Florida Early Learning Insights Podcast

What happens when a manufacturing company decides to tackle child care head-on? In this episode of Early Learning Insights, we sit down with the HR team at PGT —one of Florida’s largest window and door manufacturers—to learn how and why they're bringing a near-site child care solution to their employees.From workforce retention to employee satisfaction and beyond, this investment in early learning is delivering measurable returns for both families and the company.🎙️ Inside this episode: ✅ Why child care was a business imperative, not a perk ✅ How PGT navigated cost and partnership decisions ✅ What advice they’d give to other employers considering a similar moveThis episode is a must-listen for HR leaders, business executives, and policymakers looking for real-world examples of family-friendly workplace solutions that work.Resources:Florida’s Child Care Tax Credit Toolkit: https://www.flchamber.com/childcaretaxcredit

This month’s Early Learning Insights Podcast features Karen Moore and Shannon Smith from The Moore Agency spotlighting how their partnership with Riley Elementary evolved from a classroom connection program into a scholarship model for kindergartners, showing what’s possible when businesses invest early and stay engaged.For more information on the Riley Elementary School model, contact:[email protected]@themooreagency.com

In this episode, Makayla Buchanan, Director of Early Learning and Literacy, sits down with Ken Phelps and Alison Miller—two influential leaders driving change in the Greater Daytona area. Together, they explore the Readers to Leaders initiative, a powerful collaboration between the Greater Daytona Chamber and the Early Learning Coalition focused on raising early literacy awareness among business leaders. Tune in as they discuss what sparked this unique partnership, the impact it’s making in the community, and how other local chambers can follow their lead to champion early literacy in their own regions.

How can businesses play a role in shaping Florida’s future workforce? In this episode of Early Learning Insights, we sit down with John "JB" Birney of JBirney Financial, Inc.,  a champion for early learning who believes every business—no matter the size—has a role to play in supporting children and families. From finding their passion for early education advocacy to implementing practical workplace solutions, this conversation highlights how investing in early learning strengthens today’s workforce and builds a stronger talent pipeline for tomorrow. Tune in to hear real-world insights on why early learning is a game-changer for business, community, and economic success.

This episode explores how Toyota became a leader in providing child care solutions for employees and how Tootris is helping businesses nationwide implement flexible, scalable child care benefits to support their workforce. Featuring Tony Dillon, VP, Corporate Benefits Advisor at Tootris and former HR executive at Toyota, this conversation highlights the business case for investing in child care and practical solutions companies can adopt today.

This month, we’re thrilled to introduce the Early Learning Insights Podcast, where leaders in business, education, and philanthropy come together to explore real-world solutions and inspiring stories that support Florida’s 2030 Blueprint goals of 100% kindergarten readiness and 3rd-grade reading proficiency. In our first episode, we highlight a groundbreaking partnership between the Early Learning Coalition and Age of Learning, showcasing how collaboration is driving transformational improvements in early literacy achievement.