York County, PA – November 20, 2025 – 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.
During a special Community Task Force meeting, ECHO convened educators, community leaders, and advocates to review new data, share insights, and advance strategies designed to strengthen ECE access and quality across the county.
The analysis reveals a substantial shortfall in early childhood education availability. Of the approximately 21,600 children under age five who could benefit from ECE programs, only 12,111 seats currently exist—leaving a gap of 9,520 seats. Even more concerning, only 43% of these seats are offered by high-quality STAR 3 and 4 providers. The shortage affects both urban and rural communities, with the most pronounced gaps in Lower Chanceford, East Manchester, Codorus, Hellam, and West York.
The data reinforces the urgent need for strategic investment, partnership, and workforce support. Between 2020 and 2025, York County saw 77 ECE providers close, representing 44% of today’s total provider base. Workforce shortages are a major driver of this trend: 89% of providers report difficulty hiring qualified staff, leading to classroom closures and long waitlists—especially for infant and toddler care. This is primarily due to low wages and lack of benefits for ECE Educators. The average hourly wage is $12.20 per hour.
These insights will guide ECHO as it advances its mission to double the number of children from low-income families enrolled in high-quality programs, ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
New Mapping Tool Offers Deeper Community Insights
At the meeting, the York County Early Childhood Education Map was also unveiled—a public, interactive data tool developed by PolicyMap in collaboration with Community Connections for Children and the York County Economic Alliance through the ECHO initiative: York County PA Early Childhood Education Map.
The map displays the locations of certified ECE providers across the county and overlays community indicators such as demographics, income and poverty levels, family composition, employment data, housing stability, and more. The tool gives policymakers, providers, and community partners a clearer view of where needs exist and where investment can make the greatest impact.
“Our data-driven approach highlights the supply-and-demand trends and workforce challenges in the ECE sector,” said Christy Renjilian, Executive Director of Community Connections for Children (CCC). “The mapping tool will support informed decision-making for CCC and YCEA as they implement ECHO and collaborate with ECE providers, our partners, and the community. It will enable us to address the issues faced by children, families, ECE providers, and employers.”
In addition to the map, there are four Quick Maps users can explore for a variety of targeted datasets, including:
- Early learning program locations & municipalities
- Areas with high ECE need, low income, & legislative districts
- Concentration of vulnerable families
- Areas with highest housing & transportation cost burdens
CCC and YCEA, through their ECHO initiative, will continue working alongside community partners to refine and advance strategies to strengthen early learning access throughout York County. Thank you to all ECE providers who participated in the survey process.
Explore Additional Resources
- Estimating Shortages in Care: 2025 York County, PA Early Childhood Education (ECE) Gap Analysis
- Early Childhood Education In York County, PA: Supply, Demand, & Provider Perspectives
- Staffing Early Childhood Education: 2025 York County, PA Findings
- York County PA Early Childhood Education Map
- Interested in learning more? Watch the Zoom Recording of ECHO’s expanded Task Force Meeting.
About ECHO
Every Child Has Opportunities (ECHO) is a York County initiative dedicated to expanding access to high-quality early childhood education. Launched in 2024, ECHO is administered by Community Connections for Children (CCC) and the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) with philanthropic support from the J. William Warehime Foundation, Powder Mill Foundation, WellSpan Health, Kinsley Foundation, United Way of York County, and the York County Community Foundation.
For more information and to access the meeting recording, visit echoyork.org.
