Thanksgiving Fun! 10 Creative Activities to Entertain Toddlers and Preschoolers During the Holiday Break

Looking for fun, easy activities to enjoy with your lil’ turkeys over Thanksgiving break? 

Here are 10 ideas for you and your preschoolers!

1. Turkey Handprints: Trace and paint your child’s hands to make colorful turkey art—easy and memorable!

2. Leaf Collage: Collect fallen leaves outside and glue them onto paper to make beautiful Thanksgiving placemats.

Sarasota County VPK: Enroll Anytime, Start Anytime! – Why VPK is Essential for Your Child’s Development

VPK is more than just a head start—it’s the foundation for your child’s educational journey. The Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County (ELC) works with high-quality providers to offer your 4-year-old a structured curriculum that focuses on early language, reading, math, science, and social-emotional development. These skills prepare your child for kindergarten, helping them develop the essential skills they need to thrive in school and life.

Top 5 Benefits of Enrolling Your Child in VPK in Sarasota County

Did you know that Florida offers FREE preschool to all 4-year-olds, regardless of family income? It’s true! Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten, known as VPK, is designed to provide your preschooler with the skills they need for a strong start to kindergarten. Here’s why enrolling in Free VPK is an excellent choice for your family:

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The Importance of Early Literacy: Tips for Parents

Early literacy is the foundation of a child’s success in school and life. It’s more than just reading; it’s about building vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. As a parent, you play a key role in fostering your child’s love for reading and learning.

Here are a 5 simple tips to support your child’s early literacy development:

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Encouraging Early Literacy at Home: How the Read Learn Dream Program Helps

The Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of Sarasota County’s Read Learn Dream (RLD) program is a fast-growing, classroom-based, early literacy initiative created in collaboration with the Siesta Key Kiwanis Club. Funded by the Club, with the educational component provided by the ELC, we partner together to help build strong home libraries for area 4-year-olds.

How to Choose the Right Childcare Option in Sarasota for Your Family

How to Choose the Right Childcare Option in Sarasota for Your Family

Choosing the best childcare option for your family is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. From North Port to Newtown, you have a variety of options, from childcare centers to family childcare homes. Finding one that aligns with your values and needs can feel overwhelming.