SARASOTA, Fla. — Parenting Matters is hitting a high note this fall with an expanded schedule of its beloved Musical Motion program, designed to improve children’s school success rates coming into kindergarten alongside their parents and caregivers. The fall session officially begins today, with new locations and innovative partnerships that bring the program, at no cost, to more families than ever before. 

Part of Parenting Matters’ strategic plan is to broaden its reach in Sarasota County. For the first time, Musical Motion will be offered as a weekly class in the Sarasota County Library System at the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library thanks to support from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. This location was chosen to expand access for families in the Newtown area, providing a fun and developmentally rich environment where parents can learn and play together.

A new partnership with Senior Friendship Centers (SFC) will launch Parenting Matters’ first intergenerational Musical Motion program in September, creating joyful and mutually beneficial connections between young children and older adults.

“This is an exciting step for us,” said Kelly Benford, Parenting Matters program director. “A personal goal of mine has been to offer our long-standing Musical Motion class with a partner in our community that serves our older adults. This dream is coming true. For the month of September, we are piloting the experience with Senior Friendship Centers. We will have our first intergenerational program! There is so much research about how this will benefit all participants, and I am eager to be part of it.”

In addition to its new Sarasota locations, Parenting Matters will continue Musical Motion at established sites across Manatee and Sarasota counties. The expanded fall schedule also includes

• Sensory-Sensitive Musical Motion at Early Steps Gulf Central and Southwest Florida in Sarasota, designed to support young children with sensory processing differences;
• Senior Friendship Centers in Sarasota (starting September) – intergenerational pilot program; and
• Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library – new weekly Musical Motion class in partnership with Sarasota County Library System.

“In February, our community came together in our first-ever Parent Leadership Gathering, and we are excited to begin implementing parents’ feedback with this fall schedule to meet our families’ ever-evolving needs. Our mission has always been to strengthen families and build community connections,” said Katie Becker, executive director of Parenting Matters. “By expanding into new neighborhoods and creating intergenerational opportunities, we are living that mission in a fresh and meaningful way. These partnerships open doors for learning, empathy and joy across all ages.”

“Expanding into these locations allows us to connect with more families and create unique, inclusive experiences,” Director Benford added. “We’re thrilled to bring the joy of music and movement to even more members of our community.”

For the full fall schedule and registration details, visit ParentingMatters.org/Programs.

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About Parenting Matters

Parenting Matters strengthens families in Southwest Florida through evidence-based parenting education and support. Since 1994, we’ve helped parents of children ages 0–17 build skills, confidence and stronger bonds with their children.

As one of only 67 nationally Accredited Child Abuse Prevention Centers — and one of just three in Florida — we deliver high-quality, personalized programs in both English and Spanish. From in-home visits to group workshops, we meet families where they are, often at no cost.

Mission: Advancing the lives of children, together, with their parents.

Vision: A future where all children have the chance to succeed.

Media contact

Francis Garcia, Communications Coordinator

Office: (941) 756 – 3007 | Cell: (941) 226 – 3290 | [email protected]