History & Philosophy - EEC

Program History

We have provided child care at our 315 King Street location for over 40 years. Across the United States, there are 210 YWCAs and each has programming that has progressed in evolution with its surrounding community. Our emphasis is on education in every part of its programming. Our programming has evolved to support the growing community's need for quality, affordable child care.
EEC Philosophy

The YW3CA welcomes all children and families regardless of their abilities as recommended in the joint position statement published in April 2009 by DEC and NAEYC.  The goal of our inclusive environment (for those with special needs and with exceptionalities) is to create a sense of community in which everyone has a voice and a commitment to learning through a variety of methods of empowerment. Families are able to select the best childcare experience unique to their situation and work with teachers to support the needs of everyone involved.

In our classrooms, Conscious Discipline, which aligns with our mission, guides teachers’ interactions with children and each other. Teachers build a classroom community where children feel safe to learn how to deal with feelings and build connections to others. Our focus is on relationships rather than behavior. The individual needs of children and families are paramount to the decision-making of all teachers and administrators throughout our early education center.

EEC Vision

Our vision is to create a community of learning where children experience a sense of wonder and exploration- where everyone feels a sense of connection and participates with others in ways that create new possibilities for making the world a better place.

EEC Values

Families set the foundation for children’s lifelong learning.  We aim to create a partnership with families to encourage healthy growth for all.  Teachers use their knowledge of young children and child development to create goals for the group and individually.  Our programs use principles based on The Creative Curriculum[1]:

  • Meaningful learning comes from constructive play.
  • Social emotional learning sets the stage for healthy growth and development.
  • Curriculum and assessment must be connected.
  • Families are our partners in children’s learning.
  • Teachers use the environment to set the stage for learning.
  • All children, including those with special needs, can thrive in our classrooms.
EEC Goals

YW3CA Early Education Programs focus on goal areas in The Creative Curriculum in planning for daily activities for all children:

  • Independence
  • Responsibility
  • Curiosity
  • Initiative
  • Cooperation
  • Risk-Taking
  • Creativity
  • Perseverance
  • Confidence
  • Resourcefulness
  • Self-Regulation
  • Empathy
Quality Assurance

YWCA Tri-County Area Early Learning Centers are licensed and inspected annually by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning.  YWCA Tri- County Area is proud to have achieve a STARS 4 Keystone STARS rating.  Keystone STARS (Standards, Training Assistance, Resources and Support) implements continuous improvement processes and recognizes achievements earned by the early education provider.  We are monitored by the Early Learning Resource Center. Participation in this program requires health, safety and learning standards that exceed the requirements developed by The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL).

Types of Early Education Available

YWCA Tri-County Area is dedicated to providing equitable early education to support the needs of all children and families.  Families of children under 5, have three options for their children’s early education: Pre K Counts and YWPreschool. Families of preschool age children have two options for their child’s early education experience: YW Pre K Counts (YWPKC) and YWPreschool. These programs follow the same regulations, guidelines and curriculum; the only differences are the funding source. The classroom teachers share resources across classrooms to ensure the equitable distribution of opportunities for all. The expectation is to provide the opportunity for a preschool experience to all families, regardless of income, so preference in YWPKC will be made to families without subsidy, as those who receive this support can participate in our YWPreschool classroom.

Using information from conversations with families and the Getting to Know You Questionnaire found in the enrollment packet, the best program for the family is selected.  These programs follow the same regulations, guidelines and curriculum; the only differences are the funding source.  The classroom teachers share resources across classrooms to ensure the equitable distribution of opportunities for all.

[1] Dodge, D & Jones., 2004. The Creative Curriculum for Preschool. Washington, DC; Teaching Strategies, Inc.

USDA Meals Policy

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture  (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs, are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (Braille, large print, audio tape,  American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.  Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint form (AD-3027), found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
Email: program.intake@usda.gov

YWCA Tri-County Area is an equal opportunity provider and all children’s meals are provided free of charge.

What is a Keystone STATS 4 Facility?

Keystone STARS maintains Standards, Training, Assistance, Resources and Support for the continuous improvement of early education centers, and recognizes their achievements in early education that exceed minimum state requirements.

This means that each child receives the highest quality early education. YW3CA’s early education classrooms provide excellence in:

  • Curriculum and programming
  • Partnerships with families and community
  • Staff credentials and professional development
  • Leadership and management

YWCA Tri-County Area’s Early Education Center is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.