2024 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Fun Time Early Childhood Academy Inc

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Education, Educational Services, Preschools, Student Services

Mission: OUR MISSION is to provide affordable, high-quality early learning for underserved children from working families, preparing them for success in kindergarten and beyond.

Community Stories

34 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

javi.rodriguez3 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/15/2024

I volunteered with this organization for the first time last weekend and had the absolute best time! I learned about Fun Time’s mission and saw the positive impact of early education. The dedicated staff I worked with created a nurturing environment, making it a very fulfilling experience. Highly recommend!

amandamor44 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/15/2024

I worked with Fun Time at the Boo the Zoo event at the Naples Zoo! I specifically worked with Melissa who was extremely kind and welcoming to my friend and I who had gone to volunteer. It was such a great experience to greet and engage with all the kids, and also learn about the great things Fun Time offers. They have a great team and help families in so many ways. I can’t wait to continue volunteering with them!

2

Mzslim239 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/05/2024

My son Kevin Lux Rowles has been going to Fun time for a little over 2 years now. He has transitioned into every classroom & is now in VPK. unfortunately this will be his last year because he will be going off to kindergarten. I am going to be so sad next year when he’s no longer at fun time. We have been beyond blessed because we qualified for the program where we only have to pay a small amount every week. Without that help my son would not have been able to attend Fun time for the last 2 years. There is no way I would be able to afford it. I’m a single mother and bills are very high. I work very hard but still struggle. Fun time has helped us in so many ways…. Childcare, boxes of food, books, & classes I’ve been able to attend where the parents learn things and also have received free things such as a cooking supplies with recipes that we cooked there & all the ingredients to take home to make it at home as well. The teachers, the staff & the cook have been so amazing to my son & I. I trust them with my son. Which is an amazing feeling since I’ve heard so many horrible stories about other child cares. My son has also learned so many things, & is incredibly smart. They also helped potty trained him when he 1st starting going there. His teacher always sends me pictures of him which is so nice. Yesterday was his birthday & she sent a picture of him wearing a birthday hat, a birthday pin & also a birthday seat cover to wear all day, Which made him feel so special. I had brought cupcakes & capri suns for his class & everyone sang happy birthday to him. It was so sweet. Which we have done every birthday he’s been there. I could go on and on about how much I love Fun time & everyone apart of it. They are so amazing. Being a single mother & how expensive everything is I am beyond blessed for all the help that we get like I said without that it would’ve never been possible. I honestly believe this is the best school! I always get to look forward to all the activities that we get to be apart of. They go above and beyond for our children. Thank you for all of your help we appreciate it so very much!
Sincerely,
Justina Williams (Kevin’s mom)

2

Jessica_C Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/04/2024

Working at Fun Time Early Childhood Academy has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. The organization is deeply committed to its mission of providing quality, affordable early childhood education to underserved children.

It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a team that is truly passionate about early education and making a lasting impact on the lives of these young learners.

1

MERODRI Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/17/2024

As a volunteer at Fun Time Academy my experience has been amazing! At Fun Time I have been able to see and experience a nurturing, fun and engaging program . In the classroom I see caring teachers and teacher helpers as well as an experienced office staff. As a new volunteer I see that Fun Time Academy provides parents a support system of caring individuals in helping them in the education and care of their little ones. I am proud to be a part of this program.

1

inybendy300 Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/06/2024

I enjoyed helping out the pre school and helping out the kids.

1

cbabka Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/29/2024

A few years ago when moving to Naples, I inquired from a friend if there were any volunteer opportunities for a retired schoolteacher. Fun Time Academy was immediately suggested and I have been helping with their reading program for three years now. Anyone’s first visit to the school can’t help but experience the joy, excitement and energy in the building. Each student greets you with a big smile and is happy to show you a project they are working on, a new song to sing or their artwork on the bulletin boards. I think the strength of Fun Time rests in the consistency they provide each student as well as security, they know they are in a safe, learning environment. Many individual needs are met and parents are an integral part of this successful program. There is such a great need in the Naples community for early childhood education and Fun Time provides a helping hand to so many families to have their children get the best start possible.

