October 14 marked one full year since the launch of STEP’s Substitute Aide Pool Program (SAPP) and what a year it’s been!
Through partnership with our Lycoming County Early Care & Education (ECE) Providers, SAPP helps ECE programs stay open by connecting trained substitutes to classrooms through an easy-to-use app. The result? Supported providers, less burnout, and consistent care for children and families.
In just twelve months, we have seen outstanding results:
- 489 shifts filled across 13 sites — keeping classrooms open and kids learning
- 13 active aides provided 2,075 hours of high-quality classroom support
- 6 aides hired into permanent ECE roles with our partnering providers — helping grow the workforce pipeline
- 86% average fill rate, with record months reaching 98% coverage
Providers call the program “a lifesaver.” One shared, “We would have had to close classrooms without the pool.”
This year also brought major milestones:
- Featured on the ThinkingCAPP statewide podcast
- Invited to present at the 2025 CAAP Conference in Lancaster
- Secured startup funding to expand SAPP into Tioga County through the United Way of North Central Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Innovation Grant
- Helped the Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County replicate the SAPP model
The success of SAPP proves that community-based innovation works. Thank you to the dedicated aides, providers, and partners who made this possible and here’s to another year of growth and impact!
