Eckerd Brings Early Head Start Program to Sulphur Springs and Ybor City

TAMPA, Fla. - July 8, 2015 - PRLog -- Eckerd announces a new Early Head Start program in Tampa Bay that is designed to foster the health and education of the next generation of children.  On July 9, 2015, 60 families are scheduled to begin the new Early Head Start orientation program.

Early Head Start provides high quality education, comprehensive care and support services to infants, toddlers, and their families.  Eckerd recognizes the importance of developmental milestones and wants to ensure children are prepared for the next step. This program will bridge the educational gap between birth and kindergarten for low income families whose children struggle.  The program provides free year-round services for children ages 0-3 in Tampa with special priority given to families residing in Sulphur Springs and Ybor City.  Research shows that providing high quality education early is the best defense against removal and poverty. For those reasons, Eckerd applied for the Early Head Start grant.

“The face of Early Head Start is seen in every single child and family engaged in our services,” said Carlita Miller, Eckerd Early Head Start Director.  The key to our success lies in the strong bonds between programs, communities, and families. To that end, leadership does not lie solely in the hands of Eckerd, so much as in the hands of every parent, teacher, director, and community member doing the work to help Early Head Start children succeed.”

The open house/ribbon cutting is scheduled for Thursday, July 9, 2015 at Layla’s House in North Tampa. Chloe Coney from Congresswoman Kathy Castor’s Office, Eckerd’s Director of Education, Keith Phillipson, Eckerd Community Alternatives Hillsborough Executive Director, Rachel Smith, Director of Eckerd Early Head Start, Carlita Miller and Liz Kennedy, child advocate and Community Liaison Champions for Children will all speak on the importance of high quality education and the need for Early Head Start.  Guests will also hear from a local grandmother, Mary Stewart, who is raising her grandchild and was helped by Head Start.

WHAT:          Early Head Start Ribbon Cutting

WHEN:          Thursday, July 9, 2015, Ceremony begins at noon

WHERE:       Layla’s House │ 1506 East Eskimo Ave., Tampa, FL

WHO:          Chloe Coney from Congresswoman Kathy Castor’s Office, Eckerd Community Alternatives Hillsborough Executive Director, Rachel Smith, Director of Eckerd Early Head Start, Carlita Miller, Liz Kennedy with Layla’s House and Special Guest Speaker, Mary Stewart


About Eckerd:
Eckerd is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, that has given much-needed second chances to more than 168,000 children and families since its founding by Jack and Ruth Eckerd in 1968.  Eckerd serves over 18,500 children and their families each year through life-changing child welfare, juvenile justice, workforce development and behavioral health programs in 13 states and the District of Columbia. Eckerd’s mission is to provide and share solutions that promote the well-being of children and families in need of a second chance. To learn more visit www.eckerd.org. Follow us on Twitter at @eckerdyouth and “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/eckerdyouth