On March 2, 2021, Governor Tom Wolf today announced allocation plans for more than $303 million in federal funds received to support child care providers. The funds come from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA), signed into law in December and continue support for an industry that is both a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s economy and a critical introduction to early education for children across Pennsylvania.

“Child care providers across our commonwealth have endured a year of challenges and changes – circumstances that have made doing business incredibly challenging,” said Gov. Wolf. “A healthy, vibrant child care industry is a necessity to help our economy recover and support parents returning to work. We must remember this as we move forward and continue support for child care providers as they care for young Pennsylvanians and allow parents to work so our communities and economy can thrive.”

The funding will be issued beginning April 20, 2021 and will be divided to support child care providers through multiple channels, including:

• $140.7 million to support child care providers experiencing reduced enrollments.
• $64.6 million to help child care providers continue to account for increased costs in order to operate safely. 
• $87.17 million to support increased, regionalized base payment rates for child care providers participating in subsidized child care. 
• $3 million to expand the number of child care professionals who can receive pandemic relief awards to an additional 5,000 people.

To read the entire press release, click here.