ECS4Kids

10/21/2026

This week, the ECS4Kids family celebrates Jeannie Dillard’s 38th anniversary with Episcopal Children’s Services, Inc.

For nearly four decades, Jeannie has helped shape how we serve children and families across our communities. As our Chief Operating Officer, she leads the teams, systems, and day-to-day work that keep our programs strong, and she does it with families at the center of every decision.

Jeannie’s belief in the power of early childhood education and workforce development has touched countless children, parents, and staff members along the way. Her warmth, kindness, and fresh ideas continue to inspire everyone who works alongside her.

Thank you, Jeannie, for 38 years of dedication to our mission. We’re proud to celebrate you!

10/20/2026

We extend our sincerest gratitude to our celebrity readers, vendors, volunteers, families, and the Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens for making this year’s Wild Reading Safari an unforgettable experience!

Thank you for sharing our passion for literacy and early education and for helping us create meaningful experiences that inspire a lifelong love of reading.

Together, we’re building brighter futures, one story at a time 🐅📖🦒💚🐆

10/19/2026

We’ve all been there. You’re trying to get through the day, run an errand or make it out the door, and then your child has a hard moment that stops everything.

Jessica Bone, Senior Director of Child Wellness at ECS4Kids, reminds parents that behavior is communication. A tantrum, meltdown or outburst may be a child’s way of saying, “I need help,” when they do not yet have the words to explain what is wrong.

But before adults can help a child regulate, we have to take care of ourselves, too. That means taking a moment to breathe and remain calm so we don’t lash out in frustration.

When adults are regulated, we are better able to ask the most important question: What does my child need right now?

Listen to the full episode of The Kids’ Table:
🔗 https://youtu.be/ehlYvOXCFoI?si=me1nv73O9e6YHHgJ

10/16/2026

Jordan Wilkerson TV sat down with our VP of Grants & Government Relations, Martha Cox, and one of our favorite reading buddies, Curious George, to explore why our Wild Reading Safari is so important 🐒📖

From sparking a love of reading to building a strong foundation for lifelong learning, early literacy helps children thrive!

See you tomorrow at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens from 10a-12p for celebrity readers, raffles, yoga, music, snacks, resource fair, and so much more 🤩

ECS4KIDS.ORG

10/16/2026

Thank you to our members of the Florida Congressional Delegation who met with us during our advocacy day in Washington, D.C..

We’re grateful for the opportunity to share the impact of Head Start and advocate for the children, families, and communities we serve across Florida. Thank you for listening, engaging, and taking the time to hear directly from us and our alumnus.

We appreciate your partnership and commitment to Florida’s children:
Congressman Aaron Bean
Congressman John Rutherford
Congressman Gus Bilirakis
Congressman Randy Fine
Congressman Daniel Webster

10/15/2026

In honor of , ECS4Kids is serving face & fashion adorned in everything from booties to boas with all the “accessories” our staff need for a successful day of changing lives (& diapers)!

10/12/2026

Award-Winning Work Culture. A Mission That Matters.

We’re hiring Infant-Toddler Teachers in Jacksonville! Join the ECS4Kids team and bring your passion for helping children thrive to a workplace recognized among the Top Places to Work in 2026.

Apply today:
https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/4438046

10/09/2026

It’s that time of year again where ECS4Kids goes WILD for literacy 🦁📚🐆

Wild Reading Safari is back Saturday, October 17 from 10a–12p at the Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens where we’ll be celebrating the love of literacy & animals with celebrity readers, a special host, live music, yoga, raffles & community vendors 🤩

Swipe for a sneak peek at some of the familiar faces you’ll get to meet this year. And get ready for special appearances from some of your favorite storybook characters, who can’t wait to take photos with your wild little readers 🐾📸

Books, animals, imagination & family — we’re ready to go WILD again!

10/08/2026

The ECS4Kids Early Educator’s Conference is coming to Jacksonville!

📅 Saturday, February 27, 2027
📍 Schultz Center, 4019 Boulevard Center Dr, Jacksonville, FL
✨ Theme: Lead with Love, Teach with Heart

Join early childhood educators from across North Florida for a day of inspiration, learning, and connection. Mark your calendars, and registration details are coming soon!

The ECS4Kids Early Educator's Conference is coming to Jacksonville!

Presented by ECS4Kids in partnership with:
Early Learning Coalition of North Florida
Early Learning Coalition of Duval
International Accreditors for Continuing Education & Training (IACET)

10/06/2026

For some families, hearing the words “developmental delay” or “special needs” can feel overwhelming. It may even feel like a closed door, or a limitation on what they might achieve in the future.

But that is not the reality.

A diagnosis can actually open doors. It can help children access therapies, resources and support that meet their needs early, while their brains and bodies are still developing so quickly.

In this episode of The Kids’ Table, Jessica Bone, Senior Director of Child Wellness at ECS4Kids, explains why a diagnosis between ages 0 and 5 does not define who a child will become at 18.

The right support can help a child build skills, gain confidence and keep moving forward. And for families, a trusted support system can help them process the fear, ask better questions and take the next step.