Hanover Area YMCA Academy of Early Learning Awarded ECHO Innovation Grant
Washingtoner/10267761

HANOVER, Pa. - Washingtoner -- Hanover Area YMCA's Academy of Early Learning is excited to share that we are recipients of an ECHO Innovation Grant. Every Child Has Opportunities is an early childhood education initiative that was introduced by leading organizations Community Connections for Children and York County Economic Alliance. The goal of ECHO is to improve access to high quality childcare for families of young children in York County, Pennsylvania. This grant will assist in funding a new literacy focused curriculum and outdoor classroom space.

Why the need for a new curriculum?

After using the same curriculum for over a decade, the Early Learning team identified the need for a change, specifically a literacy rich curriculum. This will allow us to maintain our child-centered, play-based learning philosophy, while improving kindergarten readiness. A unanimous decision was made by our teaching team to adopt Frog Street, a dual language literacy rich curriculum that celebrates the joy of learning while focusing on the core competencies of literacy, mathematics, creative arts, science, gross motor, and social and emotional development.

More on Washingtoner

• Fyt-02 Launches on Kickstarter The Smart Sensor That Turns Any Chair Into a Posture & Movement Track
• YieldOMega Launches $DOUB Airdrop Campaign Ahead of TimeCurve Launch
• Kaltra Expands Microchannel Water Coil Line for U.S. HVAC Market With New Corrosion-Resistant Tube Technology
• Collectibles EvoRelic Celebrates Stellar 4.8-Star Customer Rating
• Phoenix Hip-hop Artist Rhymi Hits 23k Monthly Listeners 12 Days After Album Release

Frog Street fosters comprehension, phonemic awareness, communication, critical thinking, and writing skills. One way this is achieved is through Pen Pal activities with Fannie, a frog puppet who is immersed daily through diverse learning activities. Additionally, this curriculum eliminates barriers for continuum of learning at home by offering resources in over twenty different languages.

Why learn outside?

Think back to your childhood when your language arts teacher announced you would spend the first warm spring day reading outside. Cue the eruption of cheers! Learning outdoors has numerous benefits as it creates a dynamic learning environment that stimulates all senses, fostering better engagement and retention. By providing learning activities outside, we will be able to provide hands-on learning experiences that connect students directly with nature and promote environmental stewardship. Opportunities for interdisciplinary learning where subjects like science, math, art, and literacy can seamlessly integrate with outdoor exploration will enhance the students overall experience by providing a comprehensive approach to learning.

What to Expect:

Purchase Frog Street Curriculum: Curriculum was purchased in July to provide the Early Learning teaching team time to prepare for its implementation. Launch New Curriculum to Students and Families: Hanover Area YMCA Academy of Early Learning launched the new curriculum on August 19th, 2024. Outdoor Learning Area: Outdoor learning equipment and materials will be purchased, and the area unveiled in fall of 2024.

More on Washingtoner

• Pediatrician Launches "Confessions of a Detective Doctor" Children's Book Series
• Integrated Maintenance Platforms Are Transforming Aircraft Operations
• T. Jones Group's Cameron Jones Serves as Judge for the 2026 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence
• Derek Advanced Tracking Systems Revolutionizes Asset Monitoring with Advanced Technology
• The AI Direction Deficit: TripleTen Study Finds Staff Get Told to Use AI — But Not Trained to Use It

The Hanover Area YMCA extends our heartfelt gratitude to ECHO, Community Connections for Children, York Economic Alliance, and the philanthropic support that made this grant possible: J. William Warehime Foundation, Powder Mill Foundation, WellSpan Health, United Way of York County, York County Community Foundation, and Kinsley Foundation.

About the YMCA

Driven by its founding mission, the YMCA has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for 180 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they are from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y's goal is to improve overall health and
well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide. Learn more at ymca.org.

About ECHO

ECHO (Every Child Has Opportunities) is a catalyst for innovation and collaboration in the early childhood education industry. Launched in early 2024, the goal of ECHO is to double the number of children from low-income families in York County who will receive high-quality early childhood education. To learn more about future grant programs, visit echoyork.org.