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CHILDREN’S RESOURCE CENTER

  • History of Success By 6
  • Children’s Resource Center
  • ReadingPals
  • Born Learning
  • Master Teachers
  • Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
  • Supervised Visitation
  • Highlands County Services

 The new center is located at 650 Bonnet Springs Blvd, within the Florida Children’s Museum at Bonnet Springs Park.

Located in the heart of Lakeland, the Carol Jenkins Barnett United Way Children’s Resource Center is a community-based learning and resource center that provides classes, playgroups, workshops, developmental checkups, community activities, and support for parents and caregivers of children aged 0-6, as well as for expectant moms and dads. We strive to make childhood a happy, healthy, and wholesome experience for every child and parent in Polk County.

The Children’s Resource Center is a collaboration of organizations, committed to strengthening families and our community by increasing access and awareness to resources and services. Partner agencies can offer services on-site to provide a one-stop opportunity for parents and caregivers. Individuals can come for one service or class and return for others.

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Donate to the Children’s Resource Center

Free Child Development Classes

Class sizes are limited. Please reserve your space online and be on time. Anyone arriving 15 minutes late to class may not be able to attend. Reservations open each Friday at 12:00 p.m., noon for classes the following week. Reservations must be made for each individual class. Please cancel your spot if you are unable to attend. Check back throughout the week for openings due to cancelations, and walk-in’s may attend if there is an opening.

Classes are designed for the specific age listed in the class.

Due to classroom constraints and safety concerns, non-walking younger siblings must be in a carrier or infant wrap. One sibling may attend class with a registered child as long as they are not older than the class age limits.

Great Beginnings | Children under 1 year old on September 1, 2024

Ideal for your non-mobile infants 0-8 months. This class provides an opportunity for caregivers and infants to learn language and literacy skills through play and to make connections with other families with young infants. Each week we will discuss the successes and development of our youngest learners.

Wednesday mornings from 9:00 am to 9:45 am.

Sign up!

Little Explorers | Children under 1 year old on September 1, 2024

Ideal for your mobile infants 8 months and those who have not turned one by September 1, 2024. This class provides an opportunity for caregivers and infants to learn language and literacy skills through play. Infants will build social-emotional, physical, and cognitive skills through stories, songs and sensory materials.

Tuesday mornings from 9 – 9:45 a.m.

Sign up!

Once Upon a Time | Children 1 year old by September 1, 2024

This class is best suited for children who are confidently walking and one year old by September 1, 2024. This class provides an opportunity for caregivers and toddlers to learn build language and literacy skills with age-appropriate activities that support development in cognitive, physical, social/emotional and language development.

Thursday mornings from 9:00 am to 9:45 am.

Sign up!

Read, Sing and Dance | Children 1 year old by September 1, 2024

This class is for toddlers (12-24 months) and will incorporate reading, singing and dancing for a fun learning experience.

Mondays from 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

Sign up!

Twos-Day | Children 2 years old by September 1, 2024

This class is designed for children who have turned two years old by September 1, 2024. Caregivers and children will learn literacy and language skills through planned activities that foster the growth of the whole child (motor, cognitive, language and social/emotional development). Together you will sing, listen to stories and learn through your senses.

Tuesday mornings from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

Sign up!

Terrific Thursday | Children 2 years old by September 1, 2024

This class is designed for children who have turned two years old by September 1, 2024. Caregivers and children will learn literacy and language skills through planned activities that foster the growth of the whole child (motor, cognitive, language and social/emotional development). Together you will sing, listen to stories and learn through your senses.

Thursday mornings from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

Sign up!

Marvelous Monday | Children Ages 3-5 years old by September 1, 2024

This class is best suited for children who were born before September 1, 2021 and have not started kindergarten. This class provides caregivers and children a preschool experience including circle time, stories, music and movement and interest centers. Caregivers and children will enrich their language and literacy skills through a wide range of cognitive, physical, and social/ emotional activities and interactions. Families should attend this class with an eagerness to learn.

Monday mornings from 9:30am to 11:15am.

Sign up!

