Embedded Files
Roughly 34% of children in foster care in Pennsylvania are ages 1-5, with 7% being less than a year old (Child Trends, 2023). Early childhood (ages birth to 5) students in foster care are a vulnerable population and are subjected to numerous barriers and challenges from a young age. Being in the foster care system can be traumatic for young children due to:
Roughly 34% of children in foster care in Pennsylvania are ages 1-5, with 7% being less than a year old (Child Trends, 2023). Early childhood (ages birth to 5) students in foster care are a vulnerable population and are subjected to numerous barriers and challenges from a young age. Being in the foster care system can be traumatic for young children due to:
- A loss of home, possessions, family, and security.
- Exposure to violence or threats of violence.
- A loss of routine.
Early Childhood Programs
Early Childhood Programs
Providing stability through early learning programs for young children in foster care can positively impact their well-being and overall brain development. These programs offer a variety of support for early childhood students including kindergarten preparation and relationship building. The following brochure describes different early childhood program options for foster care children in Region 2. Access a list of current programs in Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and Schuylkill counties.
Download the Early Childhood Programs for Students in Foster Care Brochure
Regional Best Practices
Regional Best Practices
Ensuring educational stability and success for young children in foster care entails a collaborative effort involving all relevant agencies. The following tables outline best practices from the regional office for local education agencies (LEAs), county children and youth agencies (CCYAs), and early childhood education programs located within Region 2.
Best Practices: Local Education Agencies
Best Practices: Local Education Agencies
Be knowledgeable of local early childhood resources and provide resources to foster families with children birth to 5.
Develop an internal process to support the transition to kindergarten for incoming foster care children.
Partner and develop memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with local early childhood education programs to ensure a smooth transition to kindergarten for students.
Maintain ongoing relationships with local county children and youth agencies (CCYAs) and other foster care agencies.
Best Practices: County Children and Youth Agencies
Best Practices: County Children and Youth Agencies
Be knowledgeable of local early childhood resources and provide resources to foster families with children birth to 5.
Conduct meetings with local directors of early childhood programs and develop plans for connecting children in foster care.
Provide clients with early childhood enrollment forms.
Invite directors and staff of local early childhood programs to existing meetings and trainings.
Partner and develop MOUs with local early childhood education programs to ensure educational stability for young children.
Implement transition plans for children who are entering kindergarten. Connect with the respective LEA foster care POC to help facilitate the process.
Best Practices: Early Childhood Education Agencies
Best Practices: Early Childhood Education Agencies
Partner and develop MOUs with local foster care agencies and school districts to support children in foster care, including their transition to kindergarten.
Network with local foster care agencies and identify ways both organizations can improve services for children in foster care.
Share resources on early childhood development (including activities and developmental screening tools) with foster care agencies.
Invite foster care agencies to staff training or to join the Policy Council or the Health Services Advisory Committee.
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