Josh Shapiro, Governor | Pennsylvania Government
Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh visited Little Learners CDC Academy to discuss new funding for the state's early learning and child care workforce, secured through Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget. The initiative aims to address staffing shortages in child care and increase access to quality programs across Pennsylvania.
The 2025-26 budget introduces a $25 million Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program. This program will offer bonuses of $450 per employee at licensed Child Care Works providers, reaching an estimated 55,000 child care workers starting in early 2026.
"Early learning and child care programs are an invaluable resource that foster educational and social development for our youngest Pennsylvanians and are a catalyst for a healthy, vibrant economy," said Secretary Dr. Arkoosh. "High quality child care helps our children grow and thrive while allowing parents to work and participate in our economy. Our dedicated, passionate child care workers are the ones who make that possible, and the Shapiro Administration is proud to make these investments that will support this essential field and strengthen our child care industry and our overall economy."
The state’s efforts are designed to help more parents remain in the workforce by improving access to reliable child care services.
Alerts Sign-up