DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) marked a milestone this week with the successful completion of its first-ever Early Head Start Child Care Partnership Education Summit. Held July 22–23 at the Educational Service Center in Downingtown, the two-day event brought together child care professionals from five southeastern Pennsylvania counties for a focused exchange on early childhood development.
Participants included representatives from Philadelphia, Berks, Montgomery, Lancaster, and Chester counties. The summit aimed to strengthen collaborative networks among Early Head Start child care partners and foster innovation in support services for infants and toddlers.
“This inaugural summit represents a significant step forward in our mission to strengthen early childhood education partnerships,” said Kate Wesolowski, Director of Comprehensive Services for the Early Head Start Child Care Partnership at CCIU.
The agenda centered on professional development, sharing best practices, and reinforcing the value of collaboration across counties. A standout session featured hands-on learning through play-based activities, giving educators a child’s-eye view of unstructured play—a foundational method for encouraging cognitive and emotional growth in young children.
“By bringing together our valued partners from across five counties, we’re building stronger networks that will ultimately benefit the families and children we serve,” added Kelly Comly, Director of Education Services at CCIU.
The Early Head Start Child Care Partnership model combines Early Head Start’s comprehensive developmental services with the accessibility of community-based childcare. The program targets children from birth to age three, offering a critical support system during the most formative years of development.
Melanie Brennan, Executive Director at Kencrest, highlighted the broader significance of the event: “Our goal is not only to strengthen existing relationships but also to raise awareness about our program so that we can reach and support even more families who could benefit from these services.”
With positive feedback from attendees and a clear appetite for continued regional collaboration, CCIU officials say plans are already in motion for future summits and ongoing professional learning opportunities.
The event reinforced the importance of shared vision, community-based solutions, and inter-agency support in delivering quality early childhood education to underserved families across southeastern Pennsylvania.
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