News, Op-eds, Advisories, and Releases
Advocates Applaud Wolf Administration’s Release of One-Time Federal Funds to Boost Pay in Child Care Sector
HARRISBURG (May 17, 2022) – The principal partners of Start Strong PA, applaud the Wolf Administration’s release of $98 million in one-time federal child care funding to provide support to providers seeking to recognize staff dedication through retention bonuses and assist with personnel development and recruitment. The Administration expects to release these funds in one lump sum to approved providers beginning July 1 until September 30.
Gov. Wolf Announces $98M Grant Opportunity Investing in Child Care Workforce Recruitment and Retention
Human Services Press Release
HARRISBURG (May 16, 2022) Governor Tom Wolf today announced a $98 million grant opportunity for certified child care providers to support workforce recruitment and retention. Funded by American Rescue Plan Act funding received specifically for child care providers and their critical workforce, this funding can support providers seeking to recognize staff dedication through retention bonuses and can assist with personnel development and recruitment.
Child Care Workforce Shortages Eliminate more than 34,000 Spots for PA Children
More than 25,000 children sit on wait lists, according to new survey; state and federal action desperately needed to stabilize and strengthen system
HARRISBURG (September 16, 2021) – A new survey conducted by partners of the Start Strong PA Campaign quantifies Pennsylvania’s current child care crisis, which threatens parents’ ability to work and the overall economy. The survey, conducted between August 30, 2021 and September 8, 2021, details the current child care staffing crisis in 1,163 Pennsylvania child care programs across 63 counties and its effects on working families' ability to access care.
Federal Child Care Funds Critical to Reopening PA Start Strong PA Campaign Releases Plan to Utilize $1.2 Billion in Federal American Rescue Funds
HARRISBURG (June 10, 2021) – Start Strong PA hosted a virtual press conference to release recommendations for Pennsylvania’s $1.2 billion in American Rescue Plan (ARP) child care funding. The recommendations were developed with feedback gathered from over 1,000 child care providers and working parents as well as a statewide survey conducted in May 2021.