Pennsylvania allocates $30 million to support childcare staff recruitment and retention
STRASBURG, Pa. —
Dr. Val Arkoosh, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of the Department of Human Services, visited Sunshine Corners in Strasburg, Lancaster County, to highlight the state’s “Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program.”
This year’s budget includes an additional $5 million for the program, adding to the $25 million allocated last year. The total investment of $30 million provides recruitment and retention bonuses to childcare providers whose staff participate in the program.
“It’s so important for families to understand how hard these teachers work, how well-trained they are, what great care they are taking of people’s kids, particularly in centers like this one. And just thank a teacher the next time you see one,” Arkoosh said.
The state has also allocated an additional $3.5 million for the Pre-K Counts program to help providers raise wages and stabilize the early educator workforce.