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Frequently Asked Questions

Have you ever had a question and didn’t know where to find the answer? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

This section is a compilation of answers to the questions most commonly asked by our constituents. Just start by following one of the links below. If you can’t find the question you wanted to ask, don’t hesitate to contact us.

  1. What does your organization do?
  2. What licensing does Early Connections have?
  3. What is your program philosophy?
  4. Do I need to provide my child with breakfast/lunch/snacks?
  5. What is significant about Pre-K Counts?
  6. What is CCW?
  7. What are Infant Toddler Contracted Slots (ITCS)?
  8. What kind of activities will my child participate in?
  9. How can I get involved?
  10. If I were to donate funds, how is my money used?
  11. What is your organization's privacy policy?
  1. What does your organization do?

    Early Connections provides high-quality early care and education services to children at five locations, including three in the city of Erie, one in Union City, and one in North East. Our programs include preschool, child care, before-and-after school care, and summer care. Each location individualizes its offerings and hours to meet the needs of the families it serves. Every year, we serve over 275 children between birth and 12 years old.
    Our sites are equipped with PA Dept. of Human Services Licensure, Keystone STARS participation at a STAR 4 level, creative curriculum for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in every classroom, nutritious meals and snacks, opportunities for family participation, secure building entry systems, acceptance of Child Care Works (CCW), subsidized child care payments, Pre-K Counts, Infant Toddler Contracted Slots, Erie's Future Fund scholarships, and other scholarship opportunities.

  2. What licensing does Early Connections have?

    We are a non-profit. Our program is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and functions under the regulations mandated by the state of Pennsylvania.
    Early Connections participates in the KEYSTONE STARS program, which measures quality in child care programs. We proudly hold a STAR 4 level in all of our locations due to the high quality child care in our infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age programs.

  3. What is your program philosophy?

    Our programs focus on developmentally appropriate and enriching curriculum, with an emphasis on achieving the state's learning standards for each child. The curriculum is center-based with a hands-on approach to learning, where child, parent, teacher, and community are actively involved. The ultimate goal of developmentally appropriate child care is to prepare your child for future success!

  4. Do I need to provide my child with breakfast/lunch/snacks?

    Early Connections offers a food program that is regulated by the Child and Adult Care Food Program. We offer free meals, which consist of breakfast, lunch, and a snack!

  5. Pre-K Counts is a FREE preschool program for children between age 3 and younger than the age for kindergarten, and who live in households earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level.

  6. Child Care Works (CCW) makes it possible for low-income families to find reliable child care near their home or work and provides financial assistance to help them afford it. Through Child Care Works, families have access to quality care programs that may otherwise be out of their reach.
    To learn more, click the question label to check out the PA Department of Human Services website.

  7. Federal funding is utilized to fund a program serving Child Care Works eligible infants and toddlers via contracted slots. Contracted slots are an alternative to the traditional voucher system. With the voucher system, the funding follows the child. A parent selects a provider and the provider is paid based on the CCW enrollment. With contracted slots, the funding for awarded slots remains with a provider. If a child leaves a provider, the provider continues to be paid for the slot and is responsible to fill the slot with a different CCW eligible child.

  8. What kind of activities will my child participate in?

    Early Connections provides structured, age-appropriate activities throughout the day. These daily activities include:
    Arts & Crafts
    Fine & Gross Motor Activities
    Outside/Gross Motor Play
    Story Time
    Cooking
    Dramatic Play
    Music & Movement Activities
    Computer Time
    Literacy & Math Activities
    Multi-Cultural Activities
    Special Events/Parties
    Circle Time
    Games
    Science

  9. We’re always on the lookout for individuals like you wanting to get involved! Visit our How To Help section to find out ways to donate.

  10. We have a responsibility to our community and our donors and work hard to ensure long-term sustainability of the organization. We make our IRS Form 990 available for review, as required by law. Visit our Financials page to learn more.

  11. What is your organization's privacy policy?

    Our organization takes our privacy policy seriously and takes steps to protect and ensure the safety of our supporters. We do not sell or otherwise disclose information about our volunteers or supporters outside of our immediate organization. This policy has no exceptions. We do not sell or exchange your information with any other organizations, public, private or nonprofit. For more detailed information visit our Privacy Policy page.

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