2023 Annual Report
BY THE NUMBERS $112.4 Million Program Expenses
96% CCC Staff Retention Rate
116
245
PAT Home Visits
6,206
Inclusion Referrals
CCW Families
409,309
CACFP Meals Reimbursed
9,435
Resource, Referral & Helpline Calls
42
NewlyCertified In-Home Providers
$1.3 Million
Management & General Expenses
534
Winter Coats Distributed
$523,744 ELIC Funds Awarded
5,563 ECE Educators Trained
Community Connections for Children (CCC) had another successful year in 2023. We administered over $123 million to support children, families, and early care providers in 13 counties in Southcentral Pennsylvania. Out staff retention rate continues to be over 96%, and we expanded our workforce to support our programs and clients. Over 11,200 children were enrolled in the Child Care Works program; approximately 3,500 families were assisted with Resource & Referral services; 61 programs moved up one or more STAR levels in the Keystone STARS program; and over 2,400 ECE and School Age educators participated in 31 professional development sessions and 69 Communities of Practice in 12 topic areas. CCC continues to work with business and community leaders to educate them on the importance of high-quality early childhood education as both a child development and workforce issue. Our efforts have resulted in nearly $4 million in private funds committed to supporting innovative strategies to improve teacher retention, compensation, and quality. However, the staffing crisis remains at a critical level with many programs operating at only 85% of their typical capacity. This has forced families to make difficult decisions regarding their child’s care and their ability to remain in the workforce. As a result, according to a recent study, PA employers have lost over $6 billion due to employees’ challenges with finding and retaining quality care for their children that often results in increased absenteeism and turnover. CCC will continue to work with the Commonwealth, business and community leaders to support children, families, and providers. Looking ahead, 2024 will be another year of ensuring that all families have access to affordable, high quality childcare choices that lead to success in school and life. It will also be a year of transition as CCC welcomes a new Board President and implements a new Past President position. Skills, expertise, and institutional knowledge will continue to support Community Connections for Children’s success. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as Board President over the years, working closely with CCC’s Board, leadership, and staff. Your ongoing dedication, commitment, and desire to do great work is commendable. We encourage you to follow us on our social media platforms, sign up for our e-newsletter, and learn more at www.cccforpa.org. Thank you for all your support!
Christy S. Renjilian Executive Director
Rick Holberg Board President
As the incoming Board President, I am looking forward to serving the communities through the many programs Community Connections for Children has to offer. Continuing to strengthen our presence within all the counties we serve, increasing awareness around the economic impact our agency has on the many businesses associated with the families we serve, and ensuring all children are positioned for success in their early years continues to be the focus of the Board. - Bakhtavar Mody Wkypisz, Incoming Board President
COMMUNITY SERVICES Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Community Connections for Children’s CACFP program sponsorship is available to children who are in care in a DHS certified in-home or small center program in 10 Pennsylvania counties. The primary goal of the CACFP program is to provide children with nutritious meals while introducing them to a variety of different types of food. In FY 2022-2023, CCC expanded it’s CACFP program reach serving 11 additional providers and administering an additional $136,000 in reimbursement funds.
65 Family Childcare Homes 15 Childcare Centers 240 Monitoring Visits $713,338 Paid to Providers
Parents as Teachers (PAT) Parents as Teachers is an evidence-based home visitation program for families that provides support prenatally through kindergarten. PAT is a free learning opportunity that equips parents and caregivers as the most important teacher in their child(ren)'s life through home visits by a Parent Educator. Community Connections for Children’s PAT program currently serves York County. CCC’s PAT workforce increased to 2 Parent Educators in FY 2022-2023.
33 Families receiving PAT Support
245 Personal Home Visits Conducted
Resource & Referral Specialists (R&R) Resource and Referral is a free service for families living or working in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York counties. Specialists provide detailed listings of child care programs per families’ needs, as well as additional community services. R&R information equips families with the right tools and resources to meet their needs. Community Connections for Children saw an 18% increase in families needing assistance, providing R&R needs to 4,079 families in FY 2022-2023.
