Who We Are

Dedicated to strengthening Sarasota one family at a time, Forty Carrots has planted itself firmly in the community.

Forty Carrots’ mission begins with a singular focus: to nurture the relationships between developing children and their families. There are no other limits to the organization’s scope – not age or socioeconomic status, gender, race, background or beliefs.


History


In 1993, veteran educators Diane Weiss and Betsy Kane-Hartnett founded Forty Carrots with a unique marriage of early childhood and parenting education. With vision and generosity, The Janet and Stanley Kane Foundation purchased a building and property, funded extensive renovation, and offered free rent to the fledgling non-profit agency, thereby creating a home for Forty Carrots Family Center on Tuttle Avenue.

Forty Carrots is made up of four components:

  • A comprehensive parenting center
  • A community outreach parenting education program
  • Professional development and training opportunities
  • A nationally accredited preschool

Parenting Education


Forty Carrots’ parenting education classes are specifically designed for families with children up to five years old. During those developmentally significant years, a child’s future takes shape. In a nurturing classroom environment, parents learn appropriate techniques and skills to support their children’s development. Guidance comes not only from Forty Carrots’ trained professionals, but from parents themselves, who are able to share in the successes ands struggles of their peers.


Preschool


The family center is also home to Forty Carrots’ nationally accredited, award-winning preschool located in Sarasota. There, early childhood educators employ current research and positive, playful interactions to encourage the best in their young students, who graduate with healthy social skills, strong academic preparedness, self-confidence and creativity.


Professional Training


An annual free speaker event draws hundreds of professional educators and caregivers from Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and Hillsborough counties. Attendees then use what they’ve learned to strengthen communities throughout Southwest Florida.