“Research shows that for every dollar invested in high-quality early childhood education, society gains up to $7.30 in economic return over the long term.”
– First Five Action Fund
What is Echo
Every Child Has Opportunities (ECHO) is an early childhood education initiative in York County, Pennsylvania, led by Community Connections for Children and York County Economic Alliance.
The goal of ECHO is to double the number of children from low-income families in York County who will receive high-quality early childhood education. This is equivalent to 1,600 additional 0-6-year-olds. We will achieve the goal by utilizing a strategic and targeted approach, addressing immediate, crisis issues while developing solutions to long-term, chronic issues.
Community Impact
Investment in early education pays a considerable return on investment to an economy, a community, and the lives of its residents. Joined by funding partners WellSpan Health, J. William Warehime Foundation, Powder Mill Foundation, United Way of York County, The Kinsley Foundation, and York County Community Foundation, we pledge to be bold, committed, and strategic.
Who We Impact
Children + Families
Double the number of children from low-income families in York County who will receive high-quality early childhood education.
Workforce
Community
Encourage all parts of our community to support early childhood education through communication and advocacy efforts.
By The Numbers
85%
On average, early childhood education programs in York County are operating at 85% of their pre-pandemic enrollment due to staffing shortages.
15+
Home-based providers in York County report wait lists of 15-20 children, and many have stopped adding names to their lists.
50+
Early childhood education program average waitlists of 50-75 children, and many have stopped adding names to their lists.
57%
In Pennsylvania, 57% of all residents live in a child care desert, a census tract with either no child care providers or so few options that there are more than three times as many children as licensed child care slots.
Grants
Together, we will build upon our strong foundation and move closer to achieving our goal of every child having access to high quality, affordable, accessible early childhood education.
BLOOM/ECHO Home Based Provider Grant
This grant will support new home-based childhood education providers in York County, PA through recruitment, education, and funding support.
Applications open May 1st and close on May 23rd!
Innovation Grants
These grants will directly fund early childhood educators and providers in York County, PA who present creative solutions for increased capacity and quality.
Applications open May 1st and close on May 23rd!
Catalyst for Change
Continuing to drive York County’s leadership and innovation, this plan will build upon our strong foundation and move us closer to achieving our goal of every child having access to high quality, affordable, accessible early childhood education.
News + Events
ECHO Innovation Grant Program – Information Session
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 | 9am – 10am
Location: Virtual
Free to attend. Registration required.
ECHO Beca de Programa de Innovación- Sesión informativa en Español
Miércoles, El Primero de Mayo, 2024 de 6pm-7pm
Locación: Virtual
Es Gratis. Registró es necesario.
New Funds Aim to Chip Away at Childcare Shortage
Framing the challenge of finding childcare as a critical issue for employers, York-area business and nonprofit leaders yesterday unveiled a new program designed to encourage fresh thinking on the years-old problem.
Governor Shapiro Visits York to Highlight Expanded Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and Celebrate new Early Childhood Education Initiative, Every Child Has Opportunities (ECHO)
Governor Josh Shapiro joined legislative leaders, York County Economic Alliance, and Community Connections for Children at YWCA York to highlight the recent expansion of the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit impacting over 7,000 families here in York County, and over 210,000 families across Pennsylvania.
Get Connected
Katie Caples
ECHO Director
Community Connections for Children
“I look forward to working together to create change in the early childhood education industry.”
York County has a long history of proactive work to enhance access, quality, and affordability of childcare.
We must continue to be bold, determined, committed, and strategic to live up to our commitment to future generations.
Let‘s Talk
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