In the heart of Cumberland County, a pressing issue took center stage during the Board of Commissioners meeting on May 8, 2025. As the room buzzed with anticipation, the discussion turned to a critical letter of support aimed at addressing the severe shortage of childcare workers and preschool teachers in the region.

Christy Rangelion, the executive director of Community Connections for Children, stepped forward to shed light on the situation. Representing an early learning resource center that serves seven counties, including Cumberland, Rangelion emphasized the vital role that early childhood education plays in the local economy. “This workforce is the workforce that all others are dependent upon,” she stated, highlighting how the lack of qualified educators affects not just families in need, but the entire community.

The statistics she presented were staggering. A recent study revealed that Pennsylvania faces a $6.6 billion economic impact due to the childcare workforce crisis. In Cumberland County alone, there are approximately 70 vacancies in early childhood education, which, if filled, could serve an additional 700 children. Alarmingly, 81% of local programs reported teacher shortages, with 95% struggling to recruit and 67% facing retention challenges.

Rangelion shared a poignant example from a conversation with a vice president at a financial institution in the area. The vice president described a “rolling blackout” of childcare services, where classrooms were forced to close on certain days due to a lack of teachers. This not only disrupted the lives of families but also hindered the ability of parents to perform their jobs effectively.

The impact of these shortages is profound, with eight programs in Cumberland County closing this year alone due to the crisis. In response, Community Connections for Children is actively partnering with higher education institutions to develop programs that support workforce development, including an apprenticeship initiative aimed at training new educators.

Rangelion urged the Board to add childcare and preschool teaching to the South Central Pennsylvania Investment Board's high-priority occupations list. This designation would unlock access to essential resources and financial support, helping to bolster the workforce that is crucial for the community's future.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the challenges facing early childhood education are not just a local concern but a reflection of broader societal issues. The call for action resonated throughout the room, leaving attendees with a sense of urgency to address the needs of the youngest members of the community and the families that depend on them.