The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation recently donated more than $75,000 to The Florida Center for Early Childhood for improved building security and playground safety at campuses in Sarasota and North Port. The Florida Center, which provides early education and therapeutic services to children ages 0-8, plans to purchase a new camera security system, security locks and new windows for both its campuses. The grant also includes a much needed allotment for resurfacing the playground at Starfish Academy in Sarasota.“We know the importance of early education, but nothing is more important than the safety and security of our children,” said Susan Carney, principal and director of Starfish Academy. “We want parents to drop off their children with confidence, knowing that The Florida Center has taken a serious approach to ensuring safety and security in our classrooms and on our playgrounds.” The Florida Center operates Starfish Academies in Sarasota and North Port. The preschools function as inclusion schools, where typically developing children and children with special needs learn together and are challenged to meet their individual potential. Starfish Academy is only one of the many programs operated by The Florida Center. Today, the agency is nationally recognized for its early childhood expertise in a variety of specialties. The Florida Center provides developmental therapies, mental health counseling, Starfish Academy preschool, the Healthy Families home-visiting program, and the state’s only Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders clinic. For more information, visit www.thefloridacenter.org or call 941-371-8820.