Pennsylvania 2025-2026 budget establishes $25 million Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program due to 3,000 unfilled jobs in Pennsylvania child care, according to a news release from Governor Josh Shapiro.

If all unfilled jobs find a candidate, the release states that 25,000 additional children across the Commonwealth could find child care. 

"When parents can't find affordable, reliable care, they can't work - and our economy suffers," Shapiro said. "We've lowered costs by tripling the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit for nearly 219,000 working families, but affordability isn't enough - we also have to expand access. That's why we're making investments to help child care centers hire and retain talented educators. These bonuses will help strengthen the workforce, open more slots for children, and make sure families across Pennsylvania can find the care they need."

The allotted program funds would provide roughly $450 a year per licensed Child Care Works provider employee. The bonuses will support approximately 55,000 child care workers and "help stabilize the child care sector," the release states.

According to the release, providers continue to struggle with low wages that make it hard to hire and retain qualified staff, forcing them to close classrooms and turn families away. The investments will help Pennsylvania recruit and retain child care workers, expand access to quality care, and ensure more parents can stay in the workforce and provide for their families.