PA Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary Meg Snead , in recognition of the Month of the Young Child, is pointing to the Wolf Administration’s proposal to provide direct funding to Pennsylvanians for child care and other essential needs.

The Month of the Young Child recognizes what children need to have strong, healthy starts and how early childhood education programs can meet those needs and benefit children across their lives. Throughout the pandemic, child care centers and early childhood educators have worked and continue to work tirelessly through the difficulties to offer families of all backgrounds and means an opportunity for quality, equitable child care. The ability for center to remain well staffed and open are crucial to the economy’s health and to child development for the current generation of young children.

At present Governor Wolf is seeking to use American Rescue Plan Act (APA) funds to provide $2,000 grants to help individuals and families meet essential needs. These grants can help pay for child care, health care, housing, utilities, broadband, education and vocational training programs. As Pennsylvania and the nation continue economic recovery in a turbulent world, direct support to individuals and families will help Pennsylvanians maintain their individual wellbeing and contribute to their communities.

The Wolf Administration has taken significant steps to support the child care industry through the COVID-19 crisis and will continue to do so. In the fall, DHS announced its plan to distribute $655 million in funding from the APA to stabilize Pennsylvania’s child care industry. Licensed child care providers are invited to submit applications for one-time grant funding that represents an unprecedented investment in the child care industry and its dedicated workforce. This grant funding can be used to cover expenses, support staff, and provide support to this critical industry that continues to be challenged by the pandemic. 

Additionally, $352 million in Child Care Development Fund funding from the American Rescue Plan Act is being invested in Pennsylvania’s Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized child care program, targeting decreased costs to families, greater support for child care providers participating in the program, and setting incentives for providers who expand care availability beyond traditional hours.

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