Every year, an average of 8,700 preschoolers are expelled from
childcare classrooms.
Why? Because many community programs are not designed for, or able to adequately support children with complex developmental, behavioral and/or medical needs -- leaving the families and children who need it most without reliable childcare options.
But expelling preschoolers is not an intervention.
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And we wholeheartedly believe that every child deserves to have access to a high-quality childcare program where they are accepted and supported.
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And that is the heartbeat behind our proposed expansion of WeeConnect Early Learning Center.
The WeeConnect Story
HOW WE STARTED
WeeConnect Early Learning
Center was established in Fall 2022 by Liz Jones & Rande Fregm, who together have over 30 years of industry experience. Heartbroken by countless phone calls from parents looking for options after their neurodivergent and/or disabled children got kicked out of preschool, Liz & Rande knew that something had to be done for these families. So they opened one classroom as a pilot program - just to see what it would look like to step in as the first childcare center in the community specifically designed for children of all abilities.
WHERE WE'VE BEEN
Since opening, WeeConnect has been able to provide quality care for children with a range of diagnoses including: autism spectrum disorder, global language delays, rare genetic conditions, social-emotional delays, PICA and more. WeeConnect has also been able to partner with local businesses to provide respite childcare for employees experiencing inconsistent childcare elsewhere. As of now, our pilot classroom is full and we have a growing waitlist, filled with children waiting for the opportunity to participate in a program that can support their needs. But we cannot provide care for them until we have more space.
WHERE WE'RE HEADED
Imagine a childcare center that could provide high-quality, reliable care for children with a variety of needs. A place where neurodiverse children could learn and play alongside their neurotypical peers and everyone could benefit from the gift of inclusion. A place where children with more complex needs would be not only welcomed, but fully accepted and supported by skilled staff and therapeutic supports. A reality where working families in crisis would have access to childcare that allows them to actually show up for work.
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Our hope for WeeConnect is all of this and more. We have big plans and dreams, but we need the help of our community more than ever.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The WeeConnect Early Learning Center Capital Campaign is officially underway.
WE ARE SEEKING DONATIONS TO:
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Secure additional space to expand our childcare center to meet the ever-growing community need
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Secure capital for necessary renovations to allow for the expansion to care for more children than our current space allows
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Obtain all necessary classroom supplies and equipment
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If you have made it this far, we hope you will consider joining our efforts to provide solutions to the current childcare crisis and help make York, PA a more inclusive place for all.
Your tax-deductible donation will make a lasting impact on the lives of the families and children in our community.
HAVE QUESTIONS? Let's connect!
1491 S. Queen St.
York, PA 17403
(717) 430-8896
Monday - Friday
9:00 am – 3:00 pm