Early Care and Education Coalition of Northumberland County

Coordinator:  Karen Ulp                  Phone:  570.988.0993                    email: ececoord@gsvuw.org

The Early Care and Education Coalition of Northumberland County (Coalition) is a collaboration between Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way, childcare agencies, business and community leaders, local libraries, physicians, childcare providers, youth mentoring agencies, and school districts working together in Northumberland County to improve the quality of childcare and learning in the early years.

We believe quality early childcare and education is vital for the long term success of our communities.  Regardless of a child’s background, we have to ensure that every young child is ready to start kindergarten which leads to success later in school and in life.  Investing in quality early learning for the most vulnerable children today will result in cost savings 15-30 years from now. 

We focus on these three goals:

1.    Develop relationships between school districts and childcare providers to improve a child’s transition to kindergarten.

2.    Engage business and community leaders in the work of promoting quality care and education for young children.

3.    Educate Valley residents about quality early care and education and how it’s tied to the economic and social impact on our communities.

Upcoming Monthly Events:  Contact Karen Ulp for more information:

January 30, 2010:  Children under five, visit “It Takes a Treasure” activity center during  the Evangelical Community Hospital Children’s Health Fair at the Susquehanna Valley Mall

February 2010:  Northumberland County Superintendent School District Meeting

March 2010:  Early Care and Education Economic Summit for area business professionals

April 2010:  “Community Day for Kids” at King Street Park in Northumberland

Week of April 11, 2010:  National Week of the Young Child.  Pennsylvania One Book read by local celebrities   

Check out Pennsylvania ’s Promise for Children website at www.papromiseforchildren.com to learn about PA’s quality early childcare and early learning programs, and to find out how to get involved to support our youngest learners!