The most recent community needs study conducted by the Stackpole Hall Foundation identified the lack of quality, affordable childcare as having a significant adverse effect on the quality of life and on the viability of the workforce in Elk County. In response, the County has begun a Strategic Child Care Planning process, bringing together local leaders, child care providers, employers, and parents/caregivers to better understand the issue.
A critical step is gathering accurate, local information about child care needs, gaps, and challenges. This survey is designed to assess the availability, alignment, capacity, and challenges of childcare teacher pipeline programs across CTE, Higher Education, and Workforce systems in Elk County, with a focus on preparing educators for roles in licensed childcare and early learning settings. Your responses to this questionnaire will help the Strategic Planning Committee develop practical, community-driven solutions that will support children, families, and the Elk County workforce.
This questionnaire can be completed in about 10 minutes, and all information collected is confidential and will be aggregated with other respondents' responses. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Karen Grimm-Thomas at 717-405-6645 or kargri@pakeys.org.