O'HARA TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Pennsylvania officials announced a $5 million increase for child care staff recruitment and retention bonuses as part of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2026-27 state budget.
The additional funding expands the Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention program into its second year, bringing the total program investment to $30 million.
The program provides financial support to Pennsylvania’s child care workforce and licensed Child Care Works providers across the state. Applications for the second round of funding open Oct. 13, allowing eligible child care centers to apply for staff retention and recruitment grants.
Under the program, licensed Child Care Works providers will receive retention payments of at least $540 per eligible worker, marking an increase of about $100 per employee from the previous year. The retention and recruitment bonus initiative was established in the 2025-26 state budget with $25 million in initial funding, providing minimum bonuses of $450.
In its first year, more than 4,300 child care providers across Pennsylvania applied for the grant, distributing bonuses to nearly 39,000 workers.
Dr. Val Arkoosh, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, highlighted the funding increase during a visit to a local care facility.
“Early learning and child care providers are the backbone of communities - investing in them ensures that families can continue working while their children receive the educational and social foundation that will benefit them throughout their lives,” Arkoosh said. “Our dedicated, passionate child care workers are the ones who make that possible and the Shapiro Administration is proud to make these investments that will support Pennsylvania’s child care industry and empower our overall economy.”
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato supported the state funding initiative during the announcement.
“Child care workers are essential to the strength of our families, our communities and our economy,” Innamorato said. “When we invest in the people who care for and educate our youngest residents, we are also investing in working parents and giving families more stability and opportunity. I’m grateful to the Shapiro Administration for continuing to recognize the importance of this workforce and for making these investments to support child care providers and the families who rely on them every day.”
The announcement took place at A Place to Grow Learning Center in O’Hara Township, which was established in 2001.
The center currently serves 225 children ages 12 weeks through 5 years old and employs 60 teachers. Dana Cupples, owner of A Place to Grow Learning Center, discussed the effect of the funding on staff.
“We were so excited to be able to provide our teachers with the Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention bonuses this year. Our teachers are the heart of A Place to Grow and it was wonderful to see them receive additional recognition for the incredibly important work they do each day,” Cupples said.
Eligible child care providers can submit applications for retention and recruitment bonuses to their local Early Learning Resource Center starting Oct. 13 through Nov. 30.
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