Early Childhood Focus

Free Pre-K Program Booming

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:47:36 PST

Parents in Cape Coral and across the region just can't get enough free education for their 4- and 5-year-olds. And day care centers, public and private schools, and licensed private childhood educators just can't sign up fast enough to meet parents' demand for Voluntary Prekindergarten classes.

Change in Subsidized Child Care Planned

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:13:38 PST

Like many single moms, Gloria Marquez can't work unless she has child care.

Opinion: Preserve Child Care Funding

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:44:47 PST

Ever hear of a private corporation that decides it can deal with a financial downturn by cutting millions from its own budget and giving the money to another company? That's virtually what the state of Florida will be doing if the legislature goes through with plans to cut $14.6 million in school readiness money. How? That money serves as a match to pull in another $11 million in federal funds earmarked for Florida that will otherwise go to other states.

Child Care Inspections Aren't Easy

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:08:53 PST

Terry Cooper started the morning's first day-care inspection with a mental run through a safety checklist.

Child Care of SW Fla. changes focus after setback

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:00:48 PST

A local nonprofit that had helped Southwest Florida families with subsidized day care for more than three decades has refocused its efforts.

Jacksonville Agency To Rate Child Care Centers

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 14:29:50 PST

A program to rate the city's nearly 400 child care centers kicked of Wednesday, with officials hoping the system will motivate facilities to provide a better pre-school education for kids.

Manatee considers stricter child care rules

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 11:20:49 PST

About 100 at-home day care centers throughout Manatee have long been among the least regulated in the state.