Rochester, PA - Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh today visited Tiny Tot Child Development Center to discuss the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to the child care industry through continued investments in early learning programs proposed in the 2024-25 Budget. Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget includes additional state and federal funds to help raise base rates for the Child Care Works (CCW) program. CCW is Pennsylvania’s subsidized child care program that helps make child care more accessible and affordable for lower income, working families. The new funding would increase access to affordable child care for Pennsylvanians by allowing providers to invest in their workforce and increase capacity within their child care centers.
“For our youngest Pennsylvanians, an early childhood education experience can shape their educational, social, and emotional development during their youngest years, providing a foundation that will reap benefits throughout their lives,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “A thriving child care industry both supports this growth and allows parents to work and participate in our economy. We must continue to invest in high-quality care that is a cornerstone of our economy and support our dedicated child care providers and educators who show up every day to help our children grow and thrive through childhood and beyond.”
Early learning and child care programs are an invaluable resource that foster educational and social development for our youngest Pennsylvanians. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, access to early childhood education improves performance in K-12 schooling, lowers health care costs, and improves employment and earning prospects into adulthood. Child care programs also allow parents to work knowing their children are safe and cared for. The CDC also cites child care as a factor for increased parental employment and income, making this industry an essential cornerstone for a healthy, vibrant economy.
The positive benefits of affordable, high-quality child care are not possible without a dedicated workforce of child care professionals. Governor Shapiro’s proposed 2024-25 Budget provides more than $62 million in funding to increase Pennsylvania’s investment in Child Care Works (CCW) reimbursement rates. CCW is Pennsylvania’s subsidized child care program, which helps lower income families access and afford child care so parents can work and invest in their families. The investment will raise reimbursement rates for providers participating in CCW to the 75th percentile of private pay rates – helping Pennsylvania meet federal best practices and providing greater financial support to child care providers and their dedicated workforce. This commitment also allows CCW providers to invest in quality of care and their workforce amid the continued challenges of operating following the pandemic.
Tiny Tot Child Development Center is a division of HAP Enterprises, Inc. since 1963 and serves over 200 children ages birth to five years old. The center serves families in Beaver County, Pennsylvania through early intervention, PA Pre-K Counts and child care. Classrooms are located in the Rochester and New Brighton areas. At Tiny Tot, qualified staff work together with families to provide opportunities which allow children to grow to their full potential.
Learn more about Child Care Works and find more information on certified child care providers at www.findchildcare.pa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brandon Cwalina - ra-pwdhspressoffice@pa.gov
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