Nearly 200,000 children enter kindergarten each year in Florida and almost half of them are not “ready” to learn. This is a reality business leaders can contribute to changing–whether through community involvement, family-friendly practices in their business, or using their voices.
Bosses for Babies is an initiative that brings together business champions for early childhood, highlighting the many ways companies can make an impact and inspiring others to take action. These Bosses understand that investing in young children and families is an investment both in their bottom line and in community prosperity.
Are you ready to be a Boss for Babies? Make the commitment that’s right for your business.
The Movement is inviting Florida CEOs to join Bosses for Babies and show their impact on early childhood. Business leaders can make the commitment that’s right for their business and we are ready to support you.
The latest data shows Florida’s kindergarten readiness rate sitting at 53%. This means nearly 90,000 children entering the K-12 system are deemed “unready,” and already falling behind at a critical time in their learning and development. Research tells us it’s difficult to catch up, so we need to do a better job of supporting children and families in the early years.
The Chamber tracks this data on the Florida Scorecard and hosts the Business Alliance for Early Learning so business leaders can speak together with a strong voice for young children.
Mark Faulkner is committed to the well-being and development of all children. He leads community efforts as the Achieve Escambia chair.
Jeff Jackson, CEO of PGT Innovations, is a leader in production of impact doors and windows. His company provides on-site childcare and healthcare.
Quint Studer is a Pensacola businessman who spearheaded the effort to make his city the first Early Learning City.
Mark Wilson is a strong advocate for high-quality early learning, highlighting the importance of these investments for Florida's future prosperity.
Heather Siskind, President and CEO of The Jack & Jill Children's Center dedicates herself and her center to helping the community and its families.
Bronson, Loar and Bucher are PNC Florida leaders, understanding the importance of early learning by the impact of the Grow up Great program
For more information, please email Daniela Villasmil at Daniela.Villasmil@childrensmovementflorida.org.
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From Early Learning Nation: “Many of us have come to realize that an investment in children is an investment in all of us. These are future workers. They’re going to make our economy work.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From Business Observer: “Seeing that situation, a group of Florida business leaders calling themselves Bosses for Babies are championing the need for additional support for the state’s young children and their parents and caregivers.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From Tampa Bay Parenting: “Readiness doesn’t mean just knowing the academic basics. It means a child has a willing attitude and confidence in the process of learning: a healthy state of mind.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
