Josh Shapiro, Governor | Pennsylvania Government
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh is scheduled to visit Little Learners' Child Development Center Academy in Harrisburg on December 4, 2025. The visit aims to highlight a $25 million allocation in Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed 2025-26 budget intended to expand and support the state's child care workforce.
The funding includes a $25 million investment for the Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program. This program will provide a $450 bonus per employee at licensed Child Care Works providers, benefiting approximately 55,000 child care workers across Pennsylvania. The goal is to stabilize the sector by offering competitive wage increases and bonuses for recruitment and retention.
Additionally, the budget proposes $7.5 million for Pre-K Counts, which is designed to help providers increase wages and stabilize the early educator workforce.
"Investing in the child care workforce ensures that families can continue working while children receive the foundation they need to succeed," according to information provided by state officials.
Dr. Val Arkoosh will be joined at the event by Denise Metzger, Director of Little Learners' Child Development Center Academy.
The event will take place at Little Learners' Child Development Center Academy, located at 2323 Linglestown Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Media interested in attending are required to RSVP with their details via email.
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