Many of our members have shared with us how the lack of accessible child care options in Schuylkill County impact talent recruitment, hiring efforts and ability to retain your work workforce. Parents who want to work are on waiting lists that range from months to years. Our child care providers struggle day after day to keep their teachers due to low wages and lack of benefits.

Since 2019, Schuylkill County has lost 20 percent of its child care facilities. We can't afford to lose more.

As you know, we've been working with a coalition of 72 local chambers and economic development organizations across Pennsylvania

If you are not aware, on a bipartisan vote (113-90) in the PA House, a bill to recruit and retain child care teachers passed. We continue to urge lawmakers to include Governor Shapiro’s proposed $55 million investment in the FY25-26 budget to support early childhood teacher recruitment and retention in Pennsylvania. This funding would help stabilize the child care sector, which is essential to Pennsylvania’s broader workforce and economy.

THIS IS IMPORTANT! We have reason to believe that Pre-K and the child care recruitment and retention initiative funding ARE IN JEOPARDY as Governor Shapiro has proposed in his State Budget. Please see the notice below from the Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children, Start Strong PA and the Pennsylvania Child Care Association - and strongly consider taking the action steps outlined on the Take Action Page to notify policymakers how important this funding is!

Email Your State Senator Today!

Budget negotiations have intensified, and we are learning Pre-K and the Child Care Recruitment and Retention Initiative funding are IN JEOPARDY.

This is not a drill. Your elected officials need to hear from you immediately.   

Now is the time for policymakers to show early childhood educators that their critical work of caring for and educating young children is valued and matters to children, families, businesses and Pennsylvania’s economic security! The General Assembly needs to hear from you!

Steps to take today and every day until the budget is finalized:

1. Email your Senator using our Take Action page alert.
2. Find your legislator and their contact information using www.legis.state.pa.us. 

• Click on each of your legislators to find their social media accounts.
• Go to their Facebook page and tell them the General Assembly MUST fully fund pre-k and child care in the 2025-26 final #PABudget. #FixChildCare #iamprek 

    3. Phone your Senator and tell them child care and pre-k funding must NOT be cut in the final 2025-26 state budget. You can leave a message with their staff if not able to speak to them directly.

We will not give up and are asking that you continue the fight with us! Start Strong PA and Pre-K for PA Campaign Partners

SEND YOUR EMAIL TODAY!