The Florida Chamber Foundation and The Children’s Movement of Florida have announced the launch of the 2024 Florida Early Learning Recovery Fund. This initiative is designed to assist early learning programs affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with a fundraising target set at $1 million.
The fund's goal is to support the reopening of these programs in storm-impacted regions, ensuring that children in Florida continue to receive necessary early education while aiding working families across the state. Over 1,500 child care providers and family child care homes sustained damage due to the hurricanes, jeopardizing their operations.
Madeleine Thakur, CEO of The Children’s Movement of Florida, emphasized the importance of early learning as foundational to both education and workforce support. She stated, “This fund will ensure that early learning businesses’ recovery needs are addressed, so they can focus on providing the best education and care for our youngest children impacted by the recent storms.”
Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck in late September and early October, causing extensive damage to licensed early learning programs statewide. These centers play a crucial role for families by providing childcare and enabling parents to work.
Mark Wilson, President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce & Foundation, highlighted the necessity of reopening these centers for economic recovery. He remarked, “Without reliable early learning programs, parents are unable to return to work, and businesses face significant workforce shortages.” Wilson added that the fund aims to speed up reopening efforts so families can resume work and aid economic recovery post-hurricanes.
The administration of this fund will be in collaboration with Florida’s Early Learning Coalitions. They will distribute grants prioritizing areas most affected by poverty and childcare shortages.