediatrics is issuing a landmark warning that this toxic stress can harm children for life. I’m as skeptical as anyone of headlines from new medical studies (Coffee is good for you! Coffee is bad for you!), but that’s not what this is. Rather, this is a “policy statement” from the premier association of pediatricians, based on two decades of scientific research. This has revolutionary implications for medicine and for how we can more effectively chip away at poverty and crime. Read the Entire Article Here NY Times Sunday Review 1/7/12   Visit Our Training Insitute Page for information about upcoming sessions. Story of Hope Written by Kaman Perry about her son, Alfa Young.  They have been part of The Florida Center’s Sarasota Family Support Network Program “I’d like to tell you how proud I am of my son Alfa, who is 9 years old.  He has gone from being suspended at school for disruptive behaviors; feeling that he had no friends and that no one liked him, to now being a “mentor “ to other students at Emma E. Booker.  He speaks to other students who have parents that are in jail or prison.  He gives them motivation and tips on how to deal with their feelings, and tells them what he has found to help him.” -Read More- Technology Grant Propels Communications Efforts The Florida Center for Early Childhood recently received a $23,000 grant from the William G and Marie Selby Foundation to advance public awareness and communications with social media for the agency.  The funding will support fundraising and social media efforts with new software, laptops and a color copier.   As outlined in strategic planning by the Board of Directors, the increase in communications, website awareness, e-news blasts and newsletters will broaden donor contact and enhance public awareness for the organization.  The Florida Center provides intervention and development programs for both typically developing children as well as those children with special needs, ages infant to nine years old.  -Read More-

Please read the latest news from Kathryn Shea - President and CEO of the Florida Center for Early Childhood

The Florida Center for Early Childhood is a nationally accredited community-based agency that provides quality programs and services dedicated to the development of young children, their families, and our communities.

The Florida Center provides early childhood education and developmental services (speech, occupational, and physical therapy), mental health services for young children and families, fetal alcohol diagnosis and intervention services, prevention and parent education services.