Blogs

At ECS4Kids, we know that the most effective way to advocate for early childhood education is by inviting others to experience it firsthand. That’s why we organize legislative tours at our early learning centers across the state. These visits offer elected officials a unique opportunity to see the impact of our work in their own […]

For Yolanda, a single mother of six, the path to stability has been anything but easy. But with resilience, determination, and the support of ECS4Kids’ Eustis Head Start, she’s been steadily building a brighter future for her family—one milestone at a time. Her youngest son, 2-year-old John, is enrolled in Eustis Head Start, where he’s […]

At ECS4Kids, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed—regardless of their circumstances. That’s why we combine high-quality early education with wraparound family support to not only prepare children for school, but to empower entire families to break the cycle of poverty and build brighter futures. This summer, we launched our Summer Bridge […]

This past Saturday, families from across Jacksonville came together for a one-of-a-kind literacy adventure at the Wild Reading Safari, hosted by ECS4Kids in partnership with the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The zoo was a little rainy, but buzzing with excitement, storytelling, music, movement, and meaningful connections—all designed to spark a love of reading and support […]

Dr. Natalya Bannister Roby and Lauren Weedon Hopkins Talk Wine Women & Shoes 2024 ECS4Kids CEO Dr. Roby and Chief Development Officer Lauren Weedon Hopkins talk with First Coast Living host Jordan Wilkerson about new beginnings at ECS4Kids and the upcoming Wine Women & Shoes Jax 2024. Newsroom

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., January 11, 2024 – Episcopal Children’s Services (ECS), a leader in early childhood education in North and Central Florida, is pleased to welcome Dr. Natalya Bannister Roby as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 16, 2024. ECS is a leader in early childhood education, serving thousands of children and their families throughout […]

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 1, 2023 – Following a long career of public service and leadership, Chief Executive Officer Connie Stophel has announced her retirement from Episcopal Children’s Services (ECS), the second largest nonprofit in Northeast Florida. Connie has informed the board of trustees of her decision to retire at the end of 2023. Since 2003 […]

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., February 10, 2023 – Episcopal Children’s Services (ECS) celebrated the winners of the 2022 Florida Head Start Association awards on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at the Hard Rock hotel in Daytona Beach, Florida. The luncheon was originally scheduled to take place in October of 2022, however due extenuating circumstances, the event was rescheduled.  […]

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., October 18, 2022 – Episcopal Children’s Services (ECS) is honored to announce the 2022 Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) winners, a high honor recognizing the achievement and highlighting the outstanding and vital work of the Head Start and Early Head Start community. These awards acknowledge parents, volunteers, employees, alumni and community partners. Of […]

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., August 30, 2022 – The newest Episcopal Children’s Services Head Start Child Care Partner (CCP) center opened their doors yesterday to the residents of Newberry, Florida. I Rise Performing Kids Academy is now enrolling for Head Start services for children and families in Southwest Alachua County. I Rise Performing Kids Academy held an […]