1

Calusajohn Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/21/2024

I started reading with pre kindergarten student in early 2024. It became the highlight of my week as I would spend 1/2 hour one on one with three different students. We were working on numbers and shapes. I would arrive to find a book picked out for me as well as highlights of learning points. From there you never knew where the discussion would go with the kids. lots of laughs and expanded stories.All three have now moved on. Can't wait to start up again in October.

kpfaehler Board Member

Rating: 5

07/18/2024

Fun Time Academy provides the highest quality early learning education in Naples serving low-income families. The entire Fun Time Academy team, board, and volunteers serve the children and parents with enthusiastic passion and commitment across 4 locations. The first 5 years of a child's life are the MOST important in terms of brain development, and the learning, socialization, and play experienced at the school provides the children with the foundation that will serve them throughout their lives. I am so impressed with the focus on quality learning that touches everything in which the academy is involved. Plus, their location that serves teen-aged mothers and their children at Golden Gate High School is so incredibly important to those families. Not only does Fun Time Academy provide the highest quality education to the students, but their parents are able to work full-time, 500 weeks per year, knowing their children are cared for and safe.

Previous Stories
2

Board Member

Rating: 5

04/28/2022

This pre-k school is a jewel in the heart of Naples! It provides the highest quality education - all-year long! Teachers and staff are magnificent! The academy on 12th Street N. is a beautiful building and learning environment. I have the privilege of serving on their Board of Directors, whose members all love the mission, and give so generously of their time and tremendous expertise. It's a joy to work together with this board and staff!

2

kemricha01 Board Member

Rating: 5

07/17/2024

Fun Time Academy provides EXCELLENT early education for those who are less fortunate. As any educator and parent knows, early education gives children a solid foundation to help them in their academic careers and sets them up for success. Fun Time not only provides that very crucial early education piece, but also helps parents by providing programing for them as well! Through expansion efforts over the last couple of years, Fun Time now has four different learning centers across Collier County! Given the growth in population in Collier County and the many centers that closed during COVID, Fun Time is an even more important part of our community than ever before.

1

AndreaBV Client Served

Rating: 5

07/28/2023

Fun Time Academy is the best school in Naples; Pre-K students are ready for kindergarten ready to read and learn.

lawsondb Board Member

Rating: 5

07/22/2023

A friend recommended my involvement with Fun Time about four years ago as a progressive early learning center with a 60 year mission of delivering a quality preschool education to children from low income families and diverse backgrounds. We help these kids prepare to be ready to read and learn upon entering kindergarten. Fun Time delivers on all counts with a beautiful facility, a dedicated staff and management who are truly passionate about exceeding their mission, and a 4 star Charity Navigator rating, to name a few. I am extremely impressed by the kids performance on Florida standardized achievement tests whereby they routinely score higher than average. I have been a board member over three years now and feel the positive energy at Fun Time every time I'm there. This year Fun Time expanded its services to include a center at Poinciana Elementary School and Golden Gate High School which have contributed to our core mission. This nonprofit merits your attention should you want to be involved with a very successful organization.

analizp Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

07/20/2023

Fun Time is definitely an exceptional place to work at! They do all they can to ensure the safety and success of their students as well as their staff. They also make sure that parents are as involved as they can be while constantly providing them with support and resources within the community that they can reach out to if they need additional help. In all my years of childcare I have never encountered another center like Fun Time!

optimize Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

07/20/2023

As an employee, I see what impact Fun Time Academy is having on the children and its community. Early learning is crucial for our children and here at Fun Time Academy our team is working very hard to provide children with high-quality and affordable education accessible to low-income working families!

