Childcare Programs

United Way of York County is on a mission to assist working households on their journey toward financial stability.

With that mission in mind, we've introduced childcare programs to help York County families access high-quality learning opportunities at an affordable cost.

Infant & Toddler Scholarship Program 

United Way of York County values how positive early learning experiences can affect a child for their lifetime. A child's brain develops so rapidly in their first years, it's almost impossible for us to imagine. By age five, about 90% of our brains are developed. 

This scholarship program supports York County families in making high-quality early learning more affordable.

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Children ages 6 weeks through 2-years-old.
• The child must attend a Keystone STARS 3 or 4 center to be eligible.
• The parent/child must live and work in York County.
• Parents/guardians receiving the Child Care Works subsidy are ineligible to apply.
• Households must have an income of $100,000 or less to apply. 

Preschool Scholarship Program

United Way of York County is an approved PreK Scholarship organization through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Eligible businesses in York County can make tax-deductible donations to support preschool scholarships across our community. 

Every Child Has Opportunities (ECHO)

United Way of York County is a proud funding partner in Every Child Has Opportunities (ECHO). This is an early childhood education initiative led by Community Connections for Children and York County Economic Alliance.

The goal of ECHO is to double the number of children from low-income families in York County who have access to high-quality early childhood education. This is equivalent to 1,600 additional 0-6-year-olds. Together, we will utilize a strategic and targeted approach, addressing immediate, crisis issues while developing solutions to long-term, chronic issues.

For more information, please visit https://echoyork.org/. 
 

Applications will re-open in the Spring of 2025.