Pennsylvania launches $25 million program to boost child care workforce

Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis visited Riverview Children's Center in Allegheny County to emphasize new investments in child care as part of Pennsylvania's 2025-26 budget. The funding aims to address staffing shortages in the state's child care sector, which currently has 3,000 unfilled positions. Filling these jobs would allow providers to serve an additional 25,000 children.

The budget includes a $25 million Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program. This initiative will give licensed Child Care Works providers approximately $450 per employee each year. The bonuses are expected to benefit about 55,000 child care workers across Pennsylvania and help stabilize the industry by supporting recruitment and retention efforts.

Governor Shapiro stated, "When parents can't find affordable, reliable care, they can't work - and our entire economy feels it. We've taken real action to lower costs by tripling the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit for nearly 219,000 working families, but affordability isn't enough - we also have to expand access. That's why we're making investments to help child care centers hire and retain talented educators. These bonuses will help strengthen the workforce, open more slots for children, and make sure families across Pennsylvania can find the care they need."

Other speakers at the event included Stephanie Heakins, Director of Riverview Children's Center; Leah Lisowski, Teacher at Riverview Children's Center; Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa; Senator Lindsey Williams; and Representative Joe McAndrew.