Who We Are

PennAEYC is an affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and is a dynamic membership organization of early childhood care and education professionals.

Our mission is to be an effective voice for high-quality early childhood care and education. We do this through policy development, advocacy and professional development and supports for early childhood professionals.

PennAEYC's vision is that each and every Pennsylvania family will have access to high-quality, affordable early childhood care and education opportunities for their children provided by a profession that is valued, well compensated and supported.

Add Your Name Today! Petition Closes Soon!

An April 2026 survey of 1,141 child care programs across Pennsylvania revealed a staggering number of providers still struggling to recruit and retain staff. Those programs reported over 2,600 unfilled positions resulting in 980 closed classrooms and nearly 2,000 under enrolled classrooms! If fully staffed, survey respondents could serve an additional 22,000 children! These survey results only account for 17.4% of open licensed child care providers. Imagine how much higher the numbers would be if they included every program in the Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania lawmakers must hear from us again. As they begin to negotiate the 2026-27 state budget, we must urge them to include, at minimum, the proposed investments in the early care and education workforce:

  • $10M increase for the Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program
  • $2M increase for the Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program
  • $7.5M increase for Pre-K Counts

And to further strengthen the child care sector:

  • Raise the child care subsidy income limit so more working families can get help paying for a child care program they trust.
  • Dedicate funds so child care and pre-k programs can better serve children with special needs.
  • Advance targeted reforms that reduce unnecessary burdens on child care providers while preserving strong, enforceable health and safety standards that keep children safe.

 

group around pennaeyc table at 2023 awards ceremony
  • About Us

    We are an affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and a dynamic membership organization of early care and education professionals.

  • Membership

    A professional membership with PennAEYC is the best way to stay connected to the latest information, action and research about early care and education.

  • Our Work

    We are steadfast in the vision that every child in Pennsylvania has the equal opportunity to be a successful, responsible, and productive member of society as a result of their early childhood experiences.

  • Policy & Advocacy

    Become an informed and educated advocate, your voice matters! Learn more about state and federal policies that impact early care and education and what you can do to share your voice.

  • Quality

    Early childhood experiences are critical in the healthy education and development of young children. Learn more about quality early care and education.