Endowment Partner Spotlight: Childcare Resources of Indian River

According to the Florida Department of Education, 55% of children in Indian River County are kindergarten ready, a significant improvement from the 2022 rate of 45%. Childcare Resources is actively increasing kindergarten readiness by elevating and promoting the highest quality early childhood development and education in Indian River County, focusing on economically challenged children and families.

Over 15% of the students at Childcare Resources (CCR) are homeless and most of the students come from ALICE families. (asset limited, income constrained and employed). The organization brings hope to these families by providing their children with an affordable early education of the highest quality.

Every year the waitlist for CCR’s school and services numbers more than 200 children. CCR committed to extend services to more Indian River County families and began a task force over a year ago to make this a reality.

Childcare Resources raised enough funds to purchase the ideal site: a 1.74-acre property in downtown Vero Beach with two buildings of approximately 15,000 square feet each, one of which will house a two-story school for early learners. This will allow the organization to increase enrollment by forty-three percent.

The $13 million dollar goal for Childcare Resources will elevate the two buildings and grounds to form a state-of-the-art school on a campus for families to access services provided by the Wellness and Early Intervention and Outreach professionals in an environment designed to encourage wonder while offering dignity, safety, comfort, and support.

Childcare Resources is also a part of our Endowment Partners Program (EPP).  The purpose of the EPP is to help local charities plan for their long-term sustainability by growing a permanent endowment fund. During a 12-month program, participants learn about endowments, planned giving, investment management and marketing solutions that inspire loyal donors to make planned gifts from their estates. The program is coordinated by IRCF team member Yamilet Cendejas.

_{Photos by Carly Lenhardt}