Business Details
45 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Early Childhood Education & Family Support Services
Founded in 1981, Community Services For Children has dedicated over four decades to transforming early childhood education and family support in the Lehigh Valley. Our organization was built on the foundation of Judith Chase's 1965 Head Start pilot program, which pioneered comprehensive early education services. We combine innovative programming with proven methodologies to deliver critical resources, including STEM-focused curricula, literacy initiatives, and child abuse prevention programs. Our team of experienced educators and social workers collaborates with school districts, healthcare providers, and community partners to create integrated support systems for families. Through our Early Learning Resource Centers, we've expanded access to quality childcare across 17 Pennsylvania counties while maintaining rigorous standards for staff development and program excellence.Our commitment to continuous improvement is demonstrated through annual program evaluations and strategic partnerships that enhance service delivery. We maintain transparency through publicly available annual reports and work closely with government agencies to maximize funding efficiency. Our leadership in early childhood development has earned recognition through multiple state and federal grants, including a $5 million award to improve childcare quality. We prioritize community engagement through public education campaigns and professional training programs that reach over 35,000 individuals annually. Our 24/7 Childline service and emergency assistance programs provide critical support to families in crisis, while our advocacy efforts help shape regional education policy.
Services
Head Start Programs
Early Head Start
Child Abuse Prevention
STEM Education
Childcare Provider Training
Family Resource Centers
Parent Education
Emergency Assistance
Professional Development
Early Learning Support
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We have delivered early childhood services since 1965 with proven program outcomes
- Our STEM-focused curriculum prepares children for 21st century learning
- We operate 17 regional Early Learning Resource Centers across Pennsylvania
- Our Childline service provides 24/7 child abuse prevention resources
- We maintain 95% family goal plan implementation rates through personalized support
Services
Head Start Programs
Our Head Start programs provide comprehensive preschool education for children aged 3-5, combining literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. Certified educators implement research-based curricula that prepare children for kindergarten success while offering family support services. Programs include specialized classrooms for children with disabilities and partnerships with local school districts to ensure educational continuity.
Early Head Start
This prenatal-to-age-3 program offers home visits, parenting education, and center-based care for at-risk families. Services include developmental screenings, health monitoring, and connections to medical/dental care. We operate two SafeStart sites serving 72 abused or neglected infants and toddlers through trauma-informed care approaches.
Child Abuse Prevention
Project Child provides 24/7 child abuse prevention resources through public education campaigns, professional training programs, and crisis intervention services. Our Childline (800-932-0313) connects callers with intake specialists who coordinate protective services while maintaining strict confidentiality protocols for anonymous reporting.
STEM Education
Innovative STEM labs and teacher training programs prepare educators to implement science, technology, engineering, and math curricula for preschool through grade 1. Partnerships with DaVinci Science Center and PP&L grants support development of specialized training modules and classroom resources for early childhood STEM education.
Early Learning Resource Centers
Our 17 regional ELRCs coordinate childcare subsidies, provider quality improvement grants, and family resource navigation services. We help 624 childcare providers access $5 million in annual quality improvement funds while connecting 2,859 families with community resources through integrated support systems.
Questions
What early childhood programs do you offer?
We provide Head Start (ages 3-5), Early Head Start (prenatal to age 3), and Pre-K Counts programs with specialized services for children with disabilities and at-risk families.
How can I access childcare assistance?
Our Early Learning Resource Centers help families access subsidized childcare, provider quality ratings, and educational resources through 17 regional service locations.
Do you offer parenting education resources?
Yes, we provide home visits, parenting classes, and our Parent Project Podcasts covering child development topics and community resource connections.
How can I report child abuse concerns?
Call Pennsylvania's Childline at 800-932-0313 to speak with trained intake specialists who handle abuse reports 24/7 with strict confidentiality protocols.
Can businesses support your mission?
Yes, companies can participate in Pennsylvania's Educational Investment Tax Credit program to fund our early education initiatives while receiving state tax credits.
What community partnerships do you maintain?
We collaborate with school districts, hospitals, social services agencies, and organizations like DaVinci Science Center to create integrated support systems for families.
Videos