BRISTOL, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro used a Wednesday visit to a Bucks County child care center to spotlight a major workforce initiative included in Pennsylvania’s newly enacted 2025–26 budget: a statewide recruitment and retention bonus program for child care workers. The plan allocates $25 million to support roughly 55,000 employees across licensed Child Care Works providers.
During the event at Children of God Educational Services, Shapiro and Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh outlined how the bonuses — about $450 per worker annually — aim to stabilize a sector strained by low wages and persistent staffing shortages. Pennsylvania currently has around 3,000 vacant child care positions, limiting providers’ capacity and leaving an estimated 25,000 children without available slots.
Shapiro said improving compensation is essential for families and the broader economy. He noted that while the state has expanded tax credits to help parents afford care, access remains hindered if providers cannot hire and retain staff. The budget also includes an additional $7.5 million for Pre-K Counts to boost educator wages and $10 million for Early Intervention services…