Shapiro Administration Highlights Proposed Investments to Expand Pennsylvania’s Child Care Workforce, Support Parents and Families in York County: https://bit.ly/41CzBx5
Child care leaders from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services today visited Jack & Jill Nursery in York to discuss Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 Budget Proposal, which builds on his Administration’s efforts to make child care more affordable for working families and expand and strengthen the child care workforce.
In the 2025-26 budget, the Governor is proposing major investments to recruit and retain child care workers and increase child care services for Pennsylvania families, including:
✔️ $55 million to give child care providers in Pennsylvania’s Child Care Works Program at least $1,000 per employee in recruitment or retention bonuses.
✔️ An additional $10 million through DHS to increase Early Intervention (EI) provider rates, to ensure every Pennsylvania child has the support and resources needed to succeed — regardless of family income.
Investing in the child care workforce ensures that families can continue working while children receive the foundation they need to succeed in school and beyond.
“The Shapiro Administration is committed to the child care industry because we know that an early childhood education shapes educational, social, and emotional development for our youngest Pennsylvanians and provides them with a foundation that will reap benefits throughout their lives,” said Deputy Secretary for the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) Shante’ Brown. “Pennsylvania needs a thriving child care industry, so we must continue to invest in high-quality care that helps our children grow and thrive while allowing parents to work and participate in our economy, all while appropriately compensating the child care providers and educators who do this work every day.”