The Strategy Department led by Chief of Strategy, David DeStefano, assesses organizational capacity and strategic objectives.
Kid Central’s Approach
Our approach centers on delivering impactful services that create better outcomes for children and families.
Building Better Lives
As the community-based care lead agency for Circuit 5, Kids Central strives every day to embrace the purpose of building better lives. This is possible through programs, customer service, quality assurance, and community relations. Kids Central continues to concentrate on improving outcomes and achieving results, which in turn changes the lives of the children, families, and the communities served. By utilizing best practices, evidence-based programming, strategic planning, and measurements, Kids Central can quantify its impact.
Mission-Centered
Each year, Kids Central evaluates its annual business plan, overall strategic plan, and annual Balanced Scorecard ensuring they are aligned and mission-centered. First and foremost, Kids Central focuses on child safety and providing the best service to the families it’s responsible for serving. One manner in which this is accomplished is through constant attention to strategic planning and quality improvement.
Proven Approach
Our proven approach has earned Kids Central COA accreditation, and we’re the first community-based care lead agency to receive the prestigious Florida Governor’s Sterling Award.
Sterling Award
In June 2015, Kids Central’s achievements were acknowledged, as Kids Central became a 2015 Governor’s Sterling Award (GSA) recipient. Based on the Baldrige Management Criteria, the Florida Sterling Council awards organizations demonstrating continued performance excellence, recognizing them as role models. To be considered, applicants complete a lengthy self-assessment, implement continuous improvement strategies, benchmark and compare performance to nationally recognized standards, submit a comprehensive written application, and participate in an arduous on-site examination.
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At Kids Central, our mission of service, excellence, and caring is reflected in everything we do. We are dedicated to achieving measurable, positive outcomes for children and families in the Central Florida communities we serve. Please join us in creating brighter futures for children and families.
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IN THE
Community
Independent Living Back-to-School-Bash Brings Smiles to IL Young Adults
It was a fantastic time celebrating our Independent Living young adults—foster youth who are aging out of, or have already aged out of, care. The event was filled with fun, food, and community connection! Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal, backpack/school supply giveaways, a giant waterslide, yard games, raffle prizes, and great company! Our amazing Independent …
ReadSeptember 2025 Quarterly Service Awards
Quarterly Recognition Awards Honors KCI Employees At our recent Quarterly Recognition Awards, we proudly honored the dedication and loyalty of Kids Central employees celebrating 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, and 20 years of service. To mark the occasion, we hosted a fun-filled “Pizza Palooza,” where staff enjoyed a delicious assortment of pizzas. We are deeply …
ReadKids Central Plants Pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention Month
In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Kids Central staff, at both the Wildwood and Ocala offices, came together to plant blue pinwheel gardens. These pinwheels serve as a powerful symbol of our commitment to preventing child abuse and promoting the healthy development of every child. Each year, more than 3 million reports of child …
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