Under 12 Months
“Great Beginnings” – Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
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.
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. If you bring another child, the guardian must provide supervision at all times to ensure younger or older siblings safety.
Great Beginnings | Children under 1 year old on September 1, 2022
Ideal for infants 0-12 months. 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 9:00 am to 9:45 am.
Once Upon a Time | Children 1 year old by September 1, 2022
This class is best suited for children who are confidently walking and one year old by September 1, 2022. 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.
Read, Sing and Dance | Children 1 year old by September 1, 2022
Presented by the Early Learning Coalition, this class is for toddlers (12-24 months) and will incorporate reading, singing and dancing for a fun learning experience.
Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Twos-Day | Children 2 years old by September 1, 2022
This class is designed for children who have turned two years old by September 1, 2022. 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.
Terrific Thursday | Children 2 years old by September 1, 2022
This class is designed for children who have turned two years old by September 1, 2022. 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.
Marvelous Monday | Children Ages 3-5 years old by September 1, 2022
This class is best suited for children who were born before September 1, 2019 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.
Wonderful Wednesday / Miércoles Maravilloso | Children Ages 3-5 years old by September 1, 2022
This class is our English/Spanish class and is best suited for children who were born before September 1, 2019 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.
Funday Friday | Children Ages 3-5 years old by September 1, 2022
This class is best suited for children who were born before September 1, 2019 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.
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.
Infant/Toddler Sign Language | Children Age 7-24 months by September 1, 2022
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; speech delayed, hearing impaired, hearing, and health conditions or impairments.
Monday mornings at 9:00 a.m. on a rotating schedule every other month. Check the calendar for class days.
Preschool Sign Language Class | 2-4 years old by September 1, 2022
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 2-4; speech delayed, hearing impaired, hearing, and health conditions or impairments.
Monday mornings at 9:00 a.m. on a rotating schedule every other month. Check the calendar for class days.
Breastfeeding Support Group
All expectant moms, breastfeeding moms, pumping moms and babies welcome!
Learn breastfeeding tips from a lactation facilitator who is ready to assist you in the basics of breastfeeding and share your questions with other moms.
Did you know that there are substantial health benefits for both mother and baby while breastfeeding?
- Develop A Stronger Bond with Your Baby: Breastfeeding releases the “love” hormone oxytocin in the mother, which improves the bonding between mother and baby.
- Provides The Best Nourishment Possible: Breast milk has hormones and the right amount of protein, sugar, fat and most vitamins to help your baby grow and develop.
- Be Healthier: Moms who breastfeed have lower rates of ovarian, breast and endometrial cancer.
- Lowers Risk of Illness: Research shows that breastfed babies have lower risks of asthma, obesity, ear infections, eczema, diarrhea and vomiting, lower respiratory infections, Type 2 diabetes and more, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Friday mornings at 9:00 a.m. For more breastfeeding resources click here.
ASD/Autism Support Group
Join us for an ASD/Autism Support Group the last Friday of each month from 10:00-11:00 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.
Kindness Classes | Children Age 3-5
In partnership with InnerAct Alliance we will be hosting a new Humane Education Program we’re calling “Kindness Classes” for children age 3-5 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. This is a class that builds upon itself so please plan to attend all 5 classes.
Class will be held on Thursdays from 1:30-2:30 p.m. from April 20th – May 18th. This is a class that builds upon itself so please plan to attend all 5 classes.
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.
Other Family Support Services
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.
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.
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 every Thursday from 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. from Jan 26 – Apr 6, 2023. What to bring: Tax Preparation | Mulberry CSC
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. Monday’s in March, 2023 starting at 6 p.m. and dinner is provided. To register contact Gretchen Ceranic at 863.648.1500 x248.
Incentives Available to Graduates:
- $150 Savings Match Incentive: When a graduate increases their savings by $300 they receive an incentive match up to $150.
- 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!
- $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!
Notary Public
The Children’s Resource Center has a Notary Public on staff that individuals and families can utilize for free.
Healthcare Navigator
Access to quality healthcare is improved with the help of a navigator. Family Healthcare Foundation is available to assist families at the Children’s Resource Center every week.
To meet with a bi-lingual Navigator, sign up here.
Developmental Screenings for Children
Free Developmental Screenings for children birth to 5 years old, the first Wednesday of each month from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Sessions are 15-20 minutes and walk-ins are welcome or we can schedule an appointment 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
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.
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
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.
The Fundamental Blueprint
For more information call 863.648.1500 x 294, or email resourcecenter@uwcf.org
Make sure to follow us on our Facebook page
Visit us: 650 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland FL
By Phone: 863.648.1500 x 294
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.
Contact Us
BY MAIL
PO Box 1357,
Highland City, FL 33846
BY PHONE
863.648.1500
VISIT US
5605 US Highway 98 S.
Lakeland, FL 33812
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