Every Child Has Opportunities

ECHO is a catalyst for innovation and collaboration in the early childhood education industry, providing a blueprint for addressing the issues that limit opportunities for children, families, early childhood educators, and business owners.

“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.

Our Funding Partners

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, 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

Recruit, upskill, and retain qualified early learning educators.

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.

Impact Stories

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