Children’s Lighthouse Expands to Naples Amid Childcare Shortage

Naples, Florida, is experiencing a growing demand for childcare, with long waitlists and limited availability making it difficult for parents to secure early education for their children, Naples Press recently reported. Malcolm Robertson, a former financial advisor and Naples parent, has seen this issue firsthand. After struggling to find a spot for his 2-year-old, he decided to take action by bringing a Children’s Lighthouse franchise to the area.

Children’s Lighthouse, an early education franchise, provides structured learning programs for infants through young children, emphasizing moral values and child development.

“We really like the way they bridge the gap from home to school with the morals they’re teaching the kids,” Robertson said. “They’re just teaching them how to be good people, and that resonated.”

Robertson is currently searching for real estate to build the school, a process that could take at least 18 months due to Naples’ competitive market and high property costs. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to addressing the region’s childcare shortage.

The need for quality early education has become increasingly urgent. Collier County lost 15 childcare centers between 2020 and 2022, eliminating more than 700 child care slots. The Greater Naples Chamber has identified childcare as a legislative priority, recognizing its impact on workforce retention and economic growth. Additionally, only 49% of Florida kindergarteners were deemed "Ready for Kindergarten" in recent assessments, further highlighting the need for early learning programs.

As Naples shifts from a retiree haven to a more family-friendly community, dual-income households are becoming the norm, increasing the necessity for accessible childcare. Robertson’s initiative aims to meet this demand and provide local families with a much-needed solution.