The State of Early Learning in Southeastern PA

Investing in early learning is proving to be a smart regional down payment to ensure a quality workforce in the future. Around the country, business leaders are joining and leading efforts to provide quality early learning opportunities for young children in their community. Of the 250,000 children in southeastern Pennsylvania who are 5 years and under, an estimated 160,000 are in non-parental care settings. These children could grow up to be assets, or weaknesses, to southeastern Pennsylvania’s workforce. The challenge is great to increase quality early learning experiences for the region’s children.

This report assesses the current state of early learning in southeastern Pennsylvania with regards to what types of settings children 5 years and younger are placed in today as well as the quality of these settings in terms of preparing young children for kindergarten and academic success.