2024 ANNUAL REPORT
A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND BOARD CHAIR
As we reflect on the past year at Fun Time Early Childhood Academy, we are filled with pride for what our team, families, and supporters have accomplished together This has been a year of growth, resilience, and continued dedication to our mission of providing quality and affordable education and care to the underserved children of our community
Our organization has expanded its impact, now serving families across four locations and a corporate office. This growth has allowed us to reach more children than ever, ensuring that every child we serve is prepared for kindergarten and beyond We are committed to maintaining the high standards that earned us five-star ratings across all our sites, a reflection of our passionate educators and staff
But numbers alone don’t tell the full story Our successes this year can be seen in the bright smiles of children discovering the joy of learning, the stories of parents finding comfort in knowing their child is in a nurturing environment, and the efforts of our teachers and volunteers who go above and beyond every day. We are continually inspired by the commitment of our staff, whose dedication makes our mission a reality, and by our families, who trust us to be a part of their children’s earliest educational experiences.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of our donors, community partners, and volunteers. Your generosity has enabled us to introduce new programs, enhance our curriculum, and provide critical resources to families in need. Together, we have created a place where children not only learn but thrive
Looking ahead, we remain focused on our vision for the future. We are excited to continue building partnerships, strengthening our programs, and exploring new opportunities to serve even more families. Our commitment to high-quality early education will guide us as we adapt to the evolving needs of our community
Thank you for being a part of this journey. With your support, we will continue to empower young minds, nurture their potential, and shape a brighter future for our community.
With gratitude,
Jessica Campbell, Executive Director Karen Lutz, Board Chair
FUN TIME ACADEMY OVER THE YEARS
1961
The beginning
Fun Time Nursery opened its doors to 12 students. It was the first childcare center for children of color in Naples.
2023 Expansion
The opening of two additional locations in partnership with Collier County Public Schools: Poinciana Elementary School on February 6 Golden Gate High School on August 10
This allowed us to serve up to 231 children in total, ages birth to 5 years old
2009
New building
The construction of an 8,000-square-foot facility serving up to 96 students features six classrooms, an enhanced learning room for supplemental curriculum, a library, offices, a kitchen, two playgrounds and a garden
2024
On February 26, we transferred assets and operations of an early learning center located on Santa Barbara Blvd. to Fun Time Academy. The center can accommodate up to 84 additional children ages 1-5 increasing our overall capacity to 387 children.
Santa Barbara
MAXIMO’S JOURNEY TO SUCCESS
Maximo is a bright and curious 3-year-old who joined us at Fun Time Early Childhood Academy earlier this year. Maximo’s family had been asked to withdraw him from the daycare center he was attending due to social and emotional concerns his previous teachers had with hi welcomed him with open arms.
Initially Maximo was shy and struggled with appropriate social interactions. His parents feared for Maximo’s future as well as their employment if Maximo could not adjust to his new environment. Maximo blossomed into a confident and enthusiastic learner thanks to the nurturing environment and personalized attention he received from his teachers at Fun Time Academy
Maximo participates in group activities, gaining social skills whic him to make friends. Maximo is speaking, singing, and loves story time. Thanks to the dedicated and highly qualified teachers and staff at Fun Time Academy, Maximo and his family have peace of mind.
Maximo is just one of the many heartwarming success stories that you help make possible for underserved children and their families in our community. With your support Fun Time can fulfill its mission to ensure children are given the tools they need to be successful in kindergarten and beyond.
DONATE NOW!
Fun Time Early Childhood Academy
Address: 3003 Tamiami Trail N. Suite 201
Naples, FL 34103
Phone: 239-228-7363
EIN #59-1039978
www.funtimeacademy.org
ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR OUR STUDENTS
Dental & Vision Screenings
Every year, Fun Time Early Childhood Academy organizes dental and vision checkups in collaboration with our community partners. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is a top priority for us
Expanding Experiences
Fun Time Early Childhood Academy offers supplemental learning experiences to our students fostering opportunities to experience art, theater, and singing classes.
