Travis Bathurst had run into a problem. He had purchased Small Steps Early Learning Center in York, the facility that his mother-in-law had operated for years and that his daughter had attended as a child. But after the COVID-19 pandemic, waiting lists of children had grown and teachers had become increasingly more difficult to retain.
New hires often felt overwhelmed and undertrained, which led to high staff turnover rates. The challenge threatened the center’s stability and growth. Then Travis learned about the Every Child Has Opportunities initiative, led by Community Connections for Children and the York County Economic Alliance.
On a mission to expand learning
The ECHO program aims to double access to high-quality early childhood education for low-income families in York County. Through ECHO grants, child care centers throughout the county are able to implement strategies to work toward that mission.
For Small Steps, the ECHO Innovation Grant was projected to impact 26 teachers and lead to five new educators coming onboard. It would also lead to a more stable classroom situation for over 150 students and the opportunity to enroll more than 25 additional children. Of all the students impacted, nearly half are low-income families.
Earlier this year, he received an ECHO Innovation Grant award. The process of applying for an ECHO grant forced Travis and his team to take an in-depth look at their internal operations and hiring process. With the help of ECHO funding, he created the position of Education and Onboarding Coordinator to address retention challenges. Brittany Barlow was the perfect fit for the job.
Brittany, a parent of a Small Steps student as well as being a Small Steps teacher of 2-year-olds, had a unique perspective to bring to the table. Her background in hiring and staffing at a previous job, coupled with her enthusiasm for working with children, made her the ideal candidate.
Engaged educators
Since creating the position, Travis has expanded Small Steps from its initial York-based center to what soon will be its fifth location. Brittany handles the onboarding process for all five centers, helping new employees navigate paperwork, obtain clearances, and settle into their roles.
It’s important that staffers feel supported from day one, Brittany says. Working closely with new employees has helped her know their strengths and where they fit in best. Beyond that, she helps in classrooms as needed and offers guidance to educators who face challenges.
The ECHO-funded changes already are paying off. Staff morale has improved noticeably as Brittany offers stability and guidance for new and seasoned employees alike. This supportive approach has created a close-knit team and an environment where teachers feel they can thrive and where children benefit from the consistency of working with well-trained, engaged educators.
Creating learning spaces and experiences
ECHO funding also has enabled Small Steps to invest in high-quality playground equipment for its two York County centers. At one location, new musical devices encourage children to explore sounds and rhythms in a multisensory learning experience. At another, a merry-go-round-style ride helps children develop coordination and practice teamwork.
Beyond play, the enhancements are vital for the children’s social, emotional, and physical development. With youngsters captivated by electronic device screens so much of the time, enriching outdoor activities have become an essential component of the Small Steps experience.
Beyond numbers, colors, and shapes
Travis and Brittany are passionate about the role that early education plays in shaping young lives.
“People often think it’s just numbers, colors, and shapes, but there’s so much more to it,” Travis says.
He believes the value of early education lies in preparing children for kindergarten and beyond. Brittany echoes this sentiment.
“Children here are learning not just academically but socially. They’re learning to be kind, to take turns, and to work with others,” she says.
Travis urges other child care centers and potential donors to consider the value of investing in early education through programs such as ECHO.
“ECHO has been a huge benefit to us as an organization,” he says.
For Travis, the ECHO program provides so much more than funding. It helps to create opportunities for children, build a supportive environment for staff, and allow parents to feel that their children are in a secure care setting.
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. Funding partners include WellSpan Health, J. William Warehime Foundation, Powder Mill Foundation, United Way of York County, The Kinsley Foundation, and York County Community Foundation.