Meridian offers services for children. They can be seen at school, at home or in the office. Parents are strongly urged to be a part of their child's care. Please see the website for more information.

Services Include:

• Case Management
• Crisis Stabilization Unit
• Emergency Screening
• Family Intervention Specialists
• Outpatient Counseling
• Recovery Center (for teen boys)
• Residential Treatment Center
• School-based Counseling
• Substance Abuse Treatment
• Summer Programs

This agency provides counseling and referrals to victims of child abuse. They offer support to the families as well. Their aim is to protect and treat victims and their families. They offer treatment services for free. They work with different agencies to prevent child abuse. Please call 1.800.962.2873 or visit website for more information.

Services Include:

• Community Resources
• Darkness to Light Program
• Family Services Fund
• Mental Health Services
• Multi-Disciplinary Team
• On-Site Medical Evaluations and Assesments
• Prevention Programs

Community Pride Child Care serves children from 2 months to 6 years of age from low income, at risk or homeless situations.

• Breakfast, lunch and snack
• Infants, toddlers and preschoolers
• Only program in the county for children in homeless situations
• Program for learning Peacemaking skills
• Sliding fee scale
• Small classes
• Trained staff
• Year round program

Call for more information.

The CCR&R program helps families find childcare. It is a free community service. Please call or visit the website to learn more.

This agency provides a variety of services to help families with young children. They can provide lists of local child-care resources. They can also help come up with a plan for affording care. Please call 352.563.9939 or visit the website to learn more.

Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy Counties: 352.490.5855
Sumter County: 352.793.5430

The Salvation Army provides the Child Development Center. This child care center offers programs and learning. Children are served a morning snack, lunch, and an afternoon snack. A sliding scale feel is available upon request to those qualifying. Please call or visit website for more information.

Child Find helps find young children who might qualify for help under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). Please call or check the website to learn more.

Child Find provides:
Diagnostic screening
Placement coordination
Training
Support to parents

The goal of this program is to reduce the stress a child has during a hospital stay. Specially trained Child Life Specialists work to help the child learn coping skills. They use play therapy to help the child understand and cope with their upcoming medical procedures. They assist the siblings of a child who has died and help them to understand and say good-bye. The team also works with families and help parents to cope with the challenges of parenting a sick child.