Strong Beginnings.
Strong Families.
Strong Communities.
Our mission is simple. We’re working to strengthen and support early childhood systems, programs, and policies that promote the development, learning, and well-being of children from birth through age five and their families in Steuben County, Indiana.
At Steuben County Early Childhood Coalition (SCECC), we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive from the very beginning. SCECC is a collaborative network of community leaders, local organizations, businesses, and educators dedicated to ensuring that each child in Steuben County has access to safe, high-quality, and affordable early childhood education. Together, we’re building a stronger future—for our children, our workforce, and all of Steuben County.
Early Learning Matters …
For Our Children
Children with a strong start are more likely to thrive and succeed in every stage of development—90% of brain development occurs in the first five years.
For Families
Access to child care creates financial stability for families. An estimated 437 ready-to-work parents in Steuben County are losing $18.2 million annually in pretax wages due to a lack of affordable, quality child care.
For Employers
When parents can depend on quality early learning, businesses benefit from a more reliable and productive workforce. 64% of Steuben County employers report that employees are late or absent due to child care issues.
For the Local Economy
Steuben County loses $362,000 annually in income tax revenue from ready-to-work parents without child care. An investment in early learning is an investment in our economic future. More working parents means a stronger economy for everyone.
For Our Community's Future
Every child needs a strong start, and expanding access to early learning helps build the workforce, community leaders, and innovators of tomorrow. Steuben County currently has the capacity to serve only 68% of children in need of care.
$12.1M
estimated annual losses for Steuben County employers due to employees missing work or leaving jobs because of child care challenges.
1,289
young children in our county need early learning care.
$7,962
average annual child care cost in Steuben County.
Building a Stronger Future for Steuben County
The Steuben County Early Childhood Coalition emerged from a growing recognition that a lack of high-quality, affordable child care affects far more than families with young children. It influences workforce participation, business growth, economic development, and the long-term success of our community.
By listening to families, employers, child care providers, educators, and other community partners, we're identifying the challenges our county faces and working together to create lasting solutions that strengthen Steuben County for generations to come.
Explore how we're turning community insights into action—and why investing in early learning benefits everyone.
All data on this page is sourced from the Steuben County Child Care Landscape Analysis, December 2025.