Governor Shapiro proposes $55 million for child care teacher recruitment and retention

On Tuesday, Governor Shapiro presented his FY 2025-2026 budget, highlighting $55 million for child care teacher recruitment and retention to address 3,000 unfilled child care jobs in Pennsylvania. If filled, the governor noted 25,000 more children could access care, enabling parents to work.
Key Investments:

• $55M for $1,000 bonuses to recruit and retain child care workers.
• $15M for Pre-K Counts to raise wages and stabilize the workforce.
• $10M to boost Early Intervention (EI) provider rates for equitable child support.

Advocates, local chambers, businesses, and families have pushed for sustained child care funding to address the child care staffing crisis. In December, 5,000+ individuals petitioned for $284M in recurring funds. 
 
Next Steps: The budget requires General Assembly approval. Hearings begin soon:

• PDE Hearings: House (Feb 24), Senate (Feb 26)
• DHS Hearings: House (March 4), Senate (March 5)