On November 18, 2019, across Pennsylvania, Start Strong PA released a new report demonstrating the benefits and need for high quality infant toddler child care. According to the Pennsylvania KIDS COUNT Data Center, Pennsylvania is home to 1,270,433 families with children and 418,455 of the children are under three years old.

“Infant and toddler brains make millions of neural connections every second - At no other time in a human’s life will the brain develop at this remarkable speed. Every second matters because each second that passes is one we cannot get back,” said Cara Ciminillo, Executive Director, Trying Together.

Research shows that high-quality child care makes the difference and Pennsylvania serves as a model for other states in how we rate quality in our child care settings. Keystone STARS, Pennsylvania’s quality rating system, uses research-based standards focused on: staff qualifications, curriculum, environment, family and community partnerships, and business practices.

With 69% of families having both parents working and with 70% of all mothers in the labor force, high-quality child care settings can have a positive, lasting impact on brain growth for thousands of children birth to age three.

Unfortunately, only 43% of child care capacity in the state currently meets high-quality standards as determined by Keystone STARS. This means many families across our Commonwealth do not have a high-quality child care option for the care and education of their child.

Infant and toddler care not only plays a significant role in giving children a strong foundation but it also offers a support system for hardworking families and develops a strong community and economy. Parents, employers, and taxpayers benefit from an affordable and accessible child care system.

“Through our wide-ranging workforce development initiative, we have found that a big barrier to work for a large population of individuals is access to affordable child care. Addressing this issue is a key component to: fixing the Commonwealth’s jobs skills gap; helping individuals enter and stay in the workforce; breaking the cycle of poverty; and better preparing and educating the next generation,” said Gene Barr, PA Chamber President and CEO and a member of the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission.

As we begin another budget season, with the current ’19-’20 budget having cut $36 million of state funds from child care, Start Strong PA partners want to remind both Pennsylvania and federal policymakers that they have the power to increase funding so more children can access high-quality child care. State funding should eliminate the waitlist and ensure all eligible children and families can access a subsidy in order to work or attend school. Pennsylvania’s share of additional federal funds should address rates, educator compensation, and training and degree opportunities for professionals in the field.

“High-quality infant and toddler care must be made a priority today and everyday: Pennsylvania’s children, families, and workforce depend on it. Children deserve early learning experiences where they grow, learn, and succeed while families productively work and our economy booms.” Diane Barber, Executive Director, PA Child Care Association.