Florida TaxWatch Discusses Economic Impact of Early Education at Childcare Resources’ Annual Advocacy Event

Andrea Keiser speaks with community stakeholders and elected officials about the economic beenfits of investing in high-quality early childhood education.

Childcare Resources of Indian River held its highly anticipated annual advocacy event this year at the prestigious John’s Island, drawing local leaders, supporters, and advocates for early childhood education. The event featured an impactful presentation by Meg Cannan and Andrea Keiser from Florida TaxWatch, who shared key findings from Cannan’s report, Economic Benefits of a Robust Childcare System.

Florida TaxWatch presenters Meg Cannan (L) and Andrea Keiser (R) with Childcare Resources’ Executive Director, Shannon McGuire Bowman.

The report highlighted just how crucial quality early education is for the economic stability and growth of Vero Beach. Keiser emphasized how supporting working families through accessible, high-quality childcare reduces absenteeism and fosters long-term educational and social benefits for our children. “By investing in early childhood education, we create lasting positive change for our community,” said Keiser. “We are boosting workforce productivity and strengthening financial security for local families.”

(L-R) Robert Gibb, Childcare Resources Board of Director Jim Beindorf, Rennie Gibb, and Luke Webb.

By welcoming insights from Florida TaxWatch and showcasing the organization’s ongoing commitment to early childhood development, the advocacy event highlighted how integral the work being done at Childcare Resources is. With their soon-to-be expanded footprint in downtown Vero Beach, Childcare Resources will bring even more opportunities and resources to local families, creating a foundation for lifelong success for children and supporting a thriving community.

(L-R) Childcare Resources Board of Director Casey Lunceford, Elliot Jones, Indian River County School Board Member Peggy Jones, Taxpayers Association of Indian River County President Lance Lunceford, and Richard Giessert.

Lance Lunceford, President of the Taxpayers Association of Indian River County, praised Childcare Resources for its dedication to the future of Indian River’s youth. “The duty to leave our children with a world more abundant than what we have today is one of our most fundamental responsibilities. It is gratifying to see Childcare Resources at the forefront of this great effort," said Lunceford. "The fecundity achieved through their groundbreaking work makes me believe the sky is the limit for how we can better prepare the next generation of children for profound success."

As Childcare Resources looks forward to continuing its work with families, community partners, and local early educators, this event served as a reminder of the collective impact that robust early childhood education can have on individual lives and the economy as a whole.

“We are honored to have Florida TaxWatch as our guest this year, as their insight underscores the powerful role early education plays,” said Shannon McGuire Bowman, Executive Director of Childcare Resources. “Hearing these findings from such a respected source reinforces our mission to provide high-quality early childhood education for families in need and illustrates how these services contribute to Indian River County’s prosperity.”