Keystone Today

Gov. Tom Wolf announced a new $98 million grant funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money to be used for certified childcare providers to support recruiting and retaining employees.

The funds are to be used for providers to give retention bonuses and assist with personnel development and recruitment of viable employees, a press release from the governor's office said this week.

“Child care professionals spend their lives working in service to others, and the benefits of their work are seen not just by families but by all sectors of society that are able to function because our children are safe and learning,” Wolf said in the release. “We must recognize and reward their investment so we may all continue to realize the intergenerational benefits of their contributions to children, communities, and our commonwealth’s economy.”

The release noted how affordable and accessible high-quality childcare and early learning programs have been working especially hard during the pandemic to offer families of all backgrounds quality and equitable childcare. It added that the centers need to be able to staff appropriately for safe care and an environment that children and their parents will both appreciate.

There will also be $352 million in Child Care Development Fund money through ARPA to be invested in Pennsylvania Child Care Works (CCW). This is a subsidized childcare program that focuses on lessening costs while giving greater support and applying incentive programs for providers that expand their availability beyond traditional hours.

“As a mom to two young girls — including one that still spends her days at a child care facility — I see first-hand the way our child care and early learning systems cultivate our youngest minds and allow my husband and I to do our jobs each day,” Meg Snead, Department of Human Services (DHS) acting secretary, said in the release. “That would not be possible without the talented and dedicated staff that choose to work in this essential field. But I’ve also seen how hard the last two years have been on an industry that already often operates on thin margins. The joy and growth I see from my daughter and other children in care would not be possible without the dedication and skill of child care professionals. We must continue to invest in this field and this profession that gives so much to families every day.”

The Wolf administration has expressed that it will continue to take important steps to support the child care industry, as it has throughout the pandemic. The Department of Human Services announced in the fall that it will distribute $655 million in ARPA funding to stabilize the state’s child care industry. Child care providers can sign up for a one-time grant that can be used to cover expenses, support staff and more.

Grant applications will be accepted until June 17. Funds are to be disbursed to providers from July 1 to Sept. 30. Information on how to apply can be found at pakeys.org.