Less than half, or 44%, of the state’s 3- and 4-year-olds participate in high-quality, publicly funded pre-K, according to Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. An estimated 84,000 children are left out and Black children are less likely to attend high-quality programs. Research indicates that a quality pre-kindergarten education prepares children for kindergarten and beyond. Attendees are less likely to be […]
‘A double whammy:’ early learning centers feeling impacts of state and federal budget impasses
They took out loans just to keep classrooms running. Now, as Pennsylvania’s budget impasse ends, early childhood centers are bracing to repay the debt—with interest. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a state budget deal by a 156-47 vote that boosts early childhood education funding; Governor Josh Shapiro later signed this into law. […]
Pennsylvania’s early childhood education in crisis, report finds
A new report warns Pennsylvania’s early childhood education system is in crisis — threatening children, families, and the state’s economy. The 2025 State of Early Care and Education in Pennsylvania finds more than 160,000 eligible children lack access to quality programs. Maggie Livelsberger, policy director at Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, said the report reveals families can’t find or […]
Pa.’s early childhood education system in crisis, report reveals
Pennsylvania‘s early care and education system is facing a crisis that threatens the well-being of children, families, and the state’s economy, according to a report released by Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, a principal partner of the Early Learning PA coalition. The report, the 2025 State of Early Care and Education in Pennsylvania, outlines the urgent need for investment in childcare and pre-kindergarten programs, citing […]
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 […]
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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.
Frequent school changes disrupt learning. Federal policy can reinforce stability and continuity.
Nearly half of all PA kids, over 1.3 million, get their health coverage through Medicaid & CHIP. These programs ensure access to check-ups, vaccines, and care for conditions like diabetes, autism, and depression. They’re essential for healthy families. https://www.papartnerships.org/report/fact-sheets-medicaid-chip-provide-quality-health-insurance-for-half-of-pennsylvania-kids-february-2026/
Nearly half of all PA kids, over 1.3 million, get their health coverage through Medicaid & CHIP. These programs ensure access to check-ups, vaccines, and care for conditions like diabetes, autism, and depression. They’re essential for healthy families. https://www.papartnerships.org/report/fact-sheets-medicaid-chip-provide-quality-health-insurance-for-half-of-pennsylvania-kids-february-2026/check-ups
“It’s disappointing, from our perspective, that that change was made,” said Becky Ludwick, Public Policy VP at PPC. “There were multiple states, including PA, that were prepared to move forward with continuous eligibility for children.” @pennlive @zwhoopes
Shapiro wants to move ahead with pilot Medicaid program after Trump declines to ax federal funds
Shapiro is asking for $2.8 million for the initiatives, saying "even Dr. Oz supports them."
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