The Children's Movement of Florida

We are grateful to have joined community and business leaders in Alachua County for a powerful conversation where Makayla Buchanan, M.P.P. , our Chief of Staff, was the Keynote Speaker on child care and early learning—Florida’s most important infrastructure. Hosted by the Children's Trust of Alachua County and the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, the discussion focused on local solutions to affordability and access—issues that impact children, families, and the workforce. We believe real change happens locally. By connecting statewide data, business voices, and on-the-ground expertise, we can help every child in Alachua County—and across Florida—thrive in their first five years of life. Florida Chamber of Commerce, Herman Knopf, Mark Wilson, UF Anita Zucker Center, Varnessa M., Kimberly Krupa, Ph.D., robyn perlman, Business Leadership Institute | Early Childhood Learning, EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF ALACHUA COUNTY INC, Xaviera White, Amber Miller, United Way of Central Florida, Arleen Lambert, Mia Jones, Marsha Kiner, MS, CAE, DPL, ASAE DELP SCHOLAR, & Ian R. Fletcher, CCE #EarlyLearning #EarlyChildhood #TheChildrensMovement

On our next call, we'll be speaking with Dawn Vazquez, director of early childhood education programs for Broward County Public Schools. Dawn oversees a professional development initiative that prepares the next generation of early childhood educators—empowering high school students with the skills, classroom experience, and guidance they need to thrive in the industry. She'll be joined by Pablo Soto, a program alum who has come full circle—from student to team member—who will share his inspiring story. 🌐 Learn more and join us: bit.ly/thefuturecall #TheChildrensMovement #Florida #EarlyChildhood #EarlyLearning

Welcome Suzan Gage to Bosses for Babies! Under her leadership as Executive Director of the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida, the organization fosters a family-friendly workplace with flexible scheduling to support medical needs, mid-day family events, and more—so PTO can be saved for meaningful family time. See how leaders are setting the standard: bit.ly/BossesForBabiesFL   #TheChildrensMovement #EarlyChildhood #Florida #BossesForBabies

Calling all early learning educators! The Children’s Movement of Florida is spotlighting the incredible voices shaping our youngest learners and we want you to be part of it. If you work with young children, share your story through our quick “Share Your Early Learning Story” form to help Floridians understand the impact of your work. ✨Each classroom educator who shares their story will also receive a free professional headshot taken right at the FLAEYC Conference! 📍 Stop by Booth 311 on Friday, October 17, between 10 AM – 1 PM to strike your pose and share your story. Not an educator? Share this post with one who deserves the spotlight! 🌐:bit.ly/FLAEYCStory #TheChildrensMovement #FLAEYC #EarlyLearning

Who should apply to the Florida Parent Leadership Network?   Parents + caregivers of children ages 0–5 (including expectant parents) who want to build skills, connect with families, and strengthen their communities. Be part of the Florida Parent Leadership Network and champion a brighter future for kids across the state. If you’re a parent, apply today. If you’re not, share this opportunity with someone who is: 🌐: bit.ly/FLParentNetwork  📅 Applications close November 7, 2025. #FloridaParents #ParentLeadership #TheChildrensMovement

Need a smart, funny 1st grade read? Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin is a barnyard classic that introduces the power of words- with a dash of humor and activism. These books inspire young readers, and they’re also included in the bundles our ReadingPals students receive to grow their home libraries. Help us share the gift of reading! 📚 Want to inspire young readers across Florida? Volunteer with ReadingPals: bit.ly/readingpalsfl #TheChildrensMovement #Florida #1stGradeReads #BookRecs #ReadingPals

Special visit from the one and only David Lawrence Jr., our esteemed Chair! We're deeply grateful for his leadership, vision, and dedication to making a positive impact. 📸: Madeleine Thakur, Rocio Velazquez, Martina Zaefferer, Debra Dhaity, MPH, Nicholas Valdes

Thank you to our partners at Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB) for hosting the Beaches to the Bay Breakfast focused on Bosses for Babies. ✨ The room was full of leaders showing why early learning is not just a family issue, but a business and economic priority: • Superintendent Kevin K. Hendrick shared how child care supports strengthen Pinellas County Schools and staff.   • Dianne Jacob, Movement board member and former PNC Bank exec, reflected on decades of ROI from Grow Up Great.   • Our CEO Madeleine Thakur outlined the business case for early learning and how employers can lead.   • Ric Banciella, CNP, our Director of Business Engagement, highlighted the two-generation impact of family-friendly workplaces.   • JWB Vice Chair Kristen Arrojo Gnage brought “careonomics” to life through her experience as a working mom of three in child care.   Moments like these remind us: when business, education, and community leaders sit down together, Florida’s children and economy both win.    Want the Movement to help bring this conversation to your community? We’re happy to do it: bit.ly/BossesForBabiesFL #BossesForBabies #EarlyLearning #FloridaBusiness #WorkforceDevelopment #CommunityLeadership

These Kindergarten book picks bring humor, hope, and hands-on science to early readers: • Scaredy Squirrel by Mélanie Watt – A laugh-out-loud story about moving beyond fear and taking risks • The One Day House by Julia Durango – A touching story about community, promises, and helping others • Give Bees a Chance by Bethany Barton – A funny, fact-filled intro to pollinators that mixes heart with STEM These titles support early literacy and joyful reading routines, and they’re among the books our ReadingPals students receive to begin building their home libraries. 📚Support young readers across Florida — learn more about volunteering with ReadingPals: bit.ly/readingpalsfl #TheChildrensMovement #Florida #KindergartenReads #BookRecs #ReadingPals

We’re excited to welcome Fabie J., our new Outreach & Communications Intern! A senior at the University of Florida studying Political Science, Fabie is passionate about public service and advocating for vulnerable communities. She’s eager to amplify the voices of children and families through her work at The Children’s Movement. Outside of work, Fabie enjoys working out, concerts, reading, and trying new foods. Learn more: bit.ly/fabie-jacques #TheChildrensMovement #EarlyLearning