Structures Built for Change
As part of its commitment to ensure that comprehensive early education, dental, health and wellness services are accessible to the most vulnerable populations across Collier County, Naples Children Foundation (NCF) continues to make a significant investment in strategically located state-of-the-art facilities to limit barriers for receiving to life-changing support and care.
NCF Early Childhood Development Center
The collaboration between the Naples Children Foundation (NCF) and the FGCU College of Education (COE) provides high-quality early childhood education in Collier County. The COE oversees the NCF Early Childhood Development Center, where FGCU students and faculty engage in research and hands-on training as part of its “lab school” philosophy.
Built in 2007 with support from NCF donors, the Center—located at Florida SouthWestern State College—was established to expand early learning opportunities for vulnerable children. Today, it serves 93 children ages 6 weeks to 5 years with a research-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum.
NCF Pediatric Dental Center
The NCF Pediatric Dental Center, opened in 2008 by the Naples Children Foundation, provides oral health care to underserved children from birth to age 21. It houses a UF pediatric dental residency and outreach program, offering exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, restorations, extractions, limited orthodontics, sedation services, and emergency care. A specialized Sensory Room supports children with intellectual disabilities, including autism. Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates provides on-site IV sedation by a board-certified anesthesiologist, making the center a regional leader in special needs pediatric dental care.
NCF Pediatric Health Center
Our philanthropic strategy promotes sustainable partnerships and resource integration to address critical community needs. Adjacent to the Immokalee David Lawrence Center, our renovated 3,600-square-foot facility brings pediatric healthcare under one roof, with clinician rooms, a kitchen, conference space, food pantry, and a backyard. Partners include University of Florida for dental care, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute for vision, Golisano Children’s Rehabilitation Center for physical, occupational and speech therapy, and ABLE Academy’s STAR Initiative for behavioral health. Meals of Hope operates a food pantry for families and expecting mothers. Services are accessible in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole, supporting Immokalee families close to home.