The Grant Supports Early Learning at The Florida Center’s Starfish Academy

The $6,500 gift strengthens wraparound services and family engagement at Starfish Academy.

(May 20, 2026)– At a moment when the earliest years of a child’s life carry the greatest potential for lifelong impact, The Florida Center for Early Childhood continues to deepen its commitment to families, thanks to a $6,500 grant from the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation.

The funding supports Starfish Academy, The Florida Center’s inclusive preschool, where children of all abilities learn side by side in a carefully supported environment designed to nurture social, emotional and developmental growth.

More than a classroom, Starfish Academy integrates developmental therapies and mental health consultation directly into the school day. This wraparound model allows specialists to work alongside teachers in real time, helping children build essential skills while supporting educators and families with practical, individualized strategies.

 “Early childhood is a window of extraordinary opportunity,” says Dr. Kristie Skoglund, CEO of The Florida Center. “When we can support a child’s development and a family’s wellbeing at the same time, we create a stronger path forward. It benefits not only that child, but the entire community.”

Through this grant, approximately 30 children and their caregivers will benefit from enhanced parent engagement, targeted support services and stronger connections between home and school.

The results of this approach are already evident. An estimated 97% of Starfish Academy graduates enter kindergarten ready to learn, significantly outpacing local and statewide readiness rates.

“By supporting early intervention and inclusive education, the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation is helping more children and families access the tools they need to thrive,” Skoglund added. “We are deeply grateful for their partnership.”

Photo captions:

• Children at The Florida Center’s Starfish Academy participate in a classroom circle activity designed to support social, emotional and developmental growth. A $6,500 grant from the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation will help strengthen wraparound services, parent engagement and early learning support for children and families.
• A teacher at The Florida Center’s Starfish Academy engages with young students during classroom play and learning activities. Support from the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation will help enhance inclusive early education and individualized support services for approximately 30 children and their caregivers.

About The Florida Center for Early Childhood

For more than 45 years, The Florida Center for Early Childhood has been the leading provider of therapeutic services, early education, and healthy development for young children in southwest Florida, offering a seamless delivery of services for the whole child and their family. Today, the agency is nationally recognized for its early childhood expertise in various specialties. The Florida Center provides developmental therapies, mental health counseling, Starfish Academy preschool, the Healthy Families home-visiting program, and the state’s only Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Clinic, with locations in Sarasota, Orlando and Pensacola.