LCF Leadership Lunch November 2026

The Economic Impact of Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education is not just a social issue. It is a core economic strategy.

Hear from early childhood experts on how access to quality early learning programs shapes Collier County's workforce, talent pipeline, and economic future. Whether you are a parent, a community member, or a local business owner, early learning affects you every single day. Often in ways you do not see.

In Collier County, high child care costs, limited slots, and workforce shortages are directly affecting labor force participation, business productivity, and long-term talent development.

Three takeaways for Collier's leaders

Early learning equals workforce stability. Collier's child care shortage is pushing parents out of the workforce and costing employers talent every single day. When infant care eats 20 percent or more of household income, families cannot work and businesses feel it.

Kindergarten readiness equals Collier's talent pipeline. Only 44 percent of Florida children enter kindergarten ready, and 75 percent who start behind never catch up. Readiness today predicts Collier's workforce strength tomorrow.

Collier has gaps, but proven solutions. Early learning enrollment in Golden Gate City sits at 18 percent while Naples sits at 61 percent, yet proven models show 95 percent kindergarten readiness is possible with quality investment. Leadership can close the gap and scale what works.

Your panel

Moderator

• Megan McCarthy, Managing Director, Future Ready Collier

Panelists

• Dr. Elizabeth Alves, Chief Academic Officer, Collier County Public Schools
• Mike Boose, Organizational Development Senior Director, Arthrex Academy
• Melanie M. Stefanowicz, Ed.D., Chief Executive Officer, Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida