Children First: Pennsylvania has a childcare crisis

Across Pennsylvania, early childhood educators are leaving the low-paying, high stress profession, causing a severe staffing shortage and long waiting lists for the quality childcare programs that remain open, according to several nonprofits studying the worrying trend and its economic cost.

Children First, joined Start Strong PA and the YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties in a recent presentation outlining the depth of the crisis and calling for action. All the nonprofits share a focus on improving the lives of children in the state.