Naples Children Foundation

Natalia entered kindergarten ready because early learning support helped her build the language skills she needed.

She was 3 when she started at the NCF Early Childhood Development Center. At the time, she only knew Spanish, and her family’s primary language was also Spanish.

With support from her family and teachers, Natalia gradually built her English skills. She now speaks and understands English fluently.

Today, at age 6, she is deciding whether she wants to become a police officer or a doctor when she grows up!

At the NCF Early Childhood Development Center, children ages 6 weeks to 5 years receive a research-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum.

Each year, 93 children receive early learning support during the years when development is moving fastest.

That support helps build the foundation children need before they enter kindergarten.

See how early learning support reaches children. https://napleschildrenfoundation.org/strategic-initiatives/early-learning/

Early education access affects how prepared children are when they enter kindergarten.

More than 40% of eligible children lack access to early education.

For families, that gap can affect readiness, confidence and the support children receive during their earliest years of learning.

Understand why early access matters. https://napleschildrenfoundation.org/strategic-initiatives/early-learning/

A stronger start in kindergarten begins before the first day of school.

At the NCF Early Childhood Development Center, vulnerable children receive high-quality early childhood education during the years that shape language, confidence and readiness.

The Center is overseen by the FGCU College of Education and located at Florida SouthWestern State College Collier campus. Through its lab school model, FGCU students and faculty engage in research, training and real classroom experience while children receive early learning support.

Children gain the skills they need for kindergarten. Future educators gain hands-on classroom experience. The community is strengthened by both.

Learn about the site where early learning support builds readiness. https://napleschildrenfoundation.org/ncf-centers/

Collaboration in action! ⚾️

We’re proud to support opportunities that bring community partners together to create meaningful experiences for local children.

Thank you to our partners for helping create an afternoon filled with movement, smiles and connection.

As summer begins and children spend more time around pools, beaches and waterways, water safety becomes more important than ever.

We're proud to support SWIM Central in helping children build the skills, confidence and awareness needed to stay safe in and around the water. There partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County is just one example of collaboration aimed at providing thousands of local children with life-saving water safety education and swim instruction.

Together, we're helping create a safer summer for Collier County's children—one lesson at a time. 💙

This recognition speaks to the strength of partnership.

NCF is proud to work alongside David Lawrence Centers and the full network of Mental Health Initiative partners helping expand access to care, strengthen coordination and support better outcomes for children and families.

Progress like this is made possible when organizations work together around shared purpose and shared responsibility.

Share this to recognize the collaborative work behind this effort.

For specialized vision care, access to the first appointment matters. But follow-up care is often where treatment stays on track.

For Khalil, the vision van helped make that follow-up easier to keep.

NCF Vision Initiative partner Bascom Palmer Eye Institute first met Khalil during a school screening in 2020. After his first comprehensive vision exam, Dr. Peterson referred him for tertiary care when he was diagnosed with hyperopia in both eyes and amblyopia in his left eye.

As a second grader, Khalil was prescribed glasses for the first time.
Before the vision van was available, follow-up care required commuting to Naples for tertiary appointments. Since the van became part of NCF’s Vision Initiative, Khalil has completed four follow-up appointments in the last two years, either through the van when it was at his school or through clinics at the NCF Pediatric Health Center.

That consistency helped him stay on track with his treatment plan.
Regular visits also gave Khalil more time with Dr. Peterson, who helped him understand why wearing his glasses mattered. At first, Khalil was not a fan of them. Now, he likes his glasses because he notices how much they improve his vision.

Access made care easier to reach. Follow-up made care easier to continue.

Learn how NCF’s Vision Initiative brings specialized care within reach. https://napleschildrenfoundation.org/strategic-initiatives/vision/

That number represents more than reach. It represents more opportunities to identify vision needs before they continue unnoticed.

Through NCF’s Vision Initiative, the mobile van helps bring eye exams and specialized vision care closer to children, including in underserved communities.
Each screening can be the first step toward diagnosis, follow-up care and ongoing treatment when a child needs more than an initial exam.

For service providers, that reach matters because earlier identification can help connect children to care before vision issues affect learning, confidence or participation.

The data shows the reach. The stories show what that reach means.

Learn how NCF’s Vision Initiative helps identify vision issues earlier. https://napleschildrenfoundation.org/strategic-initiatives/vision/

We are proud to support the Wellness Warriors program because healthy futures begin with healthy habits.

Programs like this are critical because when families are equipped with the knowledge, resources and support they need, children are better positioned to lead healthier lives today and into adulthood.

The exciting addition of bike donations demonstrate the power of a community working together.