Erie DAWN

Early Connections runs 4 pre-kindergarten sites in Erie and a 5th was recently opened in Union City, the first of its kind there. It takes nearly 2 and a half million dollars to keep the sites open. And, a demand for more classes means a bigger budget would be a blessing.

 According to Pennsylvania's Pre K Counts program statistics, if you want kids who are less likely to break the law and more likely to go to college, it's essential to send them to a pre kindergarten education program first. The Early Connections site on West 6th Street in Erie hosts a couple of classrooms of 3 to 5 year olds hopefully on their way to becoming successful adults. They're the lucky ones who have been accepted into a mostly government funded program.

At any given time, Early Connections has 10 kids waiting to get accepted into a program. Parents and teachers say educational options for kids 3-5 are limited but badly needed to keep parents working and kids learning. Erin Donnelly's daughter has been coming to Early Connections for two years. She said, "I wouldn't be able to have a full time job. I'd probably have a part time job. I wouldn't be able to do what I do now, no (without Early Connections )." Elizabeth Crandell is a teacher with 15 years of experience. She teaches Donnelly's daughter. She said, "Things they learn now, even as simple as manners and just being able to communicate with each other, all those important social skills just help them later on in life."

Early Connections is seeking state funds to pay for an expansion project to build more classrooms for more kids. It's uncertain when or if the funds will come through. If you'd like to make a donation to Early Connections, the contact information is: (814) 874-0144 420 W. 6th St. Suite 101 Erie, PA 16507