Research

The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey

The United Way is dedicated to one north star principle—no one should have to live in poverty. And yet, in Philadelphia alone, 1-in-4 families are doing just that. The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey is committed to put an end to poverty and expand opportunity for all. By forging coalitions with individuals, businesses, government, and community organizations, the United Way helps provide people the skills and support they need to become—and remain—financially independent, and to leave poverty in the past. Part of the process of leaving poverty is to expand opportunity—and a high-quality early childhood education experience set children of all backgrounds on the path to success.
Case Study:
The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
  The Puzzle
In 2024, the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ) hired Parker Strategy Group to conduct qualitative and quantitative research to discern important questions regarding the early childhood education (ECE) workforce. Specifically, the UWGPSNJ was concerned about the challenges of recruitment and retention of the ECE workforce and wanted to understand what could be done to ensure the industry’s health and vitality.
  Profile
The United Way is dedicated to one north star principle—no one should have to live in poverty. And yet, in Philadelphia alone, 1-in-4 families are doing just that. The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey is committed to put an end to poverty and expand opportunity for all. By forging coalitions with individuals, businesses, government, and community organizations, the United Way helps provide people the skills and support they need to become—and remain—financially independent, and to leave poverty in the past. Part of the process of leaving poverty is to expand opportunity—and a high-quality early childhood education experience set children of all backgrounds on the path to success.
How we helped

Parker Strategy Group conducted four focus groups, along with a community survey, among four key groups of the early childhood education workforce pipeline: prospective students interested in early childhood education; job seekers in Philadelphia interested in ECE; experienced ECE professionals still employed in the sector; and former ECE professionals who left the field recently. Parker Strategy Group also designed a community survey to capture further insights around decisions to join, stay, and/or leave the field of early childhood education. These insights drawn from key groups were delivered to the UWGPSNJ were used to inform future ECE workforce development and retention campaigns.

How It Helped The Client

The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ) continues to advocate for further resources for early childhood educators in the Philadelphia region to create a sustainable workforce sector. These efforts will help ensure that children in need have access to high-quality early childhood educators, giving them the start they need to succeed.

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