The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the inclusion of increased investments in childcare and early learning programs in Pennsylvania’s 2026—27 state budget, calling the funding an important step toward strengthening the workforce, supporting working families and helping childcare providers recruit and retain employees.

The final budget increases funding for the Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program by $5 million, from $25 million to $30 million, a 20 percent increase in the newly created program. The budget also provides an additional $3.75 million for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts and approximately $1 million for the Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program.

“Pennsylvania’s local chambers of commerce and economic development organizations have consistently made the case that childcare is essential economic infrastructure,” said Robert S. Carl Jr., president and CEO of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce.

“When parents cannot find reliable care, they cannot consistently participate in the workforce, and employers struggle to recruit and retain the employees they need. Growing the Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program by 20 percent is an important recognition that investing in the early learning workforce is also an investment in Pennsylvania’s businesses, communities and economy.”

The Schuylkill Chamber has helped lead a statewide coalition of local chambers advocating for solutions to Pennsylvania’s childcare workforce shortage and the financial challenges that threaten the stability of childcare programs.

“This progress would not have occurred without the 81 local chambers and economic development organizations speaking together with one strong business voice,” said Samantha Chivinski, executive vice president of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce.

“We thank our chamber and economic development organization partners across the Commonwealth for their advocacy and thank the members of the General Assembly and the Shapiro Administration who recognized the importance of supporting childcare teachers, working families and Pennsylvania employers.”

Carl said early childcare education in the world today needs to be considered a fundamental infrastructure. It should not be considered optional or only accessible by a few more fortunate to have the opportunities locally in their communities.

These are the formative years of a child’s life, and what happens in these formative years, ages 2 through 5, is scientifically proven to affect their lifelong development and their pathway to becoming successful members of our society, their communities, and valuable members of a future workforce.

Although the final funding levels did not fully meet the coalition’s requested increases, the Schuylkill Chamber said the additional investments represent meaningful progress and provide a foundation for continued advocacy.

Pennsylvania’s childcare shortage affects businesses of every size and in every region of the Commonwealth.

Without sufficient teachers, childcare providers cannot open available classrooms, even when physical space exists. This leaves parents on waiting lists, forces employees to reduce their hours or leave the workforce and limits the ability of employers to fill open positions.

The Schuylkill Chamber will continue working with local chambers, economic development organizations, childcare providers, employers, policymakers and statewide partners to advance long-term solutions that stabilize the childcare sector and ensure families can access the reliable care they need to work.

CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE