The Children's Movement of Florida

The Children's Movement of Florida Executive Leadership:
David Lawrence Jr., Founder and Chair


For staff and board, visit: https://www.childrensmovementflorida.org/about/leadership

We are a movement of Florida parents, educators, business and community leaders, advocates, and policymakers championing the policies and investments that support Florida’s youngest children and their families.

On our next Future Call, we’ll explore how the Soar Lab is bringing hands-on early learning experiences closer to childr...
09/03/2026

On our next Future Call, we’ll explore how the Soar Lab is bringing hands-on early learning experiences closer to children and families.

Dr. Sheila Halpin, director of early learning for the School District of Manatee County and co-founder of Soar in 4 Manatee, will share a preview of the Lab’s approach, what they’re seeing on the ground, and how the model is coming together to support early learning and school readiness. Joining her will be Cari Whiddon, VPK specialist for the School District of Manatee County, Elizabeth Thompson, early learning family engagement specialist for the School District of Manatee County, and Angela Knapek, coordinator of the Soar Lab for the School District of Manatee County.

➡️ bit.ly/tcm-futurecall

09/01/2026

The General Election is coming.

Take time to learn about the candidates who want to represent your community and the issues that matter most to you and your family.

Explore our 2026 voter guide ➡️ bit.ly/tcm-voterguide2026

08/31/2026

Communities across Florida are proving that every step toward strengthening early learning counts.

Hear from Varnessa McCray, our director of community engagement, as she recaps an insightful panel featuring Aruna Gilbert from the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, Amy Wiggins from the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, and Laurie McCracken from Baby Fox Academy of Florida. Each speaker shared how their team marked All In for Early Learning Day 2026—from bridging local business with child care to creating engaging family events.

Their distinct experiences showed that while celebrations look different in every community, the goal remains the same: investing early to build a stronger Florida.

📣 Our next Future Call is happening Tuesday, September 8—we hope you’ll join us!

🌐: bit.ly/thefuturecall

See how your community can participate ➡️ bit.ly/tcm-all-in-day

08/28/2026

Building a better future for children takes all of us—families, educators, advocates, businesses and policymakers.

At Children’s Week, students asked Florida leaders what it takes to create stronger communities and brighter futures for the next generation.

Find the full interview ➡️ bit.ly/KidCasting2026

Senator Dr. Barbara Sharief Brownsville Preparatory Inst.

08/27/2026

When it comes to the future of our youngest learners, we’re All in! 💯
 
From strong foundations to brighter futures, hear why our community is stepping up for early learning—and why your voice matters too.
 
Take the pledge today and join the movement  ➡️ bit.ly/tcm-all-in-pledge

We’re now accepting applications for our Fall 2026 Marketing & Communications Internship!✔️ Dates: September - December✔...
08/26/2026

We’re now accepting applications for our Fall 2026 Marketing & Communications Internship!

✔️ Dates: September - December
✔️ Deadline to apply: September 9, 2026, 11:59pm ET
✔️ Location: Miami headquarters.
✔️ Role: Intern will work closely with the Marketing & Communications team, supporting social media, storytelling, campaigns, digital communications, and events to engage communities across Florida.

Join us in advancing policies and initiatives that help Florida’s children and families thrive.

Apply now ➡️ bit.ly/tcm-internship-fall-2026

What could we accomplish if more Floridians worked together on behalf of young children? For the past five years, Built...
08/23/2026

What could we accomplish if more Floridians worked together on behalf of young children?

For the past five years, Built to Thrive has connected leaders virtually. This November, we are bringing parents, educators, business leaders, policymakers, and advocates together in person for the very first time!

Join us in Orlando to build new partnerships, share practical solutions, and strengthen Florida’s future.

Register today ➡️ builttothrivefl.org/

You can watch our past virtual sessions on YouTube ➡️ bit.ly/tcm-youtube

08/21/2026

During KidCasting, students asked a simple but important question—and the answer was clear: lawmakers work for the people they represent.

Conversations like these help make government feel more approachable and remind us that civic engagement matters at every age.

When children understand that their voices and communities matter, they begin to see themselves as part of shaping the future.

Find the full interview ➡️bit.ly/KidCasting2026

Chip LaMarca Brownsville Preparatory Inst.

On our next Future Call, we’ll explore how communities across Florida came together to celebrate All in for Early Learni...
08/20/2026

On our next Future Call, we’ll explore how communities across Florida came together to celebrate All in for Early Learning Day and elevate the importance of early learning.

Aruna Gilbert, chief program & policy officer at the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, Amy Wiggins, president & CEO of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, and Laurie McCracken, founder and executive director of Baby Fox Academy, will share how their communities marked the day through local partnerships and creative engagement. The conversation will highlight lessons learned, ideas that resonated, and practical ways communities can build on this momentum in 2027.

➡️ bit.ly/tcm-futurecall

ELC of Palm Beach County Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Baby Fox Academy of Florida

It's Primary Election Day. If you're eligible to vote, today is your opportunity to make your voice heard. Every vote he...
08/18/2026

It's Primary Election Day.

If you're eligible to vote, today is your opportunity to make your voice heard. Every vote helps shape the future of our communities. Since today is Florida’s primary election day, you can only vote for a candidate within the party you are registered to vote with!

Address

3250 SW 3rd Avenue
Miami, FL
33129

Telephone

+13056467230

Website

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