Pennsylvania 2025-2026 budget establishes $25 million Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program due to 3,000 unfilled jobs in Pennsylvania child care, according to a news release from Governor Josh Shapiro.

If all unfilled jobs find a candidate, the release states that 25,000 additional children across the Commonwealth could find child care.

"When parents can't find affordable, reliable care, they can't work - and our economy suffers," Shapiro said. "We've lowered costs by tripling the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit for nearly 219,000 working families, but affordability isn't enough - we also have to expand access. That's why we're making investments to help child care centers hire and retain talented educators. These bonuses will help strengthen the workforce,

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