Help Paying for Child Care
Early Connections works with families to help make quality child care and early learning more accessible. Funding options may vary by child age, family eligibility, program availability, and location. If you are not sure where to start, our team can help point you in the right direction.
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Pre-K Counts
Pre-K Counts provides free, high-quality pre-kindergarten for eligible children in Pennsylvania.
Families may qualify if:
- The child is age 3 or 4 and not yet eligible for kindergarten
- The family lives in Pennsylvania
- The family earns up to 300% of the federal poverty level
- The child may benefit from additional school-readiness support
Full-day Pre-K Counts is offered at four Early Connections locations, with an additional classroom offered in partnership with Iroquois Elementary School. Wrap care may be available before and after Pre-K Counts class hours.
Download the Pre-K Counts application below, or contact a Center Administrator to ask about eligibility and available spots.
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Child Care Works (CCW)
Child Care Works helps eligible families afford reliable child care near their home, work, or school. Through this program, families may receive financial assistance that helps make quality child care more accessible.
Families may qualify if:
- The family meets income guidelines
- The parent or caregiver is working, attending school, or participating in an approved activity
- The child needs care from an eligible child care provider
Families must submit an application through the Early Learning Resource Center to find out if they qualify for subsidized child care.
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Infant Toddler Contracted Slots (ITCS)
Infant Toddler Contracted Slots help eligible families access quality child care for infants and toddlers at participating Early Connections locations. Availability may vary by site, classroom, and open contracted slots.
Families may qualify if:
- The child is an infant or toddler
- The family meets program eligibility guidelines
- The family needs care at a participating location
- An Infant Toddler Contracted Slot is available
Families should contact the Center Administrator at their preferred Early Connections location to ask about eligibility, availability, and next steps.
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Erie’s Future Fund Scholarship
Erie’s Future Fund helps eligible Erie County families access high-quality preschool at participating child care centers. The scholarship is designed to support children before they enter kindergarten and help families prepare for school success.
Families may qualify if:
- The child is preschool-aged and not yet eligible for kindergarten
- The family lives in Erie County
- The family meets scholarship eligibility guidelines
- The family is interested in a participating Erie’s Future Fund center
Families can learn more about Erie’s Future Fund, view participating centers, and apply online. Paper applications are also available, and assistance is available upon request.
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Other Funding Options
Additional funding options may be available depending on family circumstances, program availability, and current funding sources. Early Connections can help families understand what options may apply to their child and location.
Families may want to ask about other funding options if:
- They are not sure which program they may qualify for
- They need help understanding application steps
- They are interested in care at a specific Early Connections location
- They have questions about tuition, wrap care, or available assistance
If you are unsure where to begin, contact Early Connections and we will help direct you to the right next step.
Not Sure Where to Start?
You do not need to figure it out alone. Contact Early Connections and our team can help point you toward the funding option, application, or site contact that best fits your family!