Program Referrals
PreK Information
Head Start/ Early Head Start
Top Referral Requests Child Development Information
Energy Assistance Information
Rental Assistance Services
Child Care Works (CCW) Helpline Community Connections for Children’s Helpline provides consistent and reliable information, making it a valuable liaison for families.
5,356 calls were received via Helpline in FY 22-23
Callers are provided with local resources related to finding and paying for child care and other care-related concerns. The Helpline assists Pennsylvania families statewide.
Child Care Recruitment & Support Services (CCR&SS) CCR&SS provides supports and resources designed specifically for in-home providers. These services include supporting an individual in becoming a DHS certified homebased family provider, increased program quality, or other technical assistance items. This free program provides resources, business supports, training and mentoring to enable an individual to become a successful small business owner operating a high quality family child care program. The Connections to Caregiving series, a pre-service training designed to support those interested in becoming DHS certified, is now offered in both English and Spanish. CCC also added a part-time bilingual Provider Specialist to support the program in FY 20222023. Providing Advanced Childcare Education (PACE) is an extension of the Connections series. PACE focuses on supervision, developmentally appropriate practices, and professionalism.
28
34
Newly-Certified Childcare Providers
KidSafe Health & Safety Kits Distributed
76 Total Connections and PACE Participants
549 Technical Assistance Supports
So many things could be said as I have experienced a range of emotions from frustration, disappointment, to happiness. The process of working towards being a childcare provider felt never-ending as it has taken approximately 2 years. But CCC has been there to show constant support, words of encouragement, and to tackle the impossible. - Connections Client
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Children Experiencing Homelessness Community Connections for Children hosted group meetings for school districts and partners who serve the homeless community (shelters, food pantries, etc). Making connections with these agencies helps CCC to support families experiencing homelessness to receive financial support for child care and other supportive services.
Winter Coat Project In Fall 2022, via the Pennsylvania Department of General Services and County Assistance Offices, CCC received 534 coats for distribution. Partnering with Family First Health, South Central Community Action, Partnership, United Way Capital Region, New Hope Ministries, Perry County Literacy Council, and the Harrisburg Systems of Care Program, distribution occurred across 7 counties.
Community Event Participation CCC participated in over 17 community events in FY 2022-2023. Events included ECE conferences, community resource fairs, family game nights, cultural events, community block parties, playground events, and much more. Information and resources are distributed to families and partners at these events.
Clothing Closet In January 2023, Community Connections for Children implemented a Clothing Closet program in both office buildings. The Clothing Closet avails clients to new or gently-used seasonal apparel for their families at no cost. The closet is stocked through staff donations, and many clients have benefitted from this opportunity.
A client came into the office today, and she didn’t have much of anything for her children for winter. She took pants, a coat, shoes, and - CCC Staff tops. She was so grateful.
CHILD CARE WORKS (CCW) Child Care Works (CCW) provides financial assistance to low income working families meeting certain income guidelines. Reimbursements are paid directly to the child care provider based upon age and attendance. Community Connections for Children administers the CCW program for 7 Pennsylvania counties. CCW clients must be redetermined eligible every year and submit documentation from their employer showing their work schedule and pay, as well as documenting all other household income supporting the children.
5,432 New Applicants
10,396 Children enrolled in CCW
870 Providers serving CCW children
6,206 Families receiving CCW Assistance
As a young single mom, I don’t know what I would have done without CCC and help paying for childcare. It meant everything to me. Now, my children are grown and successful adults, and I am a leader in my field. I am so appreciative of the help I received. - Former CCW Client
The 2022-2023 fiscal year brought changes and developments to the Child Care Works program. Income limits at redetermination were increased, and copayment guidelines were expanded. CCW Provider Liaisons held monthly informational meetings for providers to share CCW updates and answer questions to ensure smooth and timely processing of programs’ reimbursements.
40
119
150
Teen Parents Served
Foster Families Served
Families Experiencing Homelessness Served
KEYSTONE STARS Keystone STARS is Pennsylvania‘s quality improvement program to support ECE providers in their efforts to provide high quality services to children and families. Community Connections for Children provides coaching, mentoring, professional development, and resources to assist ECE educators.
Professional Development Ongoing professional development is a core resource for educators. Community Connections for Children provides attainable and effective training throughout the year. Types of professional development provided include in-service days, DHS regulatory referral classes, and additional resources, support, and professional development sessions. Keystone STARS staff also presented at the Early Childhood Education Summit and the Capital Area Chapter of PennAEYC ECE Conference.
32 Rapid Response Referrals
31 Additional Classroom Referrals
26 Inclusion Support Referrals
In-Service Days
15 Individual Sessions and Keynote Speakers served 2,550 Participants
Regulatory Referral
425 Hours supported 65 Programs
Additional Training
69 Sessions served 1,436 Participants
Inclusion Support & Technical Assistance Inclusion Support and Technical Assistance Coaches have been able to support providers with on-site and continuous coaching focusing on building positive relationships and increasing knowledge in the workforce. The Rapid Response initiative focuses on children who may be at risk of suspension or expulsion from a program due to behaviors that are challenging for teachers. Collaboration with the Capital Area Intermediate Unit, York/Adams Early Intervention, and trained CCC staff allow for a timely classroom observation to reduce the risk for suspension/expulsion. For counties not served by the Rapid Response initiative, CCC provides classroom observations where concerns may exist and teachers may be challenged by certain behaviors. Inclusion Support provides specialized coaching around inclusive practices and supports for children and teachers in the classroom.
27 Parent/ Other Referrals
Through other CCC services, parents/caregivers are able to directly request support for their child’s classroom environment, resulting in continuous coaching, resources, or referrals to other agencies.
Additional Initiatives Community Connections for Children Keystone STARS staff participate in a variety of additional initiatives working to meet providers’ and programs’ needs.
Keystone Kids Go
Farm to ECE
First Up Latino Educators
Regional Apprenticeship Committee
Fred Rogers Leadership Cohort
SACC Collaborative
KEYSTONE STARS Communities of Practice (CoPs) Community Connections for Children provides several communities of practice for the early childhood education community in 13 counties. Providers have the opportunity to learn, communicate, and connect with other educators, all while earning professional development hours.
Conscious Discipline
55 Sessions
Director Boot Camp
843 Participants
Teacher Boot Camp
5 Topics
STAR 1 Provider Cohort
Start Strong: Social Emotional Learning Foundations & Resiliency in Infants & Toddlers from Conscious Discipline
STAR Level Movements Community Connections for Children supports early care and school age providers in their pursuit of continuous quality improvement and higher Keystone STARS levels. Quality Coaches assist programs in improvements to education practices, program organization, and other quality areas to achieve movement to a higher STAR level.
A Community of Practice (CoP) is a group of people who are interested in a topic and who focus on sharing best practices and creating new knowledge for their professional practice.
ed pen s O y m ewl gra 45 N 1 Pro R s STA am ogr AR 2 r P T 11 to S ved o m ms gra AR 3 o r 6 P to ST ved s mo ram rog TAR 4 P 14 to S ved o m
Partner Information & Topic Sessions Partner Sessions
24 Sessions 284 Participants
Health & Safety
8 Sessions 86 Participants
Topic Sessions
28 Sessions 364 Participants
Keystone STARS Staff provide complimentary information and topic sessions to ECE programs and staff. Monthly partner information sessions focus on current initiatives and updates. They bring together ECE providers and partner agencies to share updates. Health and Safety information was also shared throughout FY 2022-23. Other topics covered include nature play, family engagement, classroom supports, and much more. These sessions also enable providers to network and share their tips and successes with their peers.
GRANT PROJECTS & FUND DEVELOPMENT York County ELIC Early Care and Education (ECE) Educator Awards The York County Early Childhood Educator Awards are an initiative of the York County Early Learning Investment Commission (ELIC). In its second year, with 18 funders supporting the project, $523,000 was awarded to 293 educators at 57 programs throughout 24 different zip codes in York County serving 3,549 children. The project supports teacher retention and education to increase the quality of care provided to children. In 2023, 76% of the educators receiving an award received one in 2022 at the same program and 71 were enrolled in a degree program.
$523,000 Awarded 293 Educators 57 ECE Programs 24 Zip Codes 3,549 Children
Dauphin County Human Services Funds from Dauphin County Human Services allow Community Connections for Children to expand Connections to Caregiving and other supports into Dauphin County. In addition to Connections, PACE training, health and safety kits for providers, and technical assistance supports are available to Dauphin County in-home childcare providers.
14
33
40
319
Newly-Certified Childcare Providers
Total Connections and PACE Participants
KidSafe Health & Safety Kits Distributed
Technical Assistance Supports
Every Child Has Opportunities (ECHO) Spearheaded by the PowderMill and J. William Warehime Foundations and WellSpan Health, Every Child Has Opportunities (ECHO) is a new initiative administered by CCC and York County Economic Alliance, to develop and implement innovative strategies to increase the quality and capacity of ECE in York County. In FY 2022-2023, a series of brainstorming meetings were held and a plan of action was developed. Implementation is set to begin in FY 2023-2024.
First 10 Community Partnerships Community Connections for Children supports the First 10 initiative in several communities in Southcentral Pennsylvania. First 10 is a national program with the goal that all children learn and thrive. The initiative incorporates academic, socioemotional, physical, and mental health as its priorities. Through family, school and community engagement, and meaningful connections, it creates pathways out of poverty and improves well-being, school readiness, and school success.
1,350
103
40
53
Books distributed to Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classrooms to provide a “common library and literacy experience”
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten educators attended workshops on numeracy, literacy and autism syndrome disorder
Educators attended a Summer Institute
Participants in a five-session Play and Learn series held at Hannah Penn School in York County
United Way of York County (UWYC) CCC continues to serve as a partner agency to the United Way of York County (UWYC). Funds raised during the United Way’s annual campaign are allocated to Community Connections for Children to support our work with home-based providers in receiving training, resources, and support on their journey to becoming DHS certified. During the UWYC 2022 Campaign, CCC staff raised over $22,000 to support UWYC and its partner agencies. During FY 2022-23, Community Connections for Children received $36,686.
Give Local York 2023
8 Prizes 768 Donors
$42,491
The 2023 Give Local York fundraising campaign proved to be another successful year for Community Connections for Children. The 24-hour fundraiser benefits non-profit organizations supporting York County residents and communities. CCC has participated in the campaign for six consecutive years. Funds raised from the Give Local York opportunity supports our Parents as Teachers and Connections programs. In 2023, CCC raised over $42,000 from 768 donors and won eight prizes, finishing first on the leaderboard for number of unique donors for the 3rd year in a row! This was an increase of approximately $10,000 and 160 donors over 2022's campaign.
FINANCIAL REPORT Revenue
FY 2022 - 2023
FY 2021 - 2022
ELRC
$110,431,782
$142,983,801
CACFP
$827,817
$711,556
Grants
$679,749
$322,280
Parents as Teachers
$127,817
$71,000
Fundraising
$42,853
$39,900
Other
$67,859
$25,668
Total
$112,177,877
$144,153,530
Expenses
FY 2022 - 2023
FY 2021 - 2022
Program Services - ELRC
$111,509,862
$141,297,743
Management & General
$1,328,089
$869,655
CACFP
$548,097
$573,631
Resource & Referral Services
$201,608
$172,311
Parents as Teachers
$143,228
$76,653
Total
$113,730,884
$142,989,993
The reduction in revenue from FY 2021-22 to FY 2022-23 in the ELRC line item and the corresponding reduction in Program Services - ELRC expenses is due to the elimination of the ARPA and CARES funds that were distributed by Community Connections for Children to early education programs. Increases in Management & General expenses were due to a 10% increase in the number of staff and increases in other operating expenses. Management & General expenses are 1% of the total organizational budget.
THANK YOU On behalf of the thousands of children, families, ECE providers, and community partners we serve, Community Connections for Children’s staff and Board thanks you for your ongoing support. Funds raised enable us to ensure every child has the best possible start in life to promote success in school and life.
To make a donation to Community Connections for Children, please visit our website at www.cccforpa.org.
$10
Your $10 gift provides books to each family enrolled in Parents as Teachers.
$25
A $25 donation provides a KidSafe Health and Safety Kit for a new home-based childcare provider.
$50
Contributions of $50 provide business resource books for a new home-based provider.
