What we do
NEXTGEN is the official family resource of Manatee County, featuring local events and good news around our community and is brought to you by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, Inc (ELC). The educational and family resource magazine is distributed to the parents of 25,000 elementary school children in 47 Manatee County schools, with an additional 8,000 distributed to over 200 childcare facilities, libraries, medical offices, hospitals and other business offices throughout the county. Our new website features local events, community updates and interactive activities and games for children of all ages.
Latest Issue
Summer 2026
Recent Issues
Curiosity on Display
If you're a parent, you're probably used to your kids asking all kinds of questions. Why is the sky blue? How do airplanes stay in the air?...
No Small Role
Taking care of young children is serious work, even if it mostly looks like (messy) play. With kids around, there's often playdough on the floor, paint…
Seeing the Difference
Children with undetected vision problems often struggle academically, athletically, and personally. While you let that sink in, meet Dr. Michael and Sarah Mackie…
Mixon In Bloom
For over 80 years, Janet and Dean Mixon operated Mixon Fruit Farms off 27th Street East in Bradenton. But after the citrus greening disease and rising…
A Commitment to Excellence
Dr. Laurie Breslin is closing out her first school year as superintendent with a clear sense of purpose. In this conversation with NEXTGEN Family Magazine…
Penny Power
When was the last time you held a penny? As a child, thrilled to spot that flash of copper on the ground? Or maybe you were sorting through a handful…
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