Peace Early Learning Center Opens in Northeast Naples

Peace Early Learning Center 9850 Immokalee Rd Naples FL 34120 info@peacelutherannaples.org http://www.PeaceLutheranNaples.org/Early-Learning-Center (239) 354-9140 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Peace Early Learning Center Fills Gap for Collier Children NAPLES, FL – In a newly constructed 17,000 sq. ft. building, young minds are being stimulated and nurtured in the brightly decorated and well-appointed classrooms of Collier County’s newest licensed childcare facility, Peace Early Learning Center. The center, located at 9850 Immokalee Rd in Naples, offers childcare for infants through Pre-K. Peace Early Learning is also a state licensed Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten provider (VPK). This new childcare facility was established as a ministry of Peace Lutheran Church in response to the expressed need of families in northeastern Collier County for childcare and high-quality early learning services close to home. “A Study of Child Well-Being in Collier County” published by the Naples Children and Education Foundation in 2006, noted that Collier County was lacking in quality early learning opportunities for many children. The number of slots available in early learning centers in Collier was not sufficient to meet the need. As a result, it was estimated that between 24% and 44% of children in Collier were entering kindergarten at risk of failure. Peace Lutheran Church learned that the need for a licensed childcare facility was particularly concentrated in northeastern Collier County, home to more than 2,040 children from birth through age five. In order to quantitatively assess the potential demand for child care services, Peace Lutheran Church commissioned Perspectives Consulting, Inc. to conduct a Child Care Feasibility Study of northeast Collier County The study confirmed the critical need for childcare and early learning education programs to serve the children and families of northeastern Collier. Peace Lutheran Church decided to act. “We believe that assisting parents and investing in future generations will ensure a better Naples, a better Florida, and a better America. We are called by Christ to serve this community. Peace Early Learning Center is that service and that ministry we are committing to,” says Rev. Dennis Liebich, Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church. With 11 classrooms, the new facility will accommodate over 150 children at capacity. The center opened its doors on September 6th, and already has 48 students enrolled with registrations grow daily. As parents drop off their children, staff members in a warm and welcoming atmosphere greet them. “Peace Early Learning Center blends quality child care and early childhood education to create an environment in which children can safely learn, play and grow,” says Cynthia Tillman, Director of Peace Early Learning Center. “We understand how difficult it can be for working parents to balance all of the commitments and responsibilities in their lives. For this reason, we strive to offer a program that will enrich your child’s development while putting your mind at ease.” Peace Early Learning Center uses Creative Curriculum®, which has been approved as a highquality early learning curriculum by Florida’s Office of Early Learning. Each day, children are offered a stimulating environment with an array of developmentally appropriate learning experiences tailored to each age group. Peace Early Learning Center will be holding a series of open house events each Saturday in October from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Director Cynthia Tillman and other staff members will be on hand to lead tours, meet visitors, and answer questions. About Peace Early Learning Center Peace Early Learning Center is a licensed childcare facility with the mission to provide a nurturing and safe environment for the development of children and a support to their families. Peace Early Learning Center is located on the campus of Peace Lutheran Church at 9850 Immokalee Road in Naples; just 1.5 miles east of 951/Collier Blvd. To register your child or for more information on programs or volunteer opportunities, visit www.peacelutherannaples.org or call 239-354-9140. About VPK VPK stands for the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program. If you live in Florida, and your child turns 4 four years of age by September 1, your child is eligible to participate in Florida’s FREE Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) education program. To learn more, contact http://www.floridajobs.org/earlylearning/OEL_CCRR_VPKProgram # # #