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.
Through research, data analysis, and community engagement, Steuben County leaders and local organizations have identified early childhood education as a critical issue affecting working families, local employers, and future workforce readiness. While many parents depend on that to participate fully in the workforce, current capacity does not fully meet community demand. SCCF is committed to supporting collaborative solutions that strengthen early childhood education access, affordability, and quality for the benefit of families, employers, and the broader community of Steuben County.
$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 Childcare Coalition with $80,000 in seed funding.
To explore a one pager of facts and statistics about Steuben County and early childhood education needs, please click the link below.
Steuben County Early Childhood Education Data
To discover what the 2026-2030 Steuben County Early Childhood Coalition strategic plan and to see a one pager about it, please click each link below.
2026-2030 Steuben County Early Childhood Coalition Strategic Plan
To access the power point slide deck that was shared at the April 28, 2026 Lunch and Learn, 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:
