• View or Download Report

This report examines how high-quality early care and education supports children’s academic, social, and behavioral development while strengthening communities. It highlights the critical role of a stable early childhood workforce and emphasizes how investments in educators help ensure children have consistent, nurturing relationships and access to quality learning opportunities.

• View the Report
• Fact Sheet: Economic Impact
• Technical Report
• Press Release

A new report from ReadyNation shows the cost of gaps in Pennsylvania’s child care system has grown by almost $1 billion annually, costing the state’s economy well over $6 billion every year. The analysis finds that inadequate child care is driving major losses for working parents, employers, and taxpayers alike, underscoring how deeply child care challenges affect Pennsylvania’s workforce and economic strength.  

At a time when employers need a reliable workforce and families need dependable care, this report makes clear that child care is not just a family issue, but an economic one. The findings highlight the urgent need for solutions to help parents find and afford child care so they can work, as well as for a stable, robust child care system that supports the economy and strengthens Pennsylvania’s long-term prosperity.

• View or Download Brief

High-quality early childhood education like Head Start is a powerful means of preparing children for school and life success, free of the pitfalls of juvenile delinquency and crime.