Parenting And Play Groups Focus On Early Learning And Support For Sarasota And Manatee Families.

Sarasota, FL— Thanks to a $20,000 grant from CFSC, a weekly “learn-through-play” parenting program will be expanded with a new site. Musical Motion is a weekly, learn-through-play group for English and Spanish-speaking parents and their children, ages birth – five. Early learning professionals facilitate each 1-hour class and focus on creative activities that build language, social skills, and motor skills and enhance brain development while providing support to parents. Children and parents participate interactively while exploring books, music, sign, and foreign languages, as well as ABC’s and 123’s.

“The most crucial period of cognitive and physical development is from birth to five years old”, said Katie Becker, Executive Director of Parenting Matters. “The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is playing an important role in advancing healthy development and school readiness skills for children in Sarasota County. By investing in community-based programs like Musical Motion, together we can reduce isolation, improve access, and help more kids be on track for school success and beyond.”

Parenting Matters’ offers Musical Motion at ten locations throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Thanks to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Musical Motion classes will now be offered on campus at Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center and at Mothers Helping Mothers. A complete schedule of Musical Motion locations and class times is available at ParentingMattersFL.org/Musical Motion.

About Parenting Matters: Founded as Family Partnership Center in 1994, Parenting Matters is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to strengthening families and preventing child abuse in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Last year, Parenting Matters served 2,000 parents and children through its continuum of parenting education services; home visiting, community-based groups, classes, and workshops. Parenting Matters’ programs foster effective parenting, so children can grow in safe, nurturing homes that enable them to reach their full potential. For Parenting Matters’ program offerings and more information, visit www.parentingmattersfl.org or call 941-756-3007.