Early Childhood Education in Steuben County
Access to early childhood education is a key factor in Steuben County’s economic stability and long-term growth.
The Steuben County Early Childhood Coalition (SCECC) is an example of SCCF’s community leadership work moving from identifying a need to helping build a long-term community solution. Through local data, community conversations, and input from leaders across sectors, access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education emerged as an issue affecting not only children and families, but also workforce participation, local employers, and Steuben County’s long-term economic stability.
SCCF helped bring together leaders from early childhood education, business, education, healthcare, government, and the nonprofit sector to better understand the issue and identify opportunities for coordinated action. That work led to the creation of SCECC, supported by funding and partnership from organizations across the community.
SCCF’s role has extended beyond providing funding. The Foundation has helped convene partners, coordinate planning, connect resources, and support the development of the infrastructure needed for SCECC to become a sustainable, independent organization capable of leading this work long term. SCCF has also committed $150,000 to support the coalition’s continued development and broader efforts to strengthen early childhood education in Steuben County.
SCECC’s founding board brings together representatives from eight community partner organizations: Steuben County Community Foundation, Steuben County Economic Development Corporation, Trine University, Cameron Health, MSD of Steuben County, Wee Creations Early Learning Ministry, Steuben County Government, and the City of Angola. SCECC is now working toward independent nonprofit status and a coordinated, community-wide approach to increasing childcare capacity, strengthening providers, and improving access, affordability, and quality for Steuben County families.
$7,962
Average Annual Cost of Childcare in the County
$21,154
Income for a Single Parent With One Child Living in Poverty
2,070
Children Under 6 Years of Age
in Steuben County
While income data is limited for families with children under 6, we know parents with young children are not as far along in their careers and may therefore be earning less. Parents of younger children may be more likely to be out of the workforce due to these types of issues. Ensuring access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education is a critical investment in Steuben County’s families today and for its workforce to have brighter tomorrows.
A Plan in Motion with Seed Funding
Steuben County Community Foundation is committed to understanding our neighbors, and the needs of the community so we can better support both. In 2025, community leaders, organizations and SCCF took the first step by launching the Steuben County Early Childhood Coalition with $80,000 in seed funding.
The 2025 Steuben County Early Childhood Education Data provides additional information about the local early childhood education landscape and community needs. To learn more please click the link below.
Steuben County Early Childhood Education Data
2026-2030 Steuben County Early Childhood Coalition Strategic Plan
The 2026–2030 Steuben County Early Childhood Coalition Strategic Plan outlines priorities and strategies developed to address early childhood education needs in Steuben County. To learn more please click the link below.
The April 28, 2026 Lunch & Learn provided an opportunity to share information about the coalition’s work, early childhood education needs in Steuben County, and the coalition’s strategic priorities. To learn more please click the link below.
SCECC April Lunch and Learn Presentation
To learn more about Steuben County Early Childhood Coalition:
Contact Carmyn Hottell at chottell@steubenfoundation.org or 260 665-6656.
If you are interested in donating to support the early childhood education coalition, please click below:
