Gaynor Child Development Center
Goal = $3.3 million
The Need for Child Care
In 2006, the Naples Children and Education Foundation conducted a study to assess child well-being in Collier County. Several gaps in service were identified including an overwhelming need for child care and early childhood education. According to the study, 4 out of every 10 children entering kindergarten in Collier County are deemed “at risk for failure.”
The YMCA of the Palms does not stand immune to the issues facing our community. Our current child care waiting list exceeds 900 children – a testament to the need for quality and AFFORDABLE child care and early childhood education. And, 56% of our children receive financial assistance. Unfortunately, our Child Development Center can only accommodate 126 children.
The Plan
In response to this community crisis, the YMCA of the Palms has put together a strategic plan to address the growing need for quality and affordable childcare. Our first step in this plan is to purchase the property and building directly adjacent to the Greater Naples YMCA branch, formerly known as the “Teddy Bear Museum.” In short, by purchasing this property, we will be able to add an additional 125 children to our early childhood education program. Although it does not solve the problem, it marks progress. It is also the first step in a multi-step plan the YMCA has to help underserved children in Collier County.
The Funding
The purchase amount of the building is $2.3 million. There will also be required renovations in order to transform the former museum into a functional child care center. Anticipated budget for renovations is +/- $600,000. We are also required to outfit the center with pre-school appropriate specialized equipment in order to be licensed as a child care center by the state of Florida. The equipment includes size-appropriate furniture, computers, classroom materials, cots, etc. Budget amount for this equipment is approximately $250,000. Additionally, it is necessary to budget an additional $150,000 for start-up costs and operations.
