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Who is IMPACT?

IMPACT is a private, not for profit organization, focused on the advancement of children ages birth to 5 years old.

IMPACT for Developmental Education, Inc. was formed by a group of parents in 1979 out of a need to provide services and supports for children with special needs. Over the years IMPACT has changed with the needs of the community. At present IMPACT provides early intervention services to children birth through age 5 through contracts with Early Steps and the Lee County School System. Home services of Early Intervention Specialists are provided to children birth through 3. Two preschool locations in Fort Myers and Cape Coral serve children 3-5 through the Lee County School System Pre-K ESE program and is open to the community for Full-Time & Part-Time Preschool.

IMPACT is run by an Executive Director and a highly qualified support staff who are directed by a volunteer Board of Directors that oversees the mission of the organization. IMPACT is a United Way Partner Agency. Supported by Lee County Department of Human Services, Lee County Schools, Fort Myers CASP, Southwest Florida & Cape Coral Community Foundations, Fort Myers PILOT Club, and various private and community agencies & donors. Child Development Centers are licensed by Florida Department of Children & Families

Our Mission

The mission of IMPACT is to provide a safe, developmentally appropriate learning environment for all preschool-aged children as well as in-home instruction for the parents of infants and toddlers with special needs.

Our Programs

  • 0 - 3 YEARS OLD: EARLY ADVANCEMENT

    Early Steps is an early intervention program serving children ages 0-3 with developmental delays or disabilities and their families at home and in their communities in Southwest Florida.

    Learn More

  • PRE-K: SPECIAL EDUCATION

    The Pre-kindergarten Exceptional Student Education Program offers a variety of program models and options for children from age three through five who have been identified with a specific disability.

    Learn More

Meet our staff.

IMPACT for Developmental Education, Inc. is run by an Executive Director and a highly qualified support staff of teachers and therapists.

  • Maxine Gibbs

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Kimberly Dawson

    ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

  • Ron Edenfield

    CHAIRMAN

  • Mike Rohrbacher

    VICE CHAIRMAN

  • Pam Wagner

    SECRETARY

  • Melinda Pittman

    DIRECTOR

  • Brandon Johnson

    DIRECTOR

  • Cherie Horner

    DIRECTOR

  • John Rae

    DIRECTOR

  • Kenia Espinal

    DIRECTOR

  • Erika Cooks

    DIRECTOR

  • Alian Lopez

    TEACHER

  • Priscilla Draper

    LEAD TEACHER ASSISTANT

  • Victoria Sheffield

    LEAD TEACHER ASSISTANT

  • Nichole Dimas

    TEACHER ASSISTANT

  • Christine Gorski

    OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

  • Sara O'Hara

    OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

  • Katherine Ritz

    PHYSICAL THERAPIST

What makes IMPACT unique?

The IMPACT program philosophy embraces each child’s unique abilities, interests, and strengths in a variety of settings that values the individual’s progress at his or her own rate. Children engage in stimulating educational experiences that promote communication skills, social/emotional, physical, and cognitive development providing them with tools to become life-long learners.

OUR PARTNERS

 FAQs

  • Impact South – Drop off time is between 8:30 and 9:00 and pick up time for car riders is 2:30-2:45. School Starts at 9:00 am and ends at 2:20 pm

    Impact West – Drop off time is between 7:30 and 8:00 and pick up time for car riders is 1:30-1:45. School Starts at 8:00 am and ends at 1:20 pm

  • At this time we do not provide before and after care for children.

  • We are now registering children for our summer program.

    Pre-K: 3 years old – 5 years old

    8:30 am – 12:30 pm Monday – Friday
    June 20, 2025 – July 29, 2025 (closed on July 4th)

    Locations: 1650 Medical Lane STE4 Fort Myers, FL 33907

    701 Mohawk Pkwy Cape Coral, FL 33914

    For more information call or to register call: 239-334-6160 or email: madeline.bravo@impactforkids.org

    Registration Deadline: May 27th, 2025

    • You will need to provide your child with a lunch and snack daily. Please make sure your child’s lunch comes to school ready to eat. (No microwaves at facility) Please pack either a dry lunch or if your child prefers a warm meal, we strongly recommend getting a thermos for him/her.

    • Your child will need a small beach towel or small blanket or for rest time. The blankets will be sent home at the end of each week to be washed. Please remember to put your child towel or blanket in his/her backpack each Monday.

    • In case of accidents, please make sure a complete change of clothes is in your child’s backpack everyday.

    • We work on potty training throughout the day. To increase your child’s independent self-help skills, we ask that you send your child in clothes that are easy for them to pull up and down. If your child is still wearing diapers or pull-ups send a minimum of 5 per day. For those who choose pull-ups please make sure they have Velcro sides.

  • We will send notes home to keep you apprised of classroom happenings. Should you have questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.

  • We have FGCU music therapy where students can come in once a week for the semester, as well as dog therapy.