Pre-K for PA launched in January 2014 as a non-partisan issue campaign. Our goal is that, every at-risk child will have access to a high-quality pre-kindergarten program and middle-income families will more easily afford these services for their children. But we cannot do it alone! Please join our campaign community of more than 20,000 supporters, 600 organizations, and over 130 Leadership Council members who all believe that investing in our children is the right choice and an urgent necessity. Together we can make it happen!
NEWS
New Poll Reveals Dramatic Bipartisan Voter Support for Increased State Funding for Child Care & Pre-K Programs
Just as the Pennsylvania 2025-26 state budget negotiations begin; partners of the Early Learning PA Coalition are releasing new polling data showing strong voter support for early childhood care and education programs and increased state funding to strengthen and grow these services.
Working Families & Employers Win With Shapiro Early Education Budget Investments
HARRISBURG, PA (February 4, 2025) – Today, the principal partners of Early Learning Pennsylvania (ELPA), a statewide coalition of advocates focused on supporting young Pennsylvanians from birth to age five, applauded the early education workforce investments included...
Pre-K Students Join Governor Shapiro, First Lady, and Lieutenant Governor Davis at Tree-Lighting Ceremony
HARRISBURG (December 10, 2024) — The Pre-K for PA campaign joined Governor Shapiro, First Lady, and Lieutenant Governor Davis at the Pennsylvania Capitol tree lighting ceremony to mark the official start of the holiday season today. The 24-foot Douglas Fir Christmas...
State Budget Fails to Address Crisis in Early Childhood Sector to the Detriment of Working Families and Employers
HARRISBURG, PA (July 11, 2024) – Today, the principal partners of the Pre-K for PA and Start Strong PA Campaigns issued the following statements regarding Senate Bill 1001 that awaits the expected signature of Governor Shapiro to become the enacted 2024-25...
With Allegheny County and Pa. desperate for more pre-K teachers, Gov. Shapiro’s budget proposal offers some hope
A historic staffing crisis is causing classrooms and entire programs across the state to decrease their capacity or close, leaving working families without access to critical early learning programs. Less than half of eligible children in Pennsylvania attend a high-quality preschool program.
PA Legislative Latino Caucus, First Up, and Latino Educando Juntos Urge Investments Needed for Early Learning Teacher Recruitment and Retention
PA Legislative Latino Caucus Chairman Rep. Danilo Burgos, Hispanic child care providers and families rallied today at the Capitol along with allies Sen. David Argall, Sen. Jimmy Dillon, Sen. Tim Kearney, Rep. Donna Bullock, Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, Rep. Justin Flemming, Rep. Dane Watro, and other advocates to underscore how a growing early care and education teacher shortage, driven by low compensation, is closing classrooms and programs throughout Pennsylvania and driving up waitlists for working families.