Several organizations and nonprofits across Pennsylvania are welcoming the passage of the state budget, saying it will provide much-needed funding for critical programs.
Early childhood educators said this year’s budget makes progress in addressing the child care funding crisis, leaders believe more support is still needed to strengthen the workforce and expand access to care.
ABC Care PA on State Street, which provides 24-hour child care services in Erie, recently applied for funding through the state’s Recruitment and Retention Grant Program. The program received $25 million in this year’s budget, with lawmakers adding an additional $5 million to expand its reach.
ABC Care officials said the grant would allow the center to increase wages for teachers, aides, and educators while also hiring additional staff as the organization prepares to expand and serve more families in the community…