Wonderful Wednesday / Miércoles Maravilloso | Children Ages 3-5 years old by September 1, 2024

This class is our English/Spanish* class and is best suited for children who were born before September 1, 2021 and have not started kindergarten. This class provides caregivers and children a preschool experience including circle time, stories, music and movement and interest centers. Caregivers and children will enrich their language and literacy skills through a wide range of cognitive, physical, and social/emotional activities and interactions. Families should attend this class with an eagerness to learn.

Wednesday mornings from 9:30am to 11:15am.*

Sign up!

Funday Friday | Children Ages 3-5 years old by September 1, 2024

This class is best suited for children who were born before September 1, 2021 and have not started kindergarten. This class provides caregivers and children a preschool experience including circle time, stories, music and movement and interest centers. Caregivers and children will enrich their language and literacy skills through a wide range of cognitive, physical, and social/ emotional activities and interactions. Families should attend this class with an eagerness to learn.

Friday mornings from 9:30am to 11:15am.

Sign up!

Infant/Toddler Sign Language | Children Age 7-24 months by September 1, 2024

Infant-Toddler Sign Language to enhance communication skills between parents and children using American Sign Language.  The use of sign language with children helps foster early communication, language growth, increased vocabulary, motor skill and brain development and more.  Research shows that infants and toddlers who use signs can express their feelings and learn to talk sooner. This class is for any child age 7 – 24 months; INCLUDING speech delayed, hearing impaired, hearing, or have health conditions or impairments.

Check the calendar for class days.

Sign up!

Preschool Sign Language Class | 2-5 years old by September 1, 2024

Pre-School Sign Language to enhance communication skills between parents and children using American Sign Language.  The use of sign language with children helps foster early communication, language growth, increased vocabulary, motor skill and brain development and more. This class is for any child age 2 to 5; INCLUDING speech delayed, hearing impaired, hearing, or have health conditions or impairments

Check the calendar for class days.

Sign up!

Infant Massage Classes

Learn the basic techniques of calming, soothing, relaxing, and bonding with your baby, all while providing numerous health benefits. Some of the benefits include:

  • Improved sleep patterns
  • Enhanced development
  • Stress reduction
  • Reduction of depression and anxiety in mothers
  • It helps you to understand your baby’s particular nonverbal language.

Sign up!

Kindness Classes | Children Age 4-5

In partnership with InnerAct Alliance we will be hosting a new Humane Education Program we’re calling “Kindness Classes” for children age 4-5 with lessons using high quality, age appropriate literature, critical thinking techniques and activities that reinforce healthy ways to interact with peers and promote animal welfare. There’s also a fun option to bring live or stuffed animals in as part of the class to enhance learning outcome.

Check calendar or Facebook page for class dates!

Sign Up!

Building Blocks | Children Age 3-5 by September 1, 2024

Building Blocks – This class will be held once a month and is led by Snapology for children ages 3-5 using Lego bricks, K’Nex and blocks. This preschool STEAM class encourages young learners to explore science and technology, discover designing and building, inspire creativity, while enhancing fine motor and early literacy skills. To learn more, visit https://www.snapology.com/.

Sign Up!

Movement and Mindfulness | Children Age 2-4 Years

An activity-based class with learning components and activities that engage the large muscles of the body, thereby building gross motor coordination. Through these movement activities, preschoolers will work on skills such as turn-taking, cooperation, vocabulary development and social skills, or gross motor skills such as strength, balance, and hand-eye coordination. Language, literacy, and parent bonding with be a key component along with exercise and fresh air!

*Note: Be sure to have your child wear comfortable shoes and clothes that can get a bit messy!

COMING SOON.

Summer Siblings Class

Beginning June 12, we will be hosting a Summer Siblings afternoon class. These will be held on Wednesday’s from 10:30 a.m. – noon.

This class is geared towards sibling groups aged 2-5 years old that have not yet started kindergarten. This class provides caregivers and children a preschool experience including circle time, stories, music and movement, and interest centers. Caregivers and children will enrich their language and literacy skills through a wide range of cognitive, physical, and social-emotional activities and interactions. Families should attend this class with an eagerness to learn! This class will be limited to 8 families due to classroom size constraints.

Paused for the school year.