Swimming & Water Safety Lessons
Ensuring water safety is essential in this community. We encourage parents to enroll their children in free swimming lessons during the summer school hours. We also provide water play activities every week at all four of our locations.
Nutritious homestyle meals served at our Downtown location
Community partnerships fulfill food insecurities for families
4 languages spoken on campus
Over 2,000 new age appropriate books given to families
Swimming lessons
Accredited 5-Star Ratings at all 4 locations
SPENCER’S SUCCESS STORY
Spencer joined Fun Time Academy's 3-year-old program at our Downtown location in December 2023. With English being his second language, he faced challenges expressing his needs appropriately. Recognizing the importance of communication for his growth, his teachers committed to a focused and individualized approach.
Spencer was introduced to simple sign language using American Sign Language (ASL) alongside verbal and non-verbal cues. Over time Spencer learned to express his needs in an appropriate manner which the staff were able to understand Spencer’s teachers worked with him step-by-step, starting from one-word phrases and progressing to two-to-three-word phrases, eventually achieving full sentences.
Spencer’s family was supported by our staff during this entire journey. Knowing that his mom was a single parent who struggled to afford tuition, our Site Director worked closely with her, assisting in applying for School Readiness through the Early Learning Coalition Spencer's mom was deeply grateful for the assistance and resources she received from Fun Time Academy.
Today, Spencer is using age-appropriate language skills to engage in asking questions, learning new skills, and having meaningful conversations with his teachers, peers, and family. He has a particular fondness for puzzles and enjoys sensory play activities. His smile is everpresent as he chats with his friends. He's always ready with a warm hug for his teachers.
Fun Time Early Childhood Academy
Address: 3003 Tamiami Trail N. Suite 201
Naples, FL 34103
Phone: 239-228-7363
EIN #59-1039978 www.funtimeacademy.org
THE DIFFERENCE WE MAKE
High Impact -
Early Intervention
Teaching Strategies Gold ® Assessment
Developmental milestone progression for children ages 2 weeks-5 years old with access to Fun Time Early Childhood Academy’s curriculum & program
PARENT & FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
We’re all in this
together!
We firmly believe that fostering a strong connection between parents and their children, especially during the crucial early years before the age of five, is essential for healthy child development.
Fun Time Early Childhood Academy organizes engaging activities and workshops. These opportunities provide children with a safe space for exploration and learning while their parents are updated about their children’s experiences at school
Activities take place at all four locations, covering a wide range of subjects from outdoor adventures in our gardens, to exciting technology and science experiments, musical events and classroom celebrations.
We also offer something for parents: informational sessions covering relevant topics such as finance, nutrition and mental health. All to support children, parents and families on their journey through childhood development and learning.
KINDERGARTEN READINESS
90% of students enrolled in our voluntary pre-kindergarten program (VPK) are ready for kindergarten and beyond!
*Sources: Florida Department of Education
County Fun Time Early Childhood Academy
COMPARED TO *With VPK *With VPK
VPK
VPK
PARENT TESTIMONIALS
Nikki Poteet
Chrislande Dera
“I chose Fun Time Academy for my daughter because of its commitment to quality education and the safe, nurturing environment. My daughter is not even halfway through Pre-K and I can already see she is ready for kindergarten. I asked her what she wanted to be when she grows up and she said, “I want to be a teacher like Ms. Noelia.”
“We initially chose Fun Time Academy because of the location and the 6:30am start time, but we stayed due to the amazing teachers My son began in the infant room at three months old and from the first time I met Miss Raimalu I knew he was in great hands.
I really cannot say enough about the teachers at Fun Time Academy. They truly are the heart of the school and I am so grateful to them each day that my son gets the opportunity to be cared for by such an amazing staff.”
Veronica Fleming
“Our son Jordan has thrived at Fun Time Academy. His teacher, Ms. Kelly, puts in tremendous effort to build a relationship with Jordan. Fun Time Academy provides excellent monthly communication with our family creating connections and events for us to attend.
