WTSP-TV: New Early-Childhood Centers

Florida has been seeing a trend of teacher shortages for some time. After the pandemic, the reported level of shortages and teach burnout has jumped. Frank Toral , CEO of Neighborhood Kids Schools , has implemented a faith-based system for the preschool franchise that combats teacher burnout. The brand was first established on the state's east coast in Wellington but is looking to expand its schools across the state.

“When it comes to teachers, we don’t consider them just teachers because teachers do so much more than teach,” said Toral. “They love our kids, they care for our kids, they guide, and they lead our kids. So we really have an emphasis on creating an authentic community for our educators in our schools.”

Toral understands that a lot of experienced teachers left schools following the pandemic. This allowed for a young generation of teachers to enter the field. Neighborhood Kids Schools focuses on sharing their own mission and values with those new teachers and, in return, invests in the teacher’s futures. The brand will help pay for the teachers’ education, certifications, 401K and health insurance because they value their educators and want to see them grow and succeed.