Over 80% of our lifetime’s brain development occurs from birth to the start of kindergarten, demonstrating the critical nature of this time period in a person’s life for building the foundation for skilled thinking, behaving, and emotional well-being. It is in these vital foundational years that our youngest neighbors develop linguistic, cognitive, social, emotional, and regulatory skills that are linked to vital skills and functions later in life.

Unfortunately, too many young children from low-income and traditionally underserved communities do not have access to the settings and resources that will help them develop these skills to the maximum of their ability

That is where Thrive By Five comes in.

Thrive By Five seeks to bring all of us together. The aim is to build a community that wraps around every baby and ensures their building blocks to success are firmly in place as soon as we can. We want Pinellas County to be famous for our love and support of young children and their families, from Maximo Park to the Lealman Family Center to the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. Our schools are counting on us, our businesses are supporting us, and our future is calling – together we will transform early childhood development and education throughout our communities.

TB5 Connects

No one said raising children is easy. Many times, it takes a village. TB5 Connects helps Pinellas families with young children access various programs and resources to ensure that their children thrive! Families who complete the short questionnaire receive a customized list of available services to meet their unique needs.

Family Friendly Workplaces (FFW)

Being a Family Friendly Workplace creates value for employees, employers, and the local economy – increasing completion of postsecondary education, raising labor force participation, increasing workforce productivity, and helping businesses attract and retain talent; while ensuring that children have the chance to develop well and begin kindergarten ready to thrive in school, work, and life.

Milestone Checklist 

Early Childhood Support Network

Childcare centers throughout Pinellas County are charged with helping mold our community’s children, our future leaders. Yet many are in need of aid themselves. We’re here to make finding centers in need of support simple, introducing businesses and individuals to providers who are in need of supplies, volunteers, and more!