Philly Leader

Gov. Tom Wolf announced that $98 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will be used for childcare providers to recruit and retain employees by using retention bonuses to entice workers to stay, as well as help with recruiting new employees and personnel development.

According to the release by Wolf, $352 million in Child Care Development Fund money through the ARPA will also be invested in Pennsylvania Child Care Works (CCW), which is a subsidized program that focuses on lessening costs and using incentive programs for providers who expand their availability beyond traditional hours.

“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,” said Wolf. “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 Wolf Administration said in the release that affordable and accessible high-quality childcare and early learning programs have been working hard during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide the necessary childcare to families during the most trying of times. This means that staffing appropriately is vital for the childcare industry.

“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,” said Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary Meg Snead. “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 Dept. of Human Services announced that it has a plan for $655 million in ARPA funds to be distributed to help the state’s child care industry. Providers can apply for a one-time grant that can be used to cover expenses, support staff and more if approved.

Applications for the grants will be accepted until June 17 and funds are to be distributed to providers from July 1 to Sept. 30. 

Information on how to apply can be found at www.pakeys.org.