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 FREE PUBLIC FORUM Wednesday - May 16th, 2012 Born in Withdrawal: The Surprising Local Impact of Prescription Drug Abuse in Sarasota County Click Here for all the details. Early Learning Matters 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

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.