Our Story
Early Connections has been part of the Erie community for generations, supporting young children and families through quality early care and education, family support, and community partnerships.
Today, Early Connections operates Early Learning Centers across Erie County and provides programs that help children learn, grow, and build strong foundations for future success.
Rooted in Erie County
Early Connections was created to meet a community need: making quality early care and education more accessible for families. Over the years, our work has grown, but our purpose has remained the same — supporting children, families, and the people who care for them.
Our centers serve children during some of the most important years of development. Through safe, nurturing classrooms and caring relationships, children build early learning skills, confidence, and social-emotional foundations that support success in school and beyond.
More Than Child Care
Early Connections is more than a place for children to spend the day. We are a partner to families, a support for working parents, and a resource for the community.
Our work includes early learning programs, family support, help connecting families to child care funding options, and workforce pathways that strengthen the early childhood education field.
By supporting both children and the adults in their lives, Early Connections helps create stronger starts for children and stronger outcomes for families.
Our Work Today
Early Connections currently serves families through four Early Learning Centers: City Center, Harbor Homes, North East, and Union City.
We also administer Erie’s Future Fund, support Pre-K Counts and other publicly funded early learning opportunities, and lead workforce development programs for individuals pursuing careers in early childhood education.
As community needs continue to change, Early Connections continues to grow through partnerships, advocacy, and programs designed to expand access to quality early care and education across Erie County.
Looking Ahead
Early Connections is committed to building a stronger future for young children and families. Through our centers, community partnerships, and new initiatives like the MACC Renovation Project, we are working to expand access to early learning in places where families need support most.
Our story continues through every child, family, teacher, partner, and supporter who helps make this work possible.
