Akron launches Unified Early Learning System pilot to aid child care providers, expand access to education

AKRON, Ohio – The city of Akron and community partners are joining to support childcare providers and expand access to quality early childhood education programs through the development of the Unified Early Learning System.

The launch of the Unified Early Learning System comes as only 47% of children across Summit County entered kindergarten last school year demonstrating readiness in language and literacy, according to a city news release.

The first phase of the program will last approximately one year. It will aim to help stabilize child care businesses and educators while expanding access to quality programs. It draws on the experience of more than 20 early childhood professionals, according to the release. Pilot program goals include increasing enrollment, reducing staff turnover, improving program quality, and strengthening referrals to family resources. The long-term goal of the system is to establish a provider community where each family can access high-quality early learning for their children, regardless of their preferred care setting. The first phase will focus on:

• Connecting families to developmental support, mental health supports, health care and family assistance resources.
• Providing child care operators with tools, training and support to stabilize finances, improve sustainability and reduce administrative challenges.
• Offering educators ongoing coaching, training and career pathways that aim to strengthen classroom quality and reduce turnover.

“This is not just about child care, it’s about giving every child a fair shot, supporting working parents, and ensuring our city remains strong for generations to come,” Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said in a statement.

The Early Childhood Resource Center, the region’s child care resource and referral agency, is managing the project, according to the release. Participating child care providers include:

• Akron Area YMCA
• Akron Public Schools
• Bright Hopes Community Childcare
• Circle of Life Child Enrichment Center
• Community Action Akron Summit / Head Start
• Empowered Early Learning Academy
• Our Future is Bright Child Care
• Wonder World Child Development Center

Public and private partners are funding the $950,000 pilot, with significant support from the city of Akron, the GAR Foundation and the Akron Community Foundation. The funding will support staffing, training, shared services and evaluation, according to the release. Additional support is provided by: the Greater Akron Chamber, Summit Education Initiative, the Early Childhood Resource Center, Barberton Community Foundation, United Way of Summit and Medina, and the County of Summit.

“The Unified Early Learning System intends to bring together the many separate programs, services, and providers that currently operate in isolation, transforming what has long been a patchwork of supports into a coordinated, intentional quilt that will cover every child and family in our community,” the city of Akron’s Education and Health Strategist Richelle Wardell said in a statement.

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