POTTSVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Governor Josh Shapiro announced in Pottsville on Tuesday a new initiative aimed at addressing the childcare workforce shortage in Pennsylvania.
Part of Governor Shapiro’s 2025 to 2026 budget proposal takes a significant step toward strengthening recruitment and retention in Pennsylvania’s childcare system.
“I have proposed investing $55,000,000 in making sure that we can recruit and retain more workers to places like this and keep them here doing this work that they love,” Govorner Shapiro explained.
Under the proposed budget, each employee working in licensed child care providers associated with the Child Care Works Program would receive an approximate increase of $1,000 annually, aiming to alleviate the staffing shortages.
“Time and again, I’ve watched teachers with true passion with working with infants and toddlers and preschoolers move on to other careers because they want to be valued and respected in their role. If my teachers are not at work, it’s likely that the parents who rely on us won’t be showing up for work either. Childcare is truly the workforce behind the workforce,” said Perception Early Learning, Inc. Owner and Executive Director Michelle Dallago.
Governor Shapiro is confident that this investment will significantly improve Pennsylvania’s childcare services as well as support economic growth across the state.
“These centers are powerful for not just how they educate our kids but what they do for the entire community. Facilities like this help make our economy stronger,” Govorner Shapiro continued.
Parents are feeling the impact of the childcare crisis firsthand, sharing the challenging journey to securing a spot in a quality childcare program.
“We waited two years, and fortunately we got in here. It’s hard to find quality care and places for them to learn. It’s not just daycare like people think for little kids, they’re learning, and growing, and learning how to be citizens and friends,” said parent Meridith Driscoll.
The budget proposal received bipartisan support, and on Tuesday, both Senator Argall and Representative Tim Twardzik were in attendance to speak on their support.
