The Naples Children Foundation (NCF), the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, today announced a transformative three-year initiative to expand and strengthen early learning opportunities throughout Collier County. The effort is made possible through an $8 million investment generated from the extraordinary success of the Festival’s landmark 25th Anniversary year and represents one of the most significant commitments to early childhood education in the Foundation’s history.
The initiative was developed in response to growing concerns from families, educators, employers and providers across Collier County about limited access to quality early learning opportunities and the increasing need for school readiness support before children enter kindergarten. Florida Chamber Foundation Report shows Florida’s economy loses nearly $5.4 billion annually due to the childcare crisis.
“Early learning is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of our community,” said Sue Bieker, NCF Grant Committee Chair. “This initiative is focused on ensuring more children in Collier County have access to high-quality early education experiences that prepare them to succeed in school and in life.”
Expanding Access to Critical Supports
The largest portion of the investment will focus on expanding access to high-quality early learning opportunities across Collier County.
To lead this work, NCF will partner with Grace Place for Children and Families (Grace Place) because of the organization’s strong track record delivering high-quality educational programming and experience operating innovative family-centered learning models.
This partnership will expand the Grace Place Family Literacy Model® Bright Beginnings program, a flexible part-time early learning and family literacy model designed for families who may not yet be ready for full-time preschool programming but want their children to benefit from structured early education experiences and kindergarten readiness support. Beginning in August 2026, the expansion will add multiple sites across Collier County and serve 190 additional students.
Additionally, NCF will partner with Grace Place and Collier County Public Schools to launch a new high-quality, accredited early learning program at Naples Park Elementary School in January 2027. Designed to increase access to high-quality early education, the program will serve a mix of families across Collier County while ensuring low-income families have access through scholarship support. By bringing an accredited early learning program directly onto a public school campus, the partnership will help expand access to quality early education and strengthen kindergarten readiness for more children in the community. The programing is expected to begin in January 2027 and will serve 92 additional students.
Investing in Quality and Workforce Support
In addition to expanding access, the initiative includes targeted investments to increase kindergarten readiness, support behavioral health within early learning environments, enhance literacy instruction and provide greater support for families as children transition into kindergarten.
NCF will also invest in professional development opportunities, workforce support, career pathway development, and staff retention strategies to help early learning providers recruit and retain highly qualified educators while elevating the early learning profession across Collier County.
“For 25 years, the Naples Children Foundation has helped transform the lives of children in our community,” said Sarah Zaiser-Kelly, SVP Grants and Community Impact. “This investment continues that legacy by strengthening the foundation of learning at the earliest and most important stage of development.”