Find answers to common questions about Early Connections, our Early Learning Centers, child care programs, funding options, meals, activities, and ways to get involved.
If you do not see the answer you are looking for, please contact us. We are happy to help connect you with the right person or program.
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What does Early Connections do?
Early Connections supports young children and their families through quality early care and education, family support, advocacy, and workforce development programs.
We operate Early Learning Centers across Erie County and help families connect with programs and funding options that support access to quality early learning.
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Where are Early Connections’ Early Learning Centers located?
Early Connections operates four Early Learning Centers in Erie County:
- City Center
- Harbor Homes
- North East
- Union City
Families can view center addresses and contact information on our Find a Location page.
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What ages do you serve?
Early Connections serves young children through early care and education programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children, depending on the center and current program availability.
Availability may vary by location, classroom, age group, and funding eligibility.
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What licensing does Early Connections have?
Early Connections Early Learning Centers are licensed child care providers and follow all applicable state regulations for health, safety, staffing, and program quality.
Our centers also participate in quality improvement systems and publicly funded early learning programs when applicable. For specific licensing or program questions, please contact the center directly.
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What is your program philosophy?
Early Connections believes children learn best in safe, nurturing environments where they are supported by caring adults and meaningful early learning experiences.
Our programs support the whole child, including social-emotional development, early learning skills, creativity, relationships, and school readiness.
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What kind of activities will my child participate in?
Children participate in age-appropriate activities that support early learning, creativity, movement, language development, problem-solving, social-emotional growth, and school readiness.
Daily activities may include stories, music, art, outdoor play, classroom centers, group activities, meals, rest time, and hands-on learning experiences.
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Do I need to provide my child with breakfast, lunch, or snacks?
Early Connections provides meals and snacks during the program day. Meal offerings may vary by center, age group, and program schedule.
If your child has allergies, dietary needs, or food restrictions, please share that information during enrollment so our team can work with you.
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What is Pre-K Counts?
Pre-K Counts provides eligible children with access to high-quality preschool at no cost to families. The program supports school readiness and helps children build early learning, social, and emotional skills before kindergarten.
Eligibility is based on program guidelines, including age, family income, and available openings.
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What is Child Care Works / CCW?
Child Care Works, often called CCW, is Pennsylvania’s subsidized child care program that helps eligible families pay for child care while parents or guardians work, attend school, or participate in approved activities.
Families can contact Early Connections or their local Early Learning Resource Center for help understanding eligibility and next steps.
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What are Infant Toddler Contracted Slots / ITCS?
Infant Toddler Contracted Slots, also known as ITCS, help expand access to high-quality infant and toddler care for eligible families.
Availability and eligibility may vary. Families interested in infant or toddler care should contact Early Connections to learn more about openings and funding options.
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How can I get involved?
There are many ways to get involved with Early Connections. Families can stay connected with their child’s center, attend events, follow Early Connections on social media, and share feedback with our team.
Community members can support Early Connections by making a donation, participating in Erie Gives Day, sharing our work, joining our newsletter, or connecting with us about partnership opportunities.
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If I donate, how is my money used?
Donations to Early Connections help support quality early care and education, family support, classroom needs, scholarships, workforce programs, and special projects that strengthen services for children and families.
When donations are designated for a specific campaign or project, such as Erie Gives Day or the MACC Renovation Project, funds are used for that stated purpose.
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What is your organization’s privacy policy?
Early Connections respects the privacy of children, families, donors, staff, and community members.
Personal information shared with Early Connections is used only for appropriate organizational purposes, such as enrollment, communication, donations, program participation, or requested follow-up. We do not sell personal information.
If you have a specific privacy question, please contact Early Connections directly.