ElizabethLeslie Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

07/20/2023

Fun Time Early Childhood Academy is an absolute gem! The moment you step through the doors, you're greeted with an atmosphere filled with joy, creativity, and warmth. Witnessing the dedicated and caring staff who go above and beyond to ensure the children's happiness and well-being has been incredibly reassuring.

1

FanyD Client Served

Rating: 5

07/19/2023

I appreciate Fun Time Early Childhood Academy; since my son started, I noticed an improvement in his skills and knowledge. Thank you Fun Time and all the staff behind.

jhenson Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

07/18/2023

Great school! Excellent teachers who are very knowledgeable and really care for the children.

Fun Time Early Childhood Academy General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/17/2023

Great school! High-quality education. Recommended.

1

kristamaddox626 Client Served

Rating: 5

06/07/2023

As a parent and educator, choosing the right daycare for our child was a daunting task, but today, I can confidently say that we made the best decision by entrusting our little one into their care.
From the moment we met the teachers and staff at the opening ceremony, we were greeted with warmth and kindness. Their genuine smiles and friendly demeanor immediately put us at ease, reassuring us that our child would be in loving and capable hands. The level of professionalism and dedication demonstrated by the teachers and staff has been truly remarkable.
The teachers are nothing short of amazing. Their passion for early childhood education shines through in every interaction they have with the children. They create a nurturing and stimulating environment where our little one feels safe, loved, and encouraged to explore and learn. It's awe-inspiring to see how they effortlessly balance fun and educational activities, tailoring them to each child's needs and interests. Our child comes home every day bubbling with excitement, eagerly sharing stories of the adventures and discoveries they had that day.
Fun Time Early Childhood Academy has exceeded our expectations in every way. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to foster cognitive, social, and emotional development in children. It is evident that Fun Time has a strong focus on providing a well-rounded education, equipping our child with essential skills and knowledge. We are continuously amazed at the progress our little one has made under their guidance.
We feel incredibly fortunate to have found such an exceptional daycare, filled with compassionate teachers, dedicated staff, and a nurturing environment. The impact they have made on our child's growth and happiness is immeasurable, and we are eternally grateful. We have witnessed firsthand the positive influence they have had on our little one, and we wholeheartedly recommend this daycare to any parent seeking a nurturing early learning experience for their child.

1

DonaB Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/07/2023

I have been a volunteer reader at Funtime for 6 years. I look forward to the 90 minutes that I spend with 3 eager, adorable children every week. Although the reading and comprehension are important, I find that helping the children socialize with adults is important too. One of my best memories was a little girl who wouldn’t talk to me at all. I’d phrase questions so that she could point to the “answer”.
After several weeks working with her, she started whispering to me, and eventually was able to speak to me in a normal voice. What a joy to finally know that she was comfortable with me. That’s great preparation for school!
I can see that the teachers there are very caring and tuned in to the children’s needs. It’s a terrific program!

BiancaBellido Client Served

Rating: 5

11/07/2022

I'm very happy having my daughter at Fun Time Academy.
She has learned a lot in a short period of time.
Teachers are excellent and they really care about the children.

FranOS Board Member

Rating: 5

05/15/2022

I first became involved with Funtime as a donor and was so impressed with the impact they have on young lives that I wanted to contribute more. I highly recommend you take a tour and you will be as hooked as I was. I became a board member in 2021 and look forward helping the students, the academy , the staff and the board to be as successful as possible!

MrGary Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/06/2022

I have been involved with Fun Time for over 12 years. I started out reading with 3 little boys, one-on-one on Tuesdays each week during the school year. But it wasn't just about reading, although Fun Time's mission is to prepare preschoolers from low-income working families "ready to read and ready to learn" when they start kindergarten. It was also about confidence, and a joy in learning, and love. The staff at Fun Time exhibits this daily, not just on Tuesday afternoons. Although I grew within Fun Time to become a Board Member, my greatest satisfaction was walking into a classroom and seeing an energized environment that none of these kids would have ever experienced without this amazing pre-school.