$100
Choosing to give $100 provides educational materials for a new home-based provider.
$250
Donating $250 provides resources and training to parents enrolled in Parents as Teachers to improve their interactions with their children.
Make a Donation
LOOKING AHEAD
Provider Support
Family Support
Program & Community Fund Support Development
Community Connections for Children is committed to continuing to ensure all families have access to affordable, high quality child care choices, leading children to success in school and life. Provider support continues as we provide coaching, training, and learning communities to early learning providers across 13 counties in South Central Pennsylvania. Emphasis continues on providing educators with tools and resources for challenging behaviors, growing teacher education, and supporting high quality. Families continue to have access to CCC’s programs and initiatives, assisting them in ensuring their children have the best start in life. Child Care Works (CCW), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Resource and Referral (R&R) consistently bring assistance, education, and resources to parents and families across our regions. Community Connections for Children continues to partner with local businesses and community leaders with the goal of increasing education and awareness of the impact of high quality early care and education. Early success for children continues to have profound effects on our local economic development, school systems, and long term health of our communities. Continued achievement of these supports relies on consistent program and fund development. Community Connections for Children continues to enhance programs and supports to meet providers and families where they are. CCC will participate in Give Local York 2024 to raise funds, awareness, and support for our Parents as Teachers and Connections programs.
OUR TEAM Kim Alloway Kelli Ammlung Rebecca Anciso Yamily Applewhite Joe Barry Karen Bell Jessica Bingaman Michaelle Book Stephenie Bostic Lauren Brenneman Mariann Burton Shelly Candy Susan Chlebowski Crystal Cline Sara Copeland Jen DeStephano Emily Diep Ashley Eberly
Jennifer Elliott Desiree Erie Andrea Evans Sharee Faloye Barbara Fretz Jamie Galinac Christine Gladfelter Barb Green Victor Ha Alyssa Hahn Lorrie Hall Heather Hartman Carol Heagy Erica Heller Donna Henry Paula Howard Cindy Idrissa Michelle Janowiak
Board of Directors Katie Caples Mary Meisenhelter Lindsey Cook Kelly Murray Richard Holberg Barb Myers Daniel Hood Zachary Steckler Meghan Kahler Jill Urey Dan May Pat Wasylson Bakhtavar Mody Wykpisz
Kristina Kamberger Kerri Keiffer Morgan Kinard Cari Knox Danielle Kohr Bev Landis Kristina Manzo Elizabeth Marcello Tammy Maskulyak Jennifer Melder Sally Melder Megan Mick Kristen Miller Corrie Mitchell Zulma Morales Tara Mowrer Stephanie Mundorf Jessica Naill Hope Nelson Beth Nichols Heather Parsons Judy Patterson Bea Prosseda Amanda Redden Christy Renjilian Erica Rijo Alicia Rivera Geandra Rosa Nathali Rosario Corrinne Rossum Samantha Roulette Megan Runk Hannah Sage
What I like about my job is helping the families be able to afford great quality childcare and knowing children are getting the care and early education that they need and deserve! - Amanda R.
Melissa Salgado Michele Salsgiver Maribeth Santana Luisa Santiago Maria Santiago Casey Saylor Loretta Saylor-Zortman Pam Seibel Stacie Shurock Rhea Simmons Wendy Snyder Stephanie Spitz Heather Spitzlay Robin Sweat Ashlee Walter Emilee Welsh Jennifer Wertz Teresa Wilson Cara Yealdhall Lisa Young
Community Connections for Children added 9 new staff positions in FY 2022-2023. The organization’s retention rate was over 96%. CCC continues to create and maintain a flexible, respectful, and supportive company culture. During the fiscal year, Community Connections for Children focused on bolstering staff benefits by adding Parental Leave, a PTO donation policy, and keeping medical premiums low.
82
Total Staff
16
Staff with 10-20 years tenure
5
Staff with 20+ years tenure
Supporting children, families, and communities for over 35 years 29 N Duke Street York, PA 17401 (717) 854-2273
701 Bosler Avenue Lemoyne, PA 17043 (717) 210-3334
1 (800) 964-4925 | info@cccforpa.org www.cccforpa.org