Rachael Hunter, policy director at the Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, based in Harrisburg, said maintaining adequate staffing levels is “not a new issue.” “County child welfare agencies have faced workforce recruitment and retention challenges for many years, and despite widespread recognition of the problem, there has been no comprehensive or concrete action taken to address […]
Demand surges for PA infant, toddler services as funding falls short
A vital support program for Pennsylvania’s youngest children is facing a serious funding crisis, raising concerns about access to essential services. The Infant and Toddler Early Intervention Program serves more than 48,000 children with developmental delays or risks statewide. Services include physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as nutrition and specialized instruction. Maggie Livelsberger, program director […]
PA Partnerships for Children discuss their mission and child welfare issues in the state
In a recent episode of The Spark, host Asia Tabb sat down with Kari King, Kati Brillhart and Becky Ludwick from the PA Partnerships for Children (PPC) to discuss their advocacy efforts for better education, healthcare, child welfare, and policies that support children and families in Pennsylvania. PA Partnerships for Children was founded in the 90’s and […]
PA budget proposal boosts early childhood education funding
A Pennsylvania nonprofit is praising Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new budget proposal, which includes a funding increase for early childhood education. The budget boosts support for child care, pre-K, early intervention, and other programs – and addresses staffing shortages. Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children President and CEO Kari King said low wages fuel child care worker shortages, with pay […]
Lancaster County leaders warn of worsening childcare crisis
On Monday, Lancaster County leaders met with state advocates to discuss Pennsylvania’s teacher shortage. Heather Valudes, Lancaster Chamber president and CEO, says the shortage directly relates to the state’s childcare crisis. “The piece we are advocating for is putting together dollars in the 2025, 2026 state budget that would support funding into childcare centers in order for […]


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Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children is dedicated to improving the well-being of PA's 2.6 million kids. We're independent, non-partisan and non-profit.
💙 Kinship caregivers step up when children and families need them most.
During National Kinship Month, we’re recognizing the grandparents, relatives, siblings, family friends and other caring adults who open their homes and take on parenting responsibilities when a child cannot
It’s National Kinship Month, PA! Kinship caregivers are grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, adult siblings, and even family friends who make the selfless choice to take on parenting responsibilities when biological parents can't.
💙 September is #HungerActionMonth.
For Pennsylvania’s children, access to nutritious food is foundational to their health, development & ability to learn and thrive.
SNAP matters for children. It helps eligible families afford groceries and provides an important source of food
💙 September is #KinshipCareMonth in Pennsylvania!
We’re grateful to @GovernorShapiro for recognizing the grandparents, relatives, close family friends and other caregivers who step up when children cannot safely remain with their parents.
Kinship caregivers help children
It’s National Kinship Month, PA! Kinship caregivers are grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, adult siblings, and even family friends who make the selfless choice to take on parenting responsibilities when biological parents can't.
Happy Labor Day from PPC!
Today, we recognize Pennsylvania’s workers and families and the supports that help them succeed.
Affordable child care, quality early learning, health care and other essential supports help working parents provide for their families while giving kids a