1

Karenwl Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/03/2022

I have been tutoring three adorable children this year on a weekly basis and have seen firsthand the amazing impact the wonderful teachers and staff have had on these children’s academic and personal growth to ensure they are ready for kindergarten. The parents have also been engaged with various learning opportunities and fun family activities. I will miss my graduating students, but look forward to helping three other darlings next fall. It has been an honor to be involved with this incredible early learning center and I’ve enjoyed the added benefit of tasting the delicious, healthy food prepared daily by Lorena!

1

lisasanchez Board Member

Rating: 5

05/03/2022

I began as a volunteer at the school three years ago spending time with three students once a week, reading and doing book related activities. My time with the students was the highlight of my week....their joy and enthusiasm was heart warming. I was so impressed by the school, the teachers and the curriculum that I have since become a board member because I truly believe FTA offers the exact quality pre-school care and education that not only Collier County, but the entire nation, needs now. FTA gives lower income parents the opportunity to hold a full time job knowing their young children are cared for in a safe, stable and enriching environment that prepares them to succeed in life. In addition, the school educates and supports the families to help create a learning environment at home. My objective is to help the dedicated staff and board in continuing our mission and expand our services to reach many more families.

1

camessner Donor

Rating: 5

04/27/2022

Since becoming involved with Fun Time over 20 years ago, I am convinced that they are the Number One!! Early Learning Center in not only Naples, but Collier County.
The staff and volunteers are committed to maintaining their standing as the premier early childhood school because of their caring, expertise and outstanding support.

Mary Beth J. Board Member

Rating: 5

04/26/2022

I have had the pleasure of serving on the Fun Time board for many years and now a Board Member Emeriti. I call Fun Time my "happy place". The children and staff provide us many joys when visiting . I cannot say enough about the education that is provided to these beautiful children, which says a lot about the very qualified staff. Wish all children could be provided with such a place!

1

Roger J. S. Board Member

Rating: 5

04/26/2022

I have had the opportunity to be involved for three years. This organization is a five star for the working low income parents. FTA prepares kids for kindergarten. This year all 40 kids that will start K in the fall tested ready

1

skipz Board Member

Rating: 5

04/26/2022

if you are looking for a school that really teaches, that really educates your young children, you have found it in Fun Time Early Childhood Academy. They have been doing it right for over 60 years, making sure their graduates are ready to read and ready to learn. I have been associated with this well-run, fully accredited organization since 2005. Fun Time is unique because it is one of the few early learning centers that offers safe, quality and affordable education for children and parents from low-income working families!
Skip Zink, Director Emeriti

3

Pam H.2 Board Member

Rating: 5

04/25/2022

I was first introduced to FunTime Academy three years ago when I was given a tour of the school. It was impossible not to recognize the energy, enthusiasm, and compassion of the staff at the school. Since my initial exposure to the Academy, I have gotten to know members of the staff, and have seen their love for what they do demonstrated in their dedication to creating a wonderful learning environment for the children. When walking through the school, the childrens' faces are lit up with excitement; classrooms are bright, cheery and engaging; and the faculty is 100% focused on helping students excel. I just recently joined the Board, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds!

3

robinwlarkin Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/25/2022

I have had the pleasure of bringing friends to the school for tours--hoping they, too, will get involved as a volunteer or donor. Every time I'm there, watching the children's joy in learning and the wonderful teachers, it makes my heart sing. I wish there were more outstanding pre-school educational opportunities like Fun Time Academy for the low-income working families.

3

aurick Board Member

Rating: 5

04/25/2022

I've been on the Board of Directors for 5 years. This nonprofit is one of the finest and most effective at providing a preparatory education for the children of the working poor prior to their entering kindergarten.

2

Jinny J.1 Donor

Rating: 5

04/25/2022

Fun Time knows how to prepare children—for reading, for getting along with others, for learning in general and for succeeding in kindergarten. Executive director Jessica Campbell leads an extremely qualified staff in nurturing the students on so man levels.

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