UWF helps Century residents explore home childcare after daycare closure

The University of West Florida's Small Business Development Center held a free workshop Tuesday evening in Century aimed at helping residents start their own in-home childcare businesses. The timing comes as the community grapples with the loss of Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center, which was the only traditional daycare serving the area.

According to the SBDC, the workshop "Launching a Home-based Childcare Business" provided guidance on starting and operating a childcare business from home—a potential solution as parents in Century search for reliable care options following the closure.

The closure has sparked renewed interest in alternative childcare arrangements across North Escambia County. Home-based providers could help fill the gap left by the daycare's closure and offer flexible options for working families in the Century area.

The UWF Small Business Development Center regularly offers free training and resources to entrepreneurs throughout Northwest Florida. Residents interested in future workshops or business guidance can contact the center through UWF.