ECHO Innovation Grant Program
This grant program will directly fund early childhood educators and providers in York County, PA who present creative solutions for increased capacity and quality.
The next round of funding will open May 4 through June 1, 2026.
BLOOM Start-Up Child Care Forgivable Loan Program
This forgivable loan program will support new childhood education providers in York County, PA through recruitment, education, and funding support.
Those interested in this forgivable loan program must meet with the BLOOM Team prior to receiving the link to submit an application.
Review the program guidelines, schedule the meeting, and start preparing necessary information at https://bloomyork.org/loans/
Forgivable loan requests will be accepted by BLOOM throughout 2026 and be considered for funding on a monthly basis until Friday, October 30, 2026.
New Virtual CDA Cohort Program
Teacher Aide + Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
ECHO’s Virtual CDA Cohort offers a no-cost, fully virtual pathway for early childhood educators in York County to earn their nationally recognized Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Beginning April 2026, participants may enroll as a Teacher Aide or choose an optional Registered Apprenticeship pathway with enhanced training, wage progression, and financial incentives. Online classes will be held on Wednesday evenings and some Saturday morning classes.
Designed for educators new to the field or current staff seeking a CDA, the program includes paid on-the-job learning, mentoring, coaching, community of practice sessions, and virtual CDA coursework through HACC. Eligible CDA tracks include Infant/Toddler, Birth to Five, Preschool, and Family Child Care.
BLOOM Child Care Start-Up recipients actively working toward DHS certification are eligible to participate. Enrollment is limited through a competitive application. The cohort runs April–December 2026, with a Celebration and Recognition Event in January 2027.
The next round of applications opens February 6, 2026 – March 13, 2026.
Application Deadline Extended!
Professional Development Mini-Grant Program
This pilot mini-grant program will support early childhood educators in attending select regional and/or national conferences, training, or advocacy opportunities to build professional skills, network with peers, and increase knowledge of best practices.
The next round of funding will be open for applications from February 18, 2026 – March 18, 2026.
