Collaboratory and Hendry economic development council seek community input

07/30/2026

Collaboratory, (Southwest Florida’s regional community foundation), the Hendry County Economic Development Council, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida SouthWestern State College, and the City of LaBelle have partnered to launch a community outreach initiative to better understand childcare needs across Hendry County.

The initiative builds on the City of LaBelle’s June 11 resolution authorizing an assessment of local childcare programs, needs, and barriers affecting families and providers. By gathering input from families, childcare providers, employers, and other community stakeholders, the assessment will guide future strategies to strengthen childcare access and support Hendry County’s workforce and economy. Residents, parents, employers, and childcare providers are encouraged to share their experiences through a brief community survey that will help guide future investments and solutions.

Access to affordable, high-quality childcare is critical to both family well-being and a strong workforce. When childcare is unavailable, parents often reduce work hours or leave the workforce altogether, impacting employers and the regional economy. By gathering community input, Collaboratory and the Hendry County EDC aim to identify specific barriers and develop actionable long-term, systems-level solutions.

“Childcare availability is one of the most significant barriers to workforce participation and economic growth in our region,” said Keitha Daniels, director, Hendry County Economic Development Council. “We cannot solve a problem we haven’t fully listened to. We are asking our community to speak up so we can act.”

This effort is part of Collaboratory’s broader partnership with the Florida Chamber Foundation to strengthen early learning and workforce outcomes in the region and across Florida. Through the Florida 2030 Blueprint, the Florida Chamber Foundation recognizes that improving access to high-quality early learning is essential to increasing workforce participation today while preparing today’s learners to be tomorrow’s earners. Findings from this assessment will help inform local planning in Hendry County while contributing to statewide conversations around early learning, economic mobility, and workforce development through Collaboratory’s unique data-sharing partnership with the Florida Chamber Foundation.

“Expanding access to quality early learning and childcare is one of the smartest investments we can make in Florida’s future,” said Mark Wilson, president & CEO of the Florida Chamber Foundation. “When families have access to reliable childcare, parents can more fully participate in the workforce, employers have a stronger talent pipeline, and children are better prepared for success in school and life. I sincerely appreciate Collaboratory’s vision as partnerships like this demonstrate how local communities are identifying solutions that strengthen both our economy and our future workforce.”

Why This Matters

Research from the Florida Chamber Foundation consistently demonstrates that early childhood experiences are among the strongest predictors of long-term educational and economic success. Across Florida, communities continue working to strengthen kindergarten readiness, third-grade reading proficiency, and access to affordable, high-quality childcare because these factors are closely connected to workforce participation and long-term economic mobility. Local assessments like this help communities identify solutions that meet their unique needs while contributing to broader statewide efforts to prepare today’s learners to become tomorrow’s earners. Sources: Florida Chamber Foundation, Florida 2030 Blueprint; Kindergarten Readiness Report; State of Third-Grade Reading in Florida; and School Readiness in Florida research.

What We Want to Know

The survey will explore:

  • Childcare availability and waitlists
  • Affordability challenges
  • Gaps in hours of operation
  • Workforce impacts on families and employers
  • Childcare provider staffing and capacity
  • Underserved areas and populations

How to Participate

Community members can participate by:

The deadline to participate is Aug. 31 at 11:59 p.m.