Franklin County Declares 2026 Year of the Young Child Amidst Early Education Challenges

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – In a move to elevate the importance of early childhood education, the Franklin County Commissioners have officially proclaimed 2026 as the Year of the Young Child. This declaration, made in conjunction with First Start Partnerships for Children and Families, Inc. and other local organizations, aims to draw attention to the critical role early educators play in the development of young children. The initiative underscores a community-wide commitment to ensuring that the county’s youngest residents receive a strong foundation for future success.

The proclamation highlights the integral nature of a child’s early years in shaping their cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and language development. High-quality early care and education programs are recognized as instrumental in fostering strong developmental foundations during a period of significant brain growth, ultimately preparing children for academic success and a higher likelihood of achieving their potential later in life.

Franklin County is home to over 9,000 children aged 0-4. With 70% of their parents employed outside the home, the demand for reliable childcare is substantial. However, the county faces a significant gap in the availability of high-quality early learning environments. Out of 61 licensed childcare providers in Franklin County, only 10% meet the criteria for “high quality” as defined by Pennsylvania’s Quality Rating and Improvement System, Keystone STARS. This places Franklin County among the counties with the lowest ratings in the state for early childhood education quality.

The challenges extend to specific age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds. Access to high-quality childcare for infants and toddlers is severely limited, and fewer than one-third of children in Franklin County living in poverty have access to high-quality pre-kindergarten programs. These deficiencies have tangible impacts on families across the state, with 27% of Pennsylvania parents reporting quitting jobs due to childcare issues and 38% declining new job opportunities because of childcare-related concerns.

In response to these pressing needs, First Start Partnerships for Children and Families, Inc. has undertaken significant steps to enhance its services. The organization has improved the quality of its programs and achieved National Association of Education of Young Children accreditation, a distinction previously held only by a federally mandated program in the county. Furthermore, the nonprofit has invested in its workforce by increasing master and lead teacher salaries by 32%, bringing them in line with those of kindergarten teachers in local school districts. This investment has yielded a retention rate of 84% or higher year-over-year for the past eight years, contributing to stable and consistent learning environments for children.

First Start Partnerships has also focused on expanding access to quality education. They have established 14 full-day classrooms within the Chambersburg Area School District, an area identified as having the greatest need. This includes two classrooms specifically designed for infants and toddlers. The organization intends to replicate this successful model in other school districts as federal and state funding permits.

Despite these advancements, the Franklin County Commissioners acknowledge that more work is needed. By designating 2026 as the Year of the Young Child, the commissioners are urging all residents to actively support initiatives aimed at increasing access to high-quality early childhood education for children and families. The proclamation also serves as a call to recognize and appreciate the vital contributions of early childcare and education professionals who significantly influence the development of young children.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Franklin County Commissioners

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