The early years of a child's life are critical to healthy brain development and to their physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth and progression. Research has shown that a child's future academic success culminates in a process that begins with experiences in infancy through the preschool years. It is imperative that children be given optimal chances to develop in high quality environments with skilled and loving caregivers.

In response to a community needs assessment in 1998, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton identified a need for available, good quality, trustworthy child care in Stark County Ohio. The Foundation's Quality Child Care Initiative, a multi-part strategy, was developed and the Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC) was established in 2000, as an integral part of the Initiative. As a ministry of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, the ECRC has operational oversight by the CSA Ministries Corporation, a non-profit charitable corporation.

The mission of the Early Childhood Resource Center is to improve the quality of early care and education in Stark County, through comprehensive professional development, resources, and support services for individuals working in all early childhood settings.