YMCA of Corry receives $47K in childcare funds | News

The Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA) recently announced $991,785.38 in Early Childhood Educator Retention Awards that went to 59 early childcare centers across Erie County, including the YMCA of Corry, which was awarded $47,366.

Ryan Jones, director of child development at the Y, noted that difficulties in providing childcare services is not unique to their organization, but is a widespread crisis of which the YMCA is a “case example.” 

“It is no secret that the need for early childhood education learning centers, and the services they provide, is increasing. Erie County is facing a critical shortage of ECE [early childhood education] centers and services,” Jones said. “Everyone, from the community members, to the centers, to the employers in the greater community, we are all committed to solving these problems. This reality is both good news and bad news. It is always bad news when there is a need that the current infrastructure cannot meet. However, it is good news in that the YMCA of Corry is not facing this challenge alone.” 

Jones continued to note that this investment by the county is a big step in the right direction. He stated the funds will be used as an extra incentive for staff members, fostering retention by providing them bonuses based on the level of education they have completed, their experience and years of service.

“The Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority has offered these grants, in partnership with the centers themselves, to simultaneously attract and retain high-quality staff. Our mutual goal is for our programs to grow and flourish. This ‘first-step’ is an investment directly into the centers, and it is aimed at the ground level. This money will be used to offer retention awards based on a staff member’s education level, experience and longevity.”

Perry Wood, executive director of ECGRA, noted the importance of investing in area childcare centers. 

“Child care is essential infrastructure — not just for families, but for the economy as a whole,” he said. “This ARPA investment allows us to support the providers who care for our children and give them the resources they need to deliver safe, high-quality and accessible early education.” 

The recent awards stem from a larger pool of $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support childcare providers and begin addressing the regions critical shortage of early childhood education services, according to a press release from ECGRA. 

Also listed in the release as having received an award are the Corry Alliance Childcare Learning Center ($8,073.75) and “Dr. Gertrude Barber Corry” ($12,918). Neither institution could confirm receipt of these awards.