News Detail

Franklin County Champions Early Childhood Education During Year Of The Young Child

Commissioners

January 21, 2026

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – On Wednesday, the Franklin County Commissioners proclaimed 2026 to be the Year of the Young Child in Franklin County. In doing so, the commissioners have joined First Start Partnerships for Children and Families, Inc. and other area organizations in highlighting the crucial role early childhood educators play in the healthy development of America’s youth. 

“Franklin County’s future is dependent upon our children, and for that reason it’s important that we as community leaders do our part to make sure they have a strong start in life,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “It’s also critical that we support and advocate for qualified, dependable educators who have such an impact on kids in their formative years.” 

The first years of a child’s life are integral to laying the foundation for all future learning. A child’s cognitive, physical, social, emotional and language development are dependent on positive interactions with adults and peers as well as on their environment. Participating in high-quality early care and education helps children build strong developmental foundations during the years of greatest brain development. As a result, children are better prepared for school and are more likely to succeed later in life. 

Franklin County is home to over 9,000 children aged 0-4 years old, and 70% of their parents work outside the home, emphasizing the need for childcare at a young age. While there are 61 childcare providers in Franklin County, only 10% are considered to be “high quality,” as defined by Keystone STARS, Pennsylvania’s Quality Rating and Improvement System. Only four other counties in Pennsylvania have a lower rating than Franklin County.  

High-quality childcare programs for infants and toddlers are almost non-existent, and fewer than a third of Franklin County children living in poverty have access to high-quality pre-K programs. Additionally, statewide data shows that 27% of Pennsylvania parents quit a job because of childcare problems, and 38% have turned down new job offers because of issues with childcare. Seeing that reality, First Start Partnerships for Children and Families Inc. took steps to address those needs. The nonprofit improved the quality of its programming and recently became the first Franklin County organization – aside from the Letterkenny Army Depot federally mandated program – to achieve National Association of Education of Young Children accreditation. First Start Partnerships also increased its master and lead teacher salaries by 32% to be on par with that of kindergarten teachers in area school districts. That move has resulted in an 84% or higher year-over-year retention rate over the past eight years and created consistent learning environments for children. 

First Start Partnerships addressed access to high-quality education by opening 14 full-day classrooms in the Chambersburg Area School District, Franklin County’s school district of highest need, including two classrooms specifically for infants and toddlers. The organization plans to replicate this model in other school districts as federal and state funding become available. 

While these improvements are a step in the right direction, the Franklin County Commissioners recognize the need for more work. By proclaiming 2026 to be the Year of the Young Child, the commissioners are calling on all residents to support efforts that increase children’s and families’ access to high-quality early childhood education and to appreciate the crucial role those working in the early childcare and education profession have on children.