Reservations open each Friday at 12:00 p.m., noon for classes the following week. Reservations must be made for each individual class. Please cancel your spot if you are unable to attend. Check back throughout the week for openings due to cancelations, and walk-in’s may attend if there is an opening.  

May Class Schedule (English)
Horario de Clases de Mayo (Español)

Other Family Support Services

Summer Book Club

Beat the heat and join us for our new “Summer Book Club.” Held every Tuesday and Thursday, in June and July, from 2-3 PM, each session will include a read-aloud, an activity, and a song centered around a popular children’s book.

This club is ideal for children entering Kindergarten or VPK in the fall (must be 4 years old by September 1, 2024), and an older sibling or a younger, wearable sibling. Due to space limitations and the format of the class, only one additional sibling may attend.

After each session, families will receive a copy of the featured book along with extra activities to continue the fun and learning at home!

This is paused for school year.

Down Syndrome Playgroup

Join us for each Tuesday from 12-12:45 p.m. This playgroup provides a way for parents to connect and for children to progress in their milestones and social skills. In association with Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida, we offer a safe, fun environment for families to receive support and make lasting connections.

Sign up!

New Parent Support Group

All expectant parents and new parents and babies are welcome!

Learn feeding, sleeping and bonding tips from a facilitator who is ready to assist you in the basics of newborn and new mom care, while meeting new moms and building community and supportive relationships. (For breastfeeding resources click here.)

Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m.

Sign up!

ASD/Autism Support Group

Join us for an ASD/Autism Support Group the last Friday of each month from 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Do you have a child with ASD/Autism? Do you want to meet other parents in the community? Do you want more information and support on your child’s diagnosis?Join us and Early Steps at a community support group to learn, grow and be encouraged. Childcare will be provided. Please call (813) 455-2846 or email Efigueroa2@usf.edu to register.

Parenting Classes

Healthy Families offers parenting classes for parents, expectant parents and caregivers of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Classes are open to the community and focus on children from birth to age 12.

Cost: $25 per person, or $40 per couple and all class materials are included in this fee. If you are a Healthy Families Polk participant, there is no charge.

Fee Includes:

  • Six week course
  • Class materials
  • Certificate of completion (given at last class for those who participate in all classes)

To register, call (863) 534-5344. Advanced registration is required.

Additional class information.

Developmental Screenings for Children

Free Developmental Screenings for children birth to 5 years old, the first Thursday of each month. Sessions are around 30-45 minutes. There may be walk-in availability but please call or email to secure a time.

Is your child developing on track?

Find out by getting developmental screening for your child. Developmental screenings are simple and easy check-ups. When your child is screened, you will answer a set of questions tied to developmental milestones that are designed to help you:

  • Make sure your child’s development is on track
  • Learn about how your child develops and what to expect as your child grows
  • Identify problems or concerns with your child’s development as early as possible
  • Find additional support for your child, if needed
  • Discover ways you can support your child’s next developmental steps

For questions or to make an appointment, please contact resourcecenter@uwcf.org or call 863-648-1500 x294.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Imagination Library provides children with a free new book every month through their fifth birthday. Children are mailed an age-appropriate book directly to their homes to build their own private library. Polk County areas currently in the program are Bartow, Fort Meade, Lake Wales, Winter Haven, Lakeland and all of Hardee and Highlands counties.

Register a Child

Born Learning

Everyday life is a learning experience for children! Born Learning is a public engagement campaign that helps parents, grandparents and caregivers explore ways to turn everyday moments into fun learning opportunities. Through national public service advertising, parent materials and community mobilization activities, Born Learning provides action steps that are fun, easy – and can be taken in everyday moments – to prepare young children for school.

  • Child at birth
  • Everyday activities for Dad – English
  • Everyday activities for Dad – Spanish
  • Language development 
  • Make reading fun – English
  • Make reading fun – Spanish

Financial Stability Classes

Classes are a series of four sessions in a comfortable, non-judgmental environment that will teach you how to be smarter with your money no matter what your circumstances.  We cover how to budget, get out of debt, save and invest, and improve credit reports. Check Calendar or Facebook page for the next set of classes! For questions, call 863.648.1500 x294.

