UPDATE – August 2022: Family Fundamentals is changing its name and taking a short break in fall 2022! The grand opening of The Carol Jenkins Barnett United Way Children’s Resource Center is November 4, 2022 and classes are scheduled to resume November 7. The new center will be located at Bonnet Springs Park. Stay tuned for a 2022 class schedule.
All information below is from last year and will be updated as soon as a new class schedule is announced for fall 2022.
The Carol Jenkins Barnett United Way Children’s Resource Center (formerly Family Fundamentals) offers classes on a weekly basis for children from infants through age 5 where parents and children will learn and socialize as they participate in fun, stimulating, developmental activities. These classes are FREE and a great opportunity to meet other moms and caregivers. No commitment is required.
Many attraction closures and event postponements have been announced beginning September 27 due to Hurricane Ian. We are editing our calendar and articles if we receive notice of event changes, but please be sure to check directly with organizers to confirm any events or activities through October 9. A link is provided at the bottom of every event on our calendar and in all articles.
For babies through age 2, classes are offered 1-2 days a week. For ages 3-5, classes are offered daily. Preschool age classes include a story and school-readiness activity time in the model preschool classroom. A full schedule is below.
REGISTER IN ADVANCE: All families, including families who have attended in a previous year, will need to complete a short online registration. You can save time and pre-register at www.FamilyFundamentals.org before you visit. On-site registration is also available when you arrive in the lobby but pre-registration is encouraged!
IMPORTANT: Daily attendance is limited and is first-come, first-served. Pre-registration does not guarantee a spot in class.
CLASS SCHEDULE: Class dates and times are listed below and can also be found on Lakeland Mom’s calendar. Family Fundamentals follows the Polk County School Schedule for major holidays and school breaks, but there are usually classes on teacher workdays. Check with Family Fundamentals for any school holidays in question.
Be sure to call 863-686-1221 x221 or check the Family Fundamentals Facebook page for any last-minute cancellations and current mask requirements for adults.
Upcoming Family Fundamentals Classes:
Classes are currently on pause and will resume in November 2022.
What is Family Fundamentals?
Family Fundamentals is a collaboration of organizations committed to strengthening families and our community by increasing access and awareness to resources and services. Spearheaded by United Way of Central Florida and founded by Carol Barnett of Publix Charities, this Success By 6 parent resource center is a warm, welcoming place where parents and other family members come to access information, support services, and the tools they need to be the best parents they can be.
Thirty-seven agencies offer services on-site to provide a one-stop opportunity for parents. Family Fundamentals has an infant/toddler room, computer area, model classroom, and adult classroom/meeting rooms. Partners provide evaluations, counseling, casework and many other services. Family Fundamentals is in its 20th year!
Explorations V Children’s Museum Partnership
Family Fundamentals is located on the 3rd floor above Explorations V Children’s Museum in Downtown Lakeland. Family Fundamentals’ partnership with the Children’s Museum is great news for moms. You can enjoy a structured class, socialize with other moms, AND give your kids time to explore the museum after class, providing a full morning of activities!
Annual Memberships for the Museum are a great deal, and provide you with a full year of play, discounts for camps and other special events, and reciprocal admission offers. Click here to learn more about an Explorations V Membership.
Explorations V Children’s Museum AND Family Fundamentals are located at 109 N. Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801-5044. This is along the east side of Munn Park in Downtown Lakeland.
Both Explorations V and Family Fundamentals will be moving to Bonnet Springs Park in 2022! Learn more about the new Florida Children’s Museum.
More about Success by 6
Success By 6 is a community-wide children’s initiative, spearheaded by United Way of Central Florida and founded in 1995 by Carol Jenkins Barnett, President of Publix Charities, that brings together resources to form a community partnership. Success By 6 is an initiative to make early childhood development a top priority in Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties and to ensure that all children, by the age of six, have the physical, emotional, social, and mental foundation to succeed in school and in life. Click here to learn more.
Check out our other posts for Moms & Toddlers:
Preschooler & Toddler Activity Guide
10 Great Ways to Meet Mom Friends in the Lakeland Area
Classes + Activities Guide
Check out our Classes + Activities for Lakeland and Polk County to find more extracurricular activities for kids, youth sports, swim lessons, toddler activities, and more.