Press Release: 3/26

Contact:

The Children’s Education Center of the Islands

Wanda McKittrick, Executive Director

director@childrenseducationcenter.com

350 Casa Ybel Road

Sanibel, FL 33957

The Children’s Education Center of the Islands is honored to announce a $2,000 Grant from Captiva Island’s

Chapel by the Sea. This generous grant provides the school with the flexibility to direct resources wherever

they are needed most - from supporting daily classroom operations to maintaining our unique 5-acre campus.

This partnership with the Chapel ensures that the school can continue its 50-year tradition of providing a high-

quality, nature-based curriculum to the children of our island community, regardless of the shifting challenges

of post-storm recovery.

About The Children’s Education Center of the Islands

Established in 1974 and preparing to celebrate its 50th year on Sanibel in 2024, The Children’s Education

Center is a nature-based preschool that began as a parent co-op at the old Bailey’s General Store location on

the bay. The school moved to its current location on Casa Ybel Road in 1980. Our beautiful 5-acre campus

remains primarily undeveloped natural land and with the help of donors like the Chapel by the Sea we have the

opportunity to keep our doors open for children to continue to explore the natural resources of our sanctuary

island.

About The Chapel by the Sea

Located on the shores of Captiva, the Chapel by the Sea has served as a spiritual and community beacon

since its founding in 1948. Originally built as a schoolhouse in 1901, the Chapel has a deep-rooted historical

connection to education on the islands. Today, it is a non-denominational church that fosters a spirit of

inclusivity, peace, and charity. Through its mission work and community grants, the Chapel by the Sea remains

committed to supporting local non-profits and initiatives that enhance the well-being of the Sanibel and Captiva

communities, ensuring the islands remain a vibrant place to live and learn.