News + Events

Community Connections for Children (CCC), the Early Learning Resource Center for Regions 9 and 10, is proud to announce the launch of its newly approved Registered Level 1 Child Development Associate (CDA) Apprenticeship Program—a first-of-its-kind workforce pathway in the region designed to strengthen and stabilize Pennsylvania’s early childhood education workforce.

Yesterday, the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women hosted a virtual discussion between business and government leaders and child care advocates about Pennsylvania’s child care crisis, which has forced many parents to leave the workforce due to the lack of access to affordable, quality child care.

Community Connections for Children and the York County Economic Alliance, in partnership with Reinvestment Fund, have released a comprehensive early childhood education (ECE) gap analysis outlining significant challenges and opportunities for York County’s youngest learners.

Today, the principal partners of Early Learning Pennsylvania (ELPA), a statewide coalition of advocates focused on supporting young Pennsylvanians from birth to age five, applauded the 2025-26 state budget’s focus on children and early education workforce investments, vital commitments finalized after prolonged negotiations.

Childcare providers were already struggling to keep up with the demand for their services. Then came the deadlock over the state budget, which has lasted nearly three months.

Elizabeth Marcello, STARS Technical Assistance Coach, and Susan Chlebowski, Outdoor Learning & Play Consultant, (both with Community Connections for Children) are available to guide you through the ECHO Innovation grant process. Together, they bring expertise in outdoor learning environments and nature-based early learning pedagogy and practices to help strengthen your application and set your project up for success.