Jack & Jill Nursery in York has recently opened a new infant room, offering much-needed child care options. Leisa Harmis’ 4-month-old son, Kane, was one of the first to enroll.
For Harmis and her husband, having Kane cared for by trusted staff at Jack & Jill means they can manage their “second shift” of parenting their four children after work. “We’re both not coming home on empty,” Harmis explained.
Before Kane could start, Jack & Jill had to make several improvements. The early childhood center purchased cribs and toys, and installed new carpets to ensure a clean environment for babies learning to crawl. Director Ruth Leonard said these initial investments were made possible thanks to a $50,000 “innovation grant” from Every Child Has Opportunities (ECHO).
ECHO, a program supported by local foundations, a health system, and the United Way, is working to double the number of low-income children in York County enrolled in high-quality early childhood education by 2027. The initiative provides grants for renovations, technology, and other needs, a paid apprentice program for teacher aides, and forgivable loans to new child care providers. ECHO’s budget stands at approximately $3.2 million per year, according to a 2024 report.
Though this funding is small compared to the $45 million York County receives annually for Head Start, Pre-K Counts, and other child care programs from federal and state governments, supporters believe ECHO’s investments are crucial in addressing the dual crises of high child care costs and a shortage of providers. In its first year, ECHO helped child care providers add 854 new openings in York County.