Incentives Available to Graduates:

  1. $150 Savings Match Incentive:  When a graduate increases their savings by $300 they receive an incentive match up to $150.
  2. Job Credentialing Scholarships:  (Must complete $300 savings to be eligible.)  Up to $300 tuition will be paid directly to the vendor after the client has successfully completed the credentialing program they are pursuing.  We have current partnerships with local healthcare trainers and vocational schools.  See our Success Stories page to read about clients we have helped to obtain job credentials!
  3. ​$2,000 Savings for Assets Matching Grant:  (Must complete $300 savings to be eligible.)  This program is funded by United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) and has income guidelines for eligibility.  Participants save up to $2,000 within three years to buy their first home, attend college or trade school, purchase reliable work transportation, or start a small business, and we will match up to $2,000.  Our payment will be issued directly to vendor.  Participants must be in the program for a minimum of six months to receive funds.  See our Success Stories page to find out how we helped a couple get into a new home!

Free Tax Preparation

An IRS-certified volunteer will be on site to prepare tax returns at no cost for clients with household incomes of $75,000 or less, January – April 2025. What to bring: Tax Preparation | Mulberry CSC

Notary Public

The Children’s Resource Center has a Notary Public on staff that individuals and families can utilize for free.

Community Wellness

United Way Community Wellness Navigators are able provide information to individuals and families, spreading awareness of the Polk HealthCare Plan and assisting with the online application. These Community Wellness Navigators can also advise individuals on other community programs to provide wrap-around services and support.

For more information visit, Community Wellness – United Way of Central Florida (uwcf.org).

To meet with a bi-lingual Navigator, sign up here.

Highlands County Division

United Way of Central Florida has been serving the Highlands County community for over 30 years by understanding local needs and contracting with qualified partners to improve the community. The Highlands County Division was added to the service area in 1987.

Highlands County Partner List

2-1-1

United Way’s 211 is the most comprehensive source of human and social services information in the country. Our teams of compassionate, highly trained specialists are available 24/7 to connect you with the best services available in Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties. United Way’s 211 provides information about:

  • supplemental food & nutrition programs
  • clothing, shelter & housing options
  • financial assistance
  • health care services
  • child, adolescent & adult mental health services
  • support groups for individuals with mental illnesses & special needs
  • child & family services
  • services for individuals with disabilities
  • and more.

Phone: 888-370-7188 | Email: uw211help@gmail.com | Text: text your zip code to 898-211

Online Chat: Click here to begin the online chat

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.

This free course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.

Email resourcecenter@uwcf.org for the next training.

Supervised Visitation

Our Supervised Visitation Program allows Dependency Court case managers to focus their energy on other responsibilities with the assurance that families are safe as they rebuild relationships in a warm, inviting setting.

Learn More.

The center is located at 650 Bonnet Springs Blvd in Lakeland, in the same building as the Florida Children’s Museum within Bonnet Springs Park.

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Sensory Inclusion

We want your children to feel safe and secure while they are visiting the Children’s Resource Center. To help with expectations, we created a PDF that we call our Social Story to help prepare your child for their visit. The short narrative and pictures highlight how to access our programs and what to expect when you attend our classes.

Our Social Story

For more information call 863.648.1500 x 294, or email resourcecenter@uwcf.org

Become a Sponsor!

Make sure to follow us on our Facebook page

Visit us: 650 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland FL
By Phone: 863.648.1500 x 294

  • Under 12 Months

    “Great Beginnings” – Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

  • 1-Year-Olds

    “Once Upon a Time” – Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

  • 2-Year-Olds

    “Twogether Time” – Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

    “Let’s Move Twogether” – Fridays from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

  • Ages 3 to 5

    “Marvelous Monday” – Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

    “Terrific Tuesday” – Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

    “Wonderful Wednesdasy” – Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

    “Thrilling Thursday” – Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

    “Move It, Move It Friday” – Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

  • Donate to the Children’s Resource Center
  • Our Social Story
  • Children’s Resource Center Partners
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Our Mission

To inspire our community to give, advocate and volunteer by identifying needs and mobilizing vetted resources to create positive, local change.

Our Vision

To unite our community and empower everyone to achieve their full potential.

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PO Box 1357,
Highland City, FL 33846

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863.648.1500

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5605 US Highway 98 S.
Lakeland, FL 33812

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