Community Needs Assessment 2024

In 2024, the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida embarked on administrating a comprehensive community needs assessment using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This assessment aimed to gather insights, experiences, and perspectives from a wide range of stakeholders, including families, early learning providers, community leaders, and policymakers across the seven-county region of Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties.

Key findings from the assessment include:

  • Holistic family support needs
  • Challenges in childcare affordability, accessibility, and quality
  • A need to expand access to high-quality preschool programs
  • Workforce and Financial Challenges for Childcare Providers
  • Ongoing Recovery from Hurricanes and the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida is committed to fostering collaboration and driving positive change. With the completion of this assessment, the Coalition is now focused on developing targeted initiatives and securing sustainable funding to ensure that every child in the region has access to high-quality early learning experiences and the support they need to thrive.

Download Community Needs Assessment