In a significant stride towards community resilience and recovery, the Gulf Coast Partnership has launched Stars Academy, an innovative early childhood education center designed to support Charlotte County families impacted by Hurricanes Ian and Idalia. This initiative, in collaboration with the American Red Cross and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, aims to address the urgent need for childcare services in the region.
Maria Guerrero, the newly appointed Director of Stars Academy, brings a wealth of experience in early childhood education and childcare management to this transformative project. With a career spanning over two decades, Maria has dedicated her life to supporting families and children through various roles, including Family Service Worker, Center Coordinator, Education Coordinator, and Head Start Administrator. Her extensive experience with organizations such as the Redlands Christian Migrant Association and East Coast Migrant Head Start has equipped her with the knowledge and expertise to lead Stars Academy towards achieving its mission.
Under Maria's leadership, Stars Academy will implement a holistic approach to child development, encompassing social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. "I plan to use a curriculum that focuses on all children, ensuring they meet their educational and developmental milestones," she shared. Maria is committed to fostering a collaborative environment where families are actively engaged in their children's learning journey. By sending home age-appropriate activities and providing access to community resources, Stars Academy will embody the adage, "It takes a village to raise a child."
To stay at the forefront of early childhood education, Maria continuously updates her knowledge through conferences, trainings, and involvement with the Head Start community. She envisions Stars Academy as a crucial element in filling the gap left by the loss of childcare centers due to Hurricane Ian. By partnering with the Early Learning Coalition and other local providers, Stars Academy aims to ensure that no child is left without access to quality early education.
The vision for Stars Academy aligns seamlessly with the Gulf Coast Partnership's goals of economic development, community resiliency, disaster recovery, and family-centered initiatives. "Our goal is to reach as many children as possible who have been impacted by trauma due to community events, ensuring they have a safe environment for teaching and learning," Maria explained. The generous funding from the Red Cross and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County is being utilized to renovate facilities, purchase classroom materials, hire and train staff, and provide nutritious meals for the children.
Stars Academy will also play a pivotal role in the long-term resilience of Charlotte County by educating parents on hurricane safety and conducting weather drills with the children. Lesson plans will include seasonal activities to help children understand weather patterns, and parents will receive materials to create emergency plans at home.
Engaging with community partners is essential for the success of Stars Academy. Maria plans to actively participate in local meetings, join community boards, and promote the center as an exemplary educational childcare provider. Transparency and accountability will be maintained by hiring credentialed staff, organizing community events, and ensuring compliance with state and federal licensing requirements.
Stars Academy is committed to addressing the unique needs of families, particularly those affected by the hurricanes. By maintaining a resource directory and facilitating connections with community agencies, the center will provide comprehensive support to families. Furthermore, the emphasis on equity and inclusion ensures that all families, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances, have access to high-quality childcare services.
Maria's passion for early childhood education and her commitment to the community shine through her work at Stars Academy. "After hearing about how Charlotte County was impacted by the hurricanes, I knew I had to be here," she said. With her leadership, Stars Academy is poised to become a cornerstone of support and development for Charlotte County's youngest residents, paving the way for a brighter, more resilient future.
Stay informed about Stars Academy's progress and impact by following the Gulf Coast Partnership's updates and supporting our mission to create positive, lasting change in the community.
