Children First, Sarasota County’s exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services, has received three statewide honors from the Florida Head Start Association (FHSA), recognizing leadership, service, and innovation in strengthening children and families.

Vice President of Programs Kathleen Sullivan was named 2026 Administrator of the Year, recognizing a Head Start career spanning nearly four decades. Sullivan’s connection to Head Start began as a parent before she became a volunteer, educator, and program leader. She joined Children First in 2010 and has served as Vice President of Programs and Head Start Director since 2014.

Board Chair Michael K. Suarez was named 2026 Humanitarian of the Year. A Children First alumnus and former Sarasota County Director of Emergency Services, Suarez has served on the Board of Directors since 2020 and currently serves his second consecutive year as Chair. His leadership has strengthened emergency preparedness, governance, parent engagement, and community advocacy.

Children First and Sarasota County Schools were also named Florida’s state finalist for the National Head Start Association Edward Zigler Innovation Award for their partnership through the Cyesis Teen Parent Program. Since 2010, the school-embedded partnership has helped pregnant and parenting teens continue their education while their children receive high-quality early childhood education and comprehensive family support.

Sullivan’s Administrator of the Year Award and the Edward Zigler Innovation Award were both named regional winners by the Region IV Head Start Association (RIVHSA). The Edward Zigler Innovation Award, recognizing the partnership between Children First and Sarasota County Schools, will now advance for national consideration by the National Head Start Association in May 2027.

Children First is also celebrating two staff members who earned the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement (IMH-E®) through the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health. Mental Health Services Manager Arianne Roberts and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist Christy Evans received the prestigious credential, recognizing their specialized knowledge and expertise in supporting young children’s emotional well-being, healthy development, and caregiver relationships.

About Children First:

Founded in 1961 and ranked in the top 1% out of over 1,600 Head Starts nationwide, Children First’s mission is: Strengthening children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being. At multiple sites throughout Sarasota County, Children First offers full-day preschool, infant and toddler care, and nutrition and health care assistance to children ages birth to five years old from low-income families. Through Children First, the children receive the social and cognitive skills needed to enter kindergarten and elementary school on track. For more information, call (941) 953-3877 or visit www.childrenfirst.org.
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