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SARASOTA –The Florida Center for Early Childhood was named one of the 2018 Best Places to Work in Sarasota-Manatee by the Herald-Tribune and will be featured in its November 11 issue. For nearly 40 years, the Florida Center for Early Childhood has been the leading provider of therapeutic services, early education and healthy development for young children and their families in Southwest Florida. The organization employs nearly 150 people including educators, therapists, support staff and family counselors. Benefits include a flexible work schedule, medical insurance, discounted daycare and early education services for employees’ children. Employees also enjoy a retirement plan with a generous matching, paid time off including two full weeks during the winter holidays and employee social gatherings. “We value our employees and try to provide them with the best work environment possible so they can focus on providing a high level of service for the community,” said Kathryn Shea, Present and CEO of the Florida Center. The Florida Center was one of 27 companies identified through a survey and awards program created by the Herald-Tribune in partnership with Best Companies Group. The evaluation system recognized companies for creating quality workplaces for employees through a two-part system. First, organizations were evaluated on workplace policies, practices and demographics which accounted for 25 percent of the total score. Then, surveys assessed experiences and attitudes of employees with respect to their workplace – this portion accounted for 75 percent of the total score. “We are thrilled to be named one of the 2018 Best Places to Work in Sarasota-Manatee,” said Shea. “It not only reinforces our current practices, but also inspires us to continue to adapt to the needs of our employees.” The full Best Places to Work in Sarasota-Manatee list will be available online at www.HeraldTribune.com on November 11. About the Florida Center for Early Childhood The Florida Center for Early Childhood is a nationally accredited nonprofit organization providing an array of comprehensive therapeutic services, clinical interventions, prevention and early education programming for children and families. Young children at risk of academic, social and economic hardship are encouraged to overcome challenges and reach their full potential though prevention and early intervention services for the whole family. Because of this, young children achieve developmentally appropriate milestones and parents have the support and knowledge to nurture their child’s development; which decreases risk factors related to child abuse and neglect, academic and developmental delay, and behavioral and mental health disorders that create added costs to society. For more information, visit www.thefloridacenter.org