A groundbreaking study by the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Business Alliance for Early Learning and the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF) has identified key challenges in early learning availability, affordability, and workforce stability in Collier County. The findings will support NCEF’s commitment to invest $8 million in Collier County, aimed at transforming the local early learning landscape and expanding access to high-quality child care for families.
44% of Collier kindergarteners enter kindergarten ready to learn, and 60% of Collier’s 3rd graders read proficiently. NCEF believes Collier County can be the first county in the country where 100% of children are ready to learn.
“Too many Collier County families are struggling to find and afford quality early learning programs, which directly impacts both our workforce and the future success of our children,” said Maria Jimenez-Lara, CEO at NCEF. “This report confirmed what we’ve heard from parents and providers—there simply aren’t enough options, especially for infants and toddlers. With future investments, we’re taking a major step toward changing that.”
The analysis found that:
- 73% of providers have waitlists due to maxed-out capacity, while affordability remains a pressing issue.
- Over 60% of parents cite cost as a significant barrier.
- Collier County’s early childhood educator workforce shortages and high turnover rates have destabilized early learning centers, affecting quality and access.
In response, this groundbreaking study outlines key solutions, including strengthening teacher incentive programs, addressing transportation and language barriers, and piloting community-based wraparound service models.
“These findings reinforce that child care access is not just a family issue—it’s an economic one,” said Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “When you fix early learning in a community, you fix 1,000 other things. When parents can’t find care, they can’t work, and that affects businesses across Florida. By making these targeted and measurable investments, NCEF ensures that Collier’s workforce, both now and in the future, is stronger”
This landscape analysis and roadmap represent step one in informing how NCEF’s $8 million investment will be strategically deployed to expand high-quality early learning programs in Collier County. The findings will guide efforts to increase access, strengthen the early learning workforce, and ensure that families—especially those in underserved areas—can find and afford the care they need.
“These investments signal that Collier’s leaders are serious and are focused on what matters,” said Makayla Buchanan, Director of Early Learning & Literacy at the Florida Chamber Foundation. “By implementing targeted interventions, NCEF is addressing today’s challenges and laying the foundation for long-term, sustainable improvements in Collier County’s early learning system as today’s learners are tomorrow’s earners.”
For more information or to access the full report, visit https://www.flchamber.com/early-learning-landscape-analysis/