As we welcome you into the fall season, there is so much to celebrate at Fun Time Early Childhood Academy. Our classrooms are filled with curious little minds, joyful laughter, new friendships, and the wonderful excitement that comes with learning something new each day.

Across all four of our locations, our teachers are watching children grow in so many ways. Beginning-of-year assessments help us understand our children’s strengths, celebrate their progress, and identify where additional support may be needed. But beyond the numbers are the moments we treasure most—the child proudly mastering a new skill, gaining confidence to try something for the first time, or becoming more independent each day. And behind every child at Fun Time is a family counting on us to help their child learn, grow, and thrive. 

For parents, knowing their child is safe, loved, learning, and cared for means they can go to work each day with peace of mind. It means a mom can pursue her career. A dad can work a full shift. A family can provide for their child while knowing their little one is receiving a high-quality early learning experience. The difference is made possible because of the generosity of donors who believe that every child deserves a strong start, regardless of their financial circumstances. 

As we launch our Annual Appeal season, I invite you to think about the children whose lives are being shaped right now at Fun Time Academy. Think about the toddlers taking those first steps toward independence; the preschoolers learning to recognize their letters; and the children discovering that they can solve a problem, make a friend, or accomplish something they once thought was too hard.

Think, too, about the parents who are able to work, provide for their families, and pursue their goals because they know their children are in a safe and nurturing place. 

Your gift makes those moments possible. When you give to Fun Time, you are not simply supporting a preschool. You are opening doors for children. You are supporting working families. You are making high-quality early learning more affordable for families who thought it was out of reach. And you are helping children receive the foundation they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.

This fall, we ask you to join us in investing in our youngest learners. Please consider making a gift to our Annual Appeal today. Gifts at every level help us continue saying “yes” to children and families who need us most.

  

Childhood is only the beginning, but it's the foundation we build together that will last a lifetime. 

With gratitude, 

Christen Krembs

Chief Executive Officer

Fun Time Early Childhood Academy

Our Estates Location Is Now Open!

We are thrilled to welcome children and families to our newest Fun Time Academy location at Estates Elementary School, serving children 12 months through 5 years old. For families in Golden Gate Estates, this opening means something much bigger than a new preschool—it means a new opportunity closer to home. Until now, the nearest preschool was approximately 11 miles away, creating an added challenge for working parents already balancing jobs, family, and daily responsibilities.

Now children can begin their early learning journey in their own community, in a safe and nurturing place where they can learn, grow, make friends, and discover their potential. And parents can go to work knowing their little ones are nearby, cared for, and building the foundation for a bright future. In partnership with Collier County Public Schools, we are proud to bring Fun Time Academy to Golden Gate Estates and excited to open new doors for children and families.

When you give to Fun Time Academy, you are doing more than supporting a preschool. You are opening a door for a child, giving hope to a parent, strengthening a family, and investing in the future of our community. Your investment today will plant the seeds for tomorrow!

As part of our Annual Appeal, we invite you to join our 65 Hours of Giving campaign, October 27–29. When we begin sharing the campaign on social media today, you'll have the opportunity to become an ambassador of Fun Time Academy. Please share the campaign with friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues and ask them to join our mission by donating $65, $365, $650, or another amount that includes 65 in honor of our 65th Anniversary.

Your Investment, Your Impact

Our 2026 Impact Report is here, showcasing a year filled with blooming success and impact!

Thank you for your support and for helping us achieve incredible milestones not only this year, but also for the past 65 years. Together, we are planting the seeds for tomorrow.

Nonprofit Leadership Academy Graduation

Please join us in congratulating Christen Krembs, CEO of Fun Time Academy, on completing the Nonprofit Leadership Academy. This valuable experience provided opportunities to learn, connect, and grow alongside fellow nonprofit leaders, bringing fresh ideas and new perspectives to the children and families we serve.

Lace Up for Little Learners Labor Day 5K

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for the Lace Up for Little Learners Labor Day 5K Run & Walk, hosted by Gulf Coast Runners! Your support helps further Fun Time Academy's mission and makes a meaningful impact on the lives of our little learners.

A special thank you to our sponsors, Vendor Village participants, our 5K supporters, and our volunteers for helping make this event such a success.

Make a Difference at Fun Time Academy

We’re excited to welcome volunteers back for another rewarding season at Fun Time Academy! Volunteer opportunities are available now, including classroom support, special projects, events, and tutoring. All volunteers are invited to join us for our Volunteer Season Kickoff on October 27, 2026, from 10-11 a.m. at our Downtown campus, or contact Melissa Oien at moien@funtimeacademy.org to learn more. We look forward to making a difference together this year!

Please mark your calendars!

Join us at Grey Oaks Country Club for an unforgettable evening celebrating the important work of Fun Time Early Childhood Academy. Your sponsorship and support help us continue creating meaningful opportunities for young children and their families. We invite you to be part of this special evening and make an impact alongside us.

Have questions, want to learn more, or interested in becoming a sponsor? Sponsorship opportunities are available! Reach out to Sophia Davisson at sdavisson@funtimeacademy.org.

Fun Time Academy Spotlight: Carmen Starkweather

This month, we are shining a spotlight on Ms. Carmen!

For more than 15 years, Ms. Carmen has been a valued part of the Fun Time Early Childhood Academy family, making a lasting difference in the lives of our students and families.

We are incredibly grateful for the years of dedication, love, and care she has given to our school community. Her commitment to our children and the heart she brings to her work are truly something special.



We are honored to have Ms. Carmen as part of the Fun Time Academy family and are so thankful for all she continues to do for our students, families, and school community!

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