HONESDALE, PA — On Thursday, May 1, the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women and Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs were joined by state legislators, local leaders and child care advocates at the Tiny Steps Learning Center in Wayne County to discuss Governor Josh Shapiro’s latest proposed investments to help stabilize the child care workforce.

Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal invests $55 million in workforce recruitment and retention grants to increase child care availability and pay these dedicated workers more. These grants would provide an additional $1,000 annually per employee working in licensed child care centers in the Child Care Works (CCW) Program.

“Governor Shapiro's budget supports child care professionals. He understands where we are coming as business owners are struggling to find adequate staff in order to properly support the work hours families need in our community,” said Kristen Mang, Owner/Director of Tiny Steps Learning Center of Cherry Ridge. “Fixing the child care workforce shortage across Pennsylvania starts with us. Families need a safe, educational, and loving place for their children to attend so parents themselves can get back to work within our communities.”

"In rural Wayne County, there is a dire childcare shortage - only 22 waitlisted daycares – but Wayne County is uniting, driven by the needs of parents and the support of employers, to address this crisis,” shared Pantea Shademani, Education Director for Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance. “The state’s investment strengthens our resolve to find innovative ways to expand access to affordable, quality childcare. Our goal is clear: every parent should have options, and every employer should have a workforce ready to thrive.”

"Investing in affordable, high-quality child care is an investment in Pennsylvania’s future. As a member of the state Senate and the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women, I am proud to support efforts that strengthen our child care workforce and help families access the care they need,” said Senator Rosemary Brown.

“Kids are our future and while the Legislature spends a lot of time talking about pre-K to grade 12 education, we cannot take for granted the role child care centers like Tiny Steps play in our kids’ lives," said Representative Jeff Olsommer. 

"Child care is top of mind for prospective parents, new parents and employers. It is a very real source of anxiety and I appreciate the Governor and Senator Brown's focus on this issue,” said Representative Jonathan Fritz.