23-05-2025
ECGRA invests in early childhood education, 59 centers awarded ARPA grants
Erie County is facing a shortage of early childhood educators, with 93 positions currently unfilled, which could provide care for an estimated 744 additional children if filled.
To address this issue, the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA) is launching a new initiative to recruit and retain early childhood education staff. This initiative is supported by $2.5 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, aimed at bolstering local childcare providers.
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'This is a vital sector, one that supports working families, strengthens our economy, and nurtures the next generation but it remains underfunded,' said Perry Wood, Executive Director of ECGRA.
ECGRA has recognized 59 local childcare centers with 'Early Childhood Educator Retention Awards,' distributing grants totaling over $900,000. These awards are part of the first phase of the initiative, which began on Thursday.
Asha Graeb, Director of St. Martin Early Learning Center, expressed the importance of these grants, stating that early educators are asked to do much with limited resources and support. 'I feel our teachers deserve a living wage; they do so much for our working families,' Graeb said.
Kenya Johnson, Director and Owner of The Learning Ladder Early Child Care Center, emphasized the essential role of childcare, equating its importance to that of elementary or high school education. 'We hope that today brings a light to everyone knowing how essential childcare is and how essential the educators are as well,' Johnson added.
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The initiative is seen as a first step in creating sustainable childcare services for the community, with future phases expected to identify specific areas of need.
The initiative by ECGRA is a significant move towards addressing the childcare crisis in Erie County, aiming to fill critical gaps in early childhood education staffing and improve support for local providers.
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