Join Us on Monday, May 11th
Organized by United Way of York County, Community Connections for Children, York County Economic Alliance, and the School District of the City of York through the Every Child Has Opportunities (ECHO) initiative, York County Runs on Childcare will take place on Monday, May 11, 2026.
This day is part of the national Day Without Childcare movement and highlights the critical role childcare plays in supporting:
- Working families
- Local employers
- York County’s economy
Why It Matters: Behind every early childhood education program is a ripple effect:
- Children gain a strong start in life
- Parents can work and provide for their families
- Businesses can recruit and retain employees
Yet too many families struggle to find and afford care – and too many providers struggle to stay open.
We believe public investment in early childhood education is essential to solving these challenges and building a stronger York County.
Key Priorities
Expand access to state child care subsidies so more families can obtain and maintain affordable care
Support Governor Shapiro’s proposed investment of $35 million in early childhood educator recruitment and retention
Help Us Amplify this Message
How You
Can Get Involved
Everyone has a role to play. Here’s how you can join the campaign:
Show Your Support
- Wear a York County Runs on Childcare button on Monday, May 11
- Display a poster at your workplace, business, or community space
- Early Childhood Education Providers: Reach out to Laura O’Grady for a flyer and buttons to share with your staff and families at logrady@unitedway-york.org
Share Your Story
Childcare impacts all of us – families, employers, providers, and the broader community.
- Post on social media using campaign messaging. Be sure to use #YorkCountyRunsOnChildcare
- Share how childcare supports your family, business, or workforce
Spread the Word
- Talk with colleagues, employees, and community members
- Encourage your workplace or organization to participate
- Invite others to learn more about the importance of childcare
Your Story Can Make a Difference
On Monday, May 11, our community is coming together to say: York County Runs on Childcare. Help us amplify this message — take 90 seconds to complete a short survey and share your story.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
THE YORK COUNTY RUNS ON CHILDCARE TASK FORCE
Together, we can and will make a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Day Without Childcare?
This is a national initiative aimed at recognizing the vital role of childcare in supporting families, employers, and the economy. In 2025, over 1,300 providers participated nationwide by closing for a day to show their impact. Staff and parents use this day to advocate for childcare funding to state and local legislators.
Will childcare providers in York County close on May 11?
No. Closing early childhood education providers, even for one day, can create real challenges for working families. In 2026, York is choosing awareness over disruption. The initiative, “York County Runs on Childcare,” emphasizes the everyday importance of early childhood education in our community.
What does York County Runs on Childcare mean?
Childcare is considered essential infrastructure supporting:
- Working families
- Local businesses
- The economy
- Children’s early development
Without reliable childcare, parents can’t work, businesses struggle, and children’s learning is affected.
What are we trying to accomplish with this campaign?
- Raise awareness of the value of early childhood education
- Highlight challenges faced by childcare providers
- Advocate for increased investment
- Stress that childcare is essential infrastructure, not a luxury
What specific policies would help childcare?
- Expanding access to state childcare subsidies so more families can obtain and maintain affordable care
- Supporting Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal to invest $35 million in the early childhood education teacher recruitment and retention (a $10 million increase)
What challenges do childcare providers face?
- Staffing shortages
- Rising operational costs
- Supporting children with challenges and special needs
- Balancing affordability with fair compensation
How does childcare impact the local economy?
For Pennsylvania, the growing annual cost of the childcare crisis is $6.65 billion in lost earnings, productivity, and revenue. (Ready Nation and Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission).
How can families and community members support this effort?
- Sharing information about the importance of early childhood education
- Thanking early childhood education professionals
- Advocating for supportive policies
- Supporting children with challenges and special needs
- Discussing childcare needs with leaders
How can businesses support this effort?
- Publicly acknowledge the importance of childcare
- Offering flexible family policies
- Partner with early childhood education providers
- Support policies that improve access and affordability of childcare
- Discussing childcare needs with peer leaders
Who can I contact to learn more?
York County Runs on Childcare is a collaborative partnership between York County Economic Alliance, Community Connections for Children, United Way of York County, and the School District of the City of York.
Please contact Laura O’Grady, VP of Impact and Strategy for United Way of York County to learn more: logrady@unitedway-york.org
Be Part of the Movement
On Monday, May 11, we’re coming together to send a clear message:
York County runs on childcare – and investing in it strengthens us all.