I truly appreciate the support we have received with guiding our next steps as parents and how to resolve conflicts when they arise. We look forward to continuing our son’s journey next year with the Pre-K program.”
PLAYGROUND AND LIBRARY Playground Mural
Artist Pamela Nolasco, a former Fun Time parent, completed a vibrant mural on the back of our Fun Time Academy Santa Barbara building near the playground. Fun Time Academy was there for Pamela and her family, and she wanted to give something back. We were thrilled to have Pamela share her talent with us and honored to have been part of her journey. The kids absolutely love it! It has become a favorite spot for play and inspiration.
We are grateful for Pamela's beautiful contribution to our Fun Time Academy community.
Library Transformation
Thanks to an incredible team of volunteers from CarMax, we were able to put back the Peter Manion library to its original home at our Downtown location. In just one day, the CarMax team worked tirelessly to set up the space, organizing and creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for our young learners.
This transformation from an office space to the library has created a special place where children can develop a love for reading and learning.
Our work is possible through funding from some of the following: Naples Children & Education Foundation, Collier Community Foundation, Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and so many thoughtful and generous donors in our community.
Our fiscal year ending June 30, 2024 We couldn’t do this without YOU!
GET INVOLVED
Volunteer opportunities
There are numerous opportunities to actively engage and volunteer across our diverse Fun Time Academy locations. Whether you choose to assist our dedicated teachers and students within classrooms, work with small groups, provide oneon-one tutoring, or contribute to campus beautification through gardening and decorating, volunteering at Fun Time promises to be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Your involvement makes a meaningful impact on our community and the growth of the children we serve.
Want to learn more?
If you have a passion for volunteering and want to explore the many ways you can contribute, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 239-228-7363 today! Contact us now to start your fulfilling volunteer experience!
Scan below to watch:
“A day as a volunteer”
LEGACY SOCIETY
What Will Your Legacy Be?
Your estate or planned gift supports children in our community reach their full potential. A thoughtful gift can provide affordable, high-quality early learning for underserved children from working families, preparing them for success in kindergarten and beyond
There are many ways to make an estate gift including bequests, securities, charitable trusts, life insurance, retirement accounts and more. Estate gifts of every size make a life-changing impact on the future of underserved children from working families in our community.
With thoughtful planning, you can create a win-win solution for you and the children at Fun Time now and in the future.
If you have completed your estate plans, please fill out the statement of intent found on our website. We would like to thank you and recognize your generous commitment to support our mission.
Legacy Society Members
Mary Beth & Charles Johns
Susan Manion Frey
Constance Messner
Carol Munro
Marsha Murphy
Maureen O’Gorman
Ruth & Kris Pfaehler
Glenda & Roger Schorr
Robert S. Troth
Val Trotman
*This year’s annual report is dedicated in loving memory of Dick Munro.
For more information please visit our website funtimeacademy.org or call us at 239-228-7363
2023-2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board of Directors
Chair: Karen Lutz
Secretary: Fran O’Sullivan
Treasurer: Linda B. Carter
Immediate Past Chair: Kris Pfaehler
Cindy Babka
Alexis Barkis
Tom Gayer
Pam Heffernan
Karen Hopper
Don Lawson
Bob Polizzotto
Lisa Sanchez
Kelly Saylor
Roger Schorr
Directors of Emeriti
Ron Ciesla
Maureen Denman
Jim Derham
Kim Dillon
Susan Manion Frey
Janet Gable
Otto Immel
Craig Jilk
Mary Beth Johns
Doug Johnson
Jinny Johnson
Robin Larkin
Connie Messner
Marsha Murphy
Lynn Nolan
Maureen O’Gorman
Ann Olson
Gary Root
Rusty Troth
Val Trotman
Tony Urick
Michael Watkins
Skip Zink
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide affordable, high-quality early learning for underserved children from working families, preparing them for success in kindergarten and beyond
National Accreditation Commission - Highly regarded Five-Star Quality Rating from the Early Learning Coalition (ELC)
