Business - Support Pennsylvania's Promise for Children

Quality early learning opportunities make it possible for children to succeed in school, in the workforce, and in life, while helping parents maintain a stable home life and provide for their family. These immediate benefits can translate into more productive employees today, and better employees and customers tomorrow.

Here are some ways business can help support Pennsylvania's Promise for Children:

1. Sign our declaration to support Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children
2. Provide information to your employees on how to enhance their children's early learning and how to choose quality early learning opportunities for their children
3. Organize volunteer activities for management and staff at early learning programs
4. Provide information to your customers about quality early learning Take advantage of the Pre-kindergarten Income Tax Credit for Businesses
5. Join your county’s Local Education and Resource Network (LEARN) Team
6. Be a voice for children in your community
7. Learn more about the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission and find resources that show that investment in early education is crucial to creating a qualified future workforce.

Provide information to your employees on how to enhance their children's early learning and how to choose quality early learning opportunities for their children.

Informing your employees about quality early learning can become a part of the Human Resources services you provide. Here are some resources you can use to pass on to your employees.

• PA's Promise has developed a bookmark and trifold brochure to help parents make the right early education choices for their children. Contact your county's Local Education and Resource Network (LEARN) Team for copies or email papromise@berksiu.org.
• Your county's Local Education and Resource Network (LEARN) Team has resources on quality early learning and does an annual community report card highlighting early learning opportunities in your county.
• Your local Child Care Information Services (CCIS) agency is available to help any parent find the right child care program for their child. They also offer several brochures offering tips on reasons to choose quality child care and information on child development.
• Check back for additional resources

Organize volunteer activities for management and staff at early learning programs

Many companies offer their employees paid release time to volunteer during the work day, or organize a volunteer day, such as during the United Way Day of Caring. Some employers also develop relationships with local nonprofits to organize volunteer opportunities for staff. Speak with your Human Resources representative about including volunteering at early learning programs in the company's volunteer efforts.

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Provide information to your customers about quality early learning

Pennsylvania's Promise for Children has a number of materials that could be useful to your customers. You may also want to include the PA Promise logo on some of your information to help educate parents about the importance of quality early learning.

National campaigns like United Way's Born Learning and PNC's Grow Up Great highlight the fact that shopping can be a great educational opportunity for young children. Post information in your stores or provide take aways in your shopping bags. If you need help with ideas, contact us.

Take advantage of the Pre-Kindergarten Income Tax Credit for Businesses

You can save on taxes while providing scholarships to deserving young children for pre-kindergarten. For more information on how it works, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development website.

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Join your county’s Local Education and Resource Network (LEARN) Team

LEARN Teams bring together community leaders in early education and care as well as parents, doctors, advocates, legislators and businesses that recognize the value of quality early education and care to their communities. Click here for contact information on your LEARN Team.

Be a voice for children in your community

Your United Way, LEARN Team, community foundation or local chamber of commerce most likely has an education committee or early childhood initiative. Add your name to the list of supporters.

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