WORDS: Rachel Spivey
The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) proudly leads a life-saving initiative funded by the Manatee County Government. The Sleep Baby Safely project, initiated by the Children’s Services Advisory Board (CSAB) and spearheaded by Board Chair Connie Shingledecker, is making waves in our community. The CSAB, a group of dedicated members acting under the Manatee County Code of Ordinances, recommends programs for funding to the Board of County Commissioners. Their focus is on improving the lives of neglected, abused, at-risk, or economically disadvantaged children in Manatee County.
Chosen by the CSAB for this vital role, the ELC meets specific criteria to lead this project, educating community members and organizing agencies with a shared mission. “We’re passionate about making a difference,” says Kelly Beavers, the Director of Community Educational Initiatives for the ELC. “This program provides us with the essential tools to ensure more children celebrate their first birthday by promoting a clear and consistent message. Babies should always be laid down to sleep for every bedtime and every naptime – with no exceptions, alone, on their backs in an empty crib, bassinet, or Pack n’ Play with only a firm mattress and tight-fitting sheet.”
In Manatee County, the leading cause of preventable child deaths is sleep-related suffocation due to unsafe sleep environments. From 2013-2023, we have tragically lost 36 babies, equating to two empty kindergarten classrooms. Through this partnership and strategic programming, the ELC is determined to reduce and ultimately eliminate unsafe sleep-related tragedies.
The coalition is actively providing training and aims to reach everyone because it truly takes a village to raise a baby safely. We offer community member training perfect for caregivers, hobby organizations, and grandparents. We also provide train-the-trainer sessions for those wanting to share safe sleep practices themselves and specialized training for professionals who interact with parents as part of their daily roles, such as pediatricians, nurses, and child care professionals.
Contact us for more information at communityengagement@elc-manatee.org and join us in ensuring every baby has sweet dreams and safe sleep.
