Join The Cause

Real solutions don’t come from one sector alone. They grow when employers, families and
communities work together. That’s where Start The Sprout begins.

Through four simple, practical steps – Plant, Water, Grow and Harvest – businesses can support
working families, strengthen today’s workforce and help cultivate the talent pipeline that Okeechobee will rely on for generations in as little as five minutes.

We're asking Okeechobee to help #StartTheSprout.

Our future CEOs are currently learning their ABCs — But childcare challenges hinder them.

Check your #StartTheSprout Level

A realistic baseline to see your current family-alignment level and view small swaps you can make today.

Contact the Education Foundation Directly

Bolster Okeechobee's academic success and speak directly with the creators of Start The Sprout.

A free, one-minute sign-up that gives you easy ways to support school readiness in Okeechobee.

Join the Early Learning Impact Network

let's go

LET'S GO

Quality early learning and strong workplaces go hand in hand. When families have access to reliable childcare, employees are able to give their full focus on the job, and the next generation gains the foundation they need to succeed.

In other words, everyone wins.

Start The Sprout makes a family-aligned workplace attainable for businesses of all sizes, backgrounds and industries. Divided into four simple steps, the goal is to achieve realistic family alignment that makes a tangible difference in the community.

But how does this impact local businesses?

In Okeechobee, 72% of children are not kindergarten ready — and 75% of these

students will not get back on track during their entire academic career.

Data from sources like the Florida Chamber Foundation's Business Alliance for Early Learning and the Florida Scorecard provides rich – albeit jarring – information about early learning in Okeechobee and the Sunshine State as a whole.

Life-Changing Numbers

of students in Okeechobee are not kindergarten ready

72%

of these students will not
get back on track

75%

Sunshine State residents stepped away from their jobs because of
childcare needs around 2024

281,000

Around 2024, roughly 281,000 Sunshine State residents stepped away from their jobs because of childcare needs. What does this mean for Okeechobee, Florida?

Missed shifts. High turnover. Lost productivity.

One easy way that businesses can bolster Okeechobee’s kindergarten readiness and support working parents is to join the Education Foundation of Okeechobee’s Early Learning Impact Network.

This free, one-minute sign-up gives community members tangible ways to support school readiness in Okeechobee, whether that means advocating, investing or opening doors for young families.

Plant: Recognize the Issue

Step one

JOIN US

Rich rewards come from small, strategic swaps. Some changes will take longer than others, and others may not fit your particular business. But they all play a big part in Start The Sprout.

View the four #StartTheSprout levels to get a baseline of where your business is and easy ways to move forward.

Water: Re-examine
Workplace Policies

Step Two

See My Level

SEE MY LEVEL

Find your #StartTheSprout Level

#StartTheSprout Level One (Time Investment: Five Minutes)

#StartTheSprout Level Two (Time Investment: 0–1 Month)

#StartTheSprout Level Three (Time Investment: 1–6 Months)

#StartTheSprout Level Four (Time Investment: 6–12 Months)

#StartTheSprout Level One

Create a quiet homework space
A small table and Wi-Fi access can give employees’ children a safe place to complete
schoolwork if they already stop by the workplace after school.

Add a brief arrival buffer
School drop-off can be unpredictable. A 10–15 minute grace period for parents arriving after morning drop-off can reduce stress and help employees start their workday focused.

Celebrate family milestones
A bulletin board or shared space where employees can highlight family achievements helps build a supportive workplace culture.

#StartTheSprout Level Two

Offer consistent weekly scheduling
Predictable schedules help employees arrange reliable childcare. For example, when an employee works the same days every week, they can set up stable childcare arrangements.

Check the Okeechobee County Schools calendar
Reviewing the school calendar when creating schedules helps managers plan around half-days, teacher workdays and school holidays. Work-from-home policies and schedule swapping can ensure that team members and managers alike aren’t thrown any curveballs.

Share local family resources
Okeechobee families can access parenting and childcare support through several local organizations. Sharing these resources helps employees find support when they need it.

#StartTheSprout Level Three

Cross-train team members
Cross-training allows employees to cover key responsibilities when a coworker is unexpectedly absent.

Create an emergency coverage list
Some roles are difficult to cross-train. A voluntary list of employees willing to help cover shifts during emergencies can help keep operations running smoothly.

Formalize family-aligned policies
Updating workplace policies to reflect scheduling procedures and family-related needs ensures that employees understand expectations and available support.

#StartTheSprout Level Four

Pilot a childcare support stipend
Childcare costs can be a major challenge for working parents. Some employers choose to test
small stipends that help employees maintain reliable childcare.

Offer paid parental leave
Even a few weeks of paid parental leave can help employees transition into parenthood while
staying connected to their workplace.

Highlight family-aligned policies in hiring
Employers who promote family-aligned policies often attract strong candidates, especially
working parents and young professionals.