The Governor added, “A strong child care industry is a requirement for a healthy economy. We must remember this as we move forward and continue support for child care providers as they care for young Pennsylvanians and allow parents to work so our communities and economy can thrive.”
Researchers from the Penn State Harrisburg’s Institute of State and Regional Affairs studied the impact of COVID-19 on the state’s child care industry. The state used the researchers’ findings as a basis for its method in distributing the third round of CARES funding to 6,893 child care providers.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were 7,017 child care providers operating across Pennsylvania. More than 200 of those indicated an intention to permanently shut down due to the crisis.
Penn State’s study projected that additional 1,000 child care providers are at risk of closure due to the ongoing costs related to implementing guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Child care providers are also experiencing low enrollments due to the crisis.
Gov. Wolf proposes $250M additional funds for the state’s child care industry
Earlier this week, Gov. Wolf proposed a $250 million investment to provide further support to the state’s child care industry and working families in need of child care. His proposal would be funded through the remaining CARES Act funds.
