Increasing Access to High-Quality Child Care in Collier County

A shortage of affordable, high-quality childcare and early learning is limiting workforce participation in Collier County. FC100 member Michael Wynn recently highlighted this issue in the Naples Daily News, citing data that shows over 60 percent of parents face cost barriers and many do not qualify for assistance.

To help address this, the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), led by FC100 member Maria Jimenez-Lara, is committing $8 million to expand access to early learning opportunities and improve the overall quality of services in high-need communities. Their efforts are guided by a new Early Learning Landscape Analysis from the Florida Chamber Foundation.

By leading these investments, FC100 members are advancing solutions that support working families and strengthen Florida’s long-term economic growth.