O’HARA TOWNSHIP, Pa. \u2014 Pennsylvania officials announced a $5 million increase for child care staff recruitment and retention bonuses as part of Gov. Josh Shapiro\u2019s 2026-27 state budget. <\/p>\n
The additional funding expands the Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention program into its second year, bringing the total program investment to $30 million.<\/p>\n
The program provides financial support to Pennsylvania\u2019s child care workforce and licensed Child Care Works providers across the state. Applications for the second round of funding open Oct. 13, allowing eligible child care centers to apply for staff retention and recruitment grants.<\/p>\n
Under the program, licensed Child Care Works providers will receive retention payments of at least $540 per eligible worker, marking an increase of about $100 per employee from the previous year. The retention and recruitment bonus initiative was established in the 2025-26 state budget with $25 million in initial funding, providing minimum bonuses of $450. <\/p>\n
In its first year, more than 4,300 child care providers across Pennsylvania applied for the grant, distributing bonuses to nearly 39,000 workers.<\/p>\n
Dr. Val Arkoosh, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, highlighted the funding increase during a visit to a local care facility. <\/p>\n
\u201cEarly learning and child care providers are the backbone of communities – investing in them ensures that families can continue working while their children receive the educational and social foundation that will benefit them throughout their lives,\u201d Arkoosh said. \u201cOur 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 Pennsylvania\u2019s child care industry and empower our overall economy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato supported the state funding initiative during the announcement. <\/p>\n
\u201cChild care workers are essential to the strength of our families, our communities and our economy,\u201d Innamorato said. \u201cWhen we invest in the people who care for and educate our youngest residents, we are also investing in working parents and giving families more stability and opportunity. I\u2019m grateful to the Shapiro Administration for continuing to recognize the importance of this workforce and for making these investments to support child care providers and the families who rely on them every day.\u201d<\/p>\n
The announcement took place at A Place to Grow Learning Center in O\u2019Hara Township, which was established in 2001. <\/p>\n
The center currently serves 225 children ages 12 weeks through 5 years old and employs 60 teachers. Dana Cupples, owner of A Place to Grow Learning Center, discussed the effect of the funding on staff. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe were so excited to be able to provide our teachers with the Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention bonuses this year. Our teachers are the heart of A Place to Grow and it was wonderful to see them receive additional recognition for the incredibly important work they do each day,\u201d Cupples said. <\/p>\n
Eligible child care providers can submit applications for retention and recruitment bonuses to their local Early Learning Resource Center starting Oct. 13 through Nov. 30.<\/p>\n
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