Built by Compassion. Growing with Purpose.
For more than six decades, Pathways has brought a community together around one powerful belief: every child deserves a safe, nurturing place to learn, grow, and dream.
Pathways began with an act of compassion—and a refusal to look away.
In 1962, members of Church Women United of Naples traveled to Immokalee to deliver Christmas gifts to children of migrant farmworkers. What they witnessed was heartbreaking. With few child care options available, young children were sometimes left in shacks, beneath trees, or in makeshift boxes while their parents worked long days in the fields. Black children were excluded from the only nursery program available in the community.
The women returned home determined to create lasting change. Working alongside Immokalee residents, churches, volunteers, and local leaders, they raised funds and secured the use of an open wash pavilion for just $1.00 a year. Volunteers transformed the modest structure into a safe place for children, and in 1964, the Immokalee Child Care Center opened its doors.
A Need Could No Longer Be Ignored
1962 — During a Christmas visit to Immokalee, members of Church Women United of Naples witnessed the dangerous conditions facing young children whose parents worked in the fields.
1963 — Church Women United joined with Immokalee residents, churches, local officials, and volunteers to raise funds and establish a child care center.
1964 — The Immokalee Child Care Center opened in a renovated wash pavilion leased for one dollar a year. Furnished with secondhand equipment and special items supplied by interested parties, it was ready for operation at the beginning of the picking season. It was a safe and welcoming place for children who had few other options.
Growing Beyond Child Care
1980–1984 The Immokalee Child Care Center evolved by adding a new playroom, craft room and office completed in 1980; and in November 1984 three new classrooms were opened.
Funds for this addition came from the Naples Family Foundation and many individuals in the area. Habitat for Humanity was the builder, enabling the costs to be kept at a minimum.
With the entire space doubled, a license for 100 children was obtained. This made it possible to change the focus from custodial care to an early childhood, preschool education program.
A New Home for A Growing Mission
1996 — A new 11,000-square-foot facility opened on Colorado Avenue, providing 11 classrooms and expanded spaces for learning, family engagement, administration, and play. This building continues today as the home of Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee.
1999 — The Immokalee Child Care Center achieved National Accreditation and became more than a place to care for young children. It became a place to educate them as well.
A Transformative Partnership Begins
2006 — Pathways received its first funding from the Naples Children Foundation (NCF), marking the beginning of a lasting partnership that expanded access to high-quality early education and opened the door to a broad network of trusted community partners. NCF provides health and wellness resources, food and essential supplies, as well as the emotional, behavioral and developmental support that each child needs to thrive.
Pathways is Born
2019 — After more than 50 years of continuous service as The Immokalee Child Care Center, the tireless efforts in providing exceptional care and expanded learning opportunities for the children — a distinctive new name is introduced:
Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee. It supports the essence of the brand and positions it for growth, change and success.
Excellence Recognized
2023 — Pathways earned certification from the National Accreditation Commission for Early Education Programs and received the Florida Department of Education's Quality Gold Seal designation.
Building Brighter Futures
2025–2026 Faced with a growing wait list, Pathways invited the community to imagine what becomes possible when more children have access to a strong beginning. The organization launched the most ambitious campaign in its history, the “Brighter Future” campaign, which exceeded its $2.25 million goal and raised $2.4 million.
Pathways renovated the playground to create an enhanced environment for outdoor learning and play, and opened the doors to an expanded learning area for 40 additional children to arrive in fall 2026. This effort began a new chapter of growth, opportunity, and promise for Immokalee’s children and families.
