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Easter Seals of Southwest Florida
The Lily School for Child Development: A Community of Learners
By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa
Since 1946, Easter Seals of Southwest Florida has provided life-changing services and resources for individuals living with disabilities, their families and caregivers. The organization, well known for empowering its clients with a sense of purpose and pride, has expanded its services with an exciting new venture. The Lily School for Child Development offers comprehensive care and learning for a spectrum of children including individuals with special needs and those who are typically-abled. Conveniently located across the street from the main Easter Seals campus, The Lily School is open to children ages 6 weeks to five years (or pre-kindergarten). The school offers year ‘round curriculum-based preschool learning, with care available from 7:30am to 5:30pm.
[2]The Lily School’s all-inclusive community approach reflects a significant trend in the attitudes and expectations of parents and caregivers throughout the region and across the country. “Families are looking for convenient and quality care for all children,” notes Kameron Partridge Hodgens, PhD, Vice-President of Programs and Services for Easter Seals of Southwest Florida. “The Lily School is a terrific resource and a great extension of Easter Seals, which has a reputation as an organization that has earned the trust and respect of our community.” Dr. Hodgens notes that the opportunity for comprehensive and focused care extends into every aspect of the school. “From academic curriculum to opportunities for artistic and creative expression, students at The Lily School will be challenged to meet individualized goals designed to prepare them for kindergarten,” she says. “Additional support will include on-site speech, occupational, and behavioral therapies.”
The Lily School advocates the “Make the First Five Count” initiative, which focuses on the unique needs of early childhood development. “The earlier we can provide pertinent services to children, the better,” asserts Dr. Hodgens. “Through partnerships with the Early Learning Coalition of both Sarasota and Manatee Counties and the ABA Network, we are able to identify and address individual needs early, providing our students with measurable results.”
[3]Nicole Murby, currently serving as the Clinical Director of Pediatric Therapy for Easter Seals Southwest Florida, is excited to take the reins as director of The Lily School. “We are providing a unique opportunity to our students and their caregivers, a spectrum of care designed to meet needs that aren’t typically addressed congruently.” The wraparound care, adds Murby, is more than a convenience. “By enrolling children at The Lily School, families and caregivers reduce paperwork as well as the stress that may accompany environmental changes for students,” she observes.
The Lily School thrives on the fertile community it fosters. Students are heralded as individuals, each with a distinct array of skills and strengths. Families and caregivers, too, are critical to the success of the school, which provides outreach and resources as well as opportunities for networking and ongoing communication. The school is conveniently located at 365 Braden Avenue in Sarasota, and offers a quaint and comfortable ambiance.
[4]A full-service preschool offering nutritious meals and snacks, The Lily School employs a wholistic developmental approach and structured curriculum designed to foster creative, academic and social growth. “Our primary objective is to foster a safe and nurturing environment that encourages learning for all students,” says Murby. “Through attentive and individualized instruction, we are working to prepare each child for kindergarten, and to provide every student with the opportunity to flourish.”
[5]Easter Seals Southwest Florida
350 Braden Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34243
(941) 355.7637
www.easterseals-swfl.org [6]
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