United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania

Community Impact

Philadelphia Community Engagement

The Community Engagement Group (CEG) provides support to organizations and individuals interested in promoting high quality early childhood education. The CEG works with early care and education practitioners, the School District of Philadelphia, parents, legislators, business leaders, and other members of our community to share information and develop ways to encourage quality early learning. This site will provide you with upcoming events and helpful information. Feel free to contact Jason Kleinman at jkleinman@uwsepa.org for more information.

Upcoming Events

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Early Childhood Coalition (SEPECC) is a coalition of early education advocates, child care and Head Start providers, and early care support agencies. It ensures that children and families in the five counties of Southeastern Pennsylvania have access to high quality, affordable, and well-resourced early education programs. Meetings are open to the public and held from 9:30-11:30 am at the Settlement Music School at 416 Queen Street. The next meetings are:
- February 11, 2010
- April 15, 2010
- June 10, 2010
April 12, 2010 at 7:00pm
Gubernatorial Candidates Forum on Children’s Issues – This is an opportunity to find out where our next governor stands on early childhood education. UWSEPA, DVAEYC, and PCCY are hosting this forum, which will be held at the Free Library of Philadelphia (1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia PA, 19103)
May 17, 2010
Pennsylvania Promise for Children Night at the Phillies Game – Come watch the Phillies play the Pirates. Practitioners, families, children, and advocates are all invited to come watch the game and show support for early childhood education at 7:05pm. Click here for more information and to order tickets.
June 8, 2010
Early Childhood Action Day in Harrisburg – Join advocates for a day in Harrisburg and talk to your legislators about the importance of investing in high quality early childhood education.

Please check back soon for additional upcoming events.

Take Action

Sign the declaration to support Pennsylvania’s young children
Urge Governor Rendell and your state representatives to support high quality early childhood education programs
Advocacy Tools: These resources can help you become an effective advocate for high quality early childhood education.
Find your local legislators

back to top

Articles of Interest

Poll: Early-Childhood Education Has Wide Support in PA (2/17/2010)
An Early Start, A Big Step Ahead (1/12/2010)
Painful Budget’s Bright Side (11/4/2009)
Your Baby Is Smarter Than You Think (8/15/2009)

Reports of Interest

Philadelphia County 2009 Community Engagement Report: Read about all of the events and advancements the Philadelphia Community Engagement Group has made in the past year.
The Office of Child Development and Early Learning Reach & Risk Assessment: According to this report, children in Philadelphia County are at high risk of school failure. The report provides data to explain how the commonwealth is trying to reach its young children and improve early learning services.
Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts End of Year Report 2008-2009: Pre-K Counts provides high quality pre-kindergarten education for 3 and 4 year olds in PA. This report highlights the successes the program has had in just its second year.
National Center for Education Statistics: This new report offers more proof that early care and education experiences are a critical part of future school success.
The Carolina Abecedarian Project: A long term, longitudinal study that shows access to early childhood education enhances school readiness and future academic success.
High/Scope Perry Preschool Study: This study found that adults by age 40 who had access to early learning programs were more likely to hold a job, had committed fewer crimes, and were more likely to have graduated from high school than adults who did not attend these programs.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis: The authors outline the positive economic impact of investing in early childhood education.
back to top

Available Resources

We have a variety of useful materials that we can share with you. To order any of these items, please contact Jason Kleinman at jkleinman@uwsepa.org .

Learning is Everywhere: Activities to do With Your Young Child
Kindergarten, Here I Come! Activities to do With Your Preschooler
Kindergarten is Key: Kindergarten Transition Handbook for Early Childhood Professionals
“Tell Your Story” Kit (includes materials to help parents tell their story to legislators to help promote quality early learning programs, as well as Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children brochures and declaration sign-in sheets)
A Guide for Child Care Providers from the City of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and Inspections
Go 2 Guide for School Readiness: Resources for Families with Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
Informational brochures about Pennsylvania’s early learning initiatives

For more information contact

Jason Kleinman
Philadelphia Community Engagement Coordinator
Community Impact Department
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania
1709 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 665-2461
Fax: (215) 665-2531
Email: jkleinman@uwsepa.org

Share this page: