Child care workforce crisis recognized in Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget address

Today, the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Robert S. Carl, Jr. made the following statement regarding Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 State Budget Proposal.

“On behalf of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, and the 59 other local chambers and economic development organizations in our child care coalition, we are deeply grateful to Governor Shapiro for addressing the child care teacher crisis by including $55 million in the 2025-26 budget proposal to provide funds to licensed child care providers for teacher recruitment and retention. By addressing the teacher shortage, we can keep high-quality child care centers open, enable parents who want to work rejoin the workforce, and support employers in retaining their staff and building their talent pipelines.” 

Michelle Dallago, executive director of The Perception Training Center located in Pottsville, was invited by Governor Shapiro to the 2025-26 Budget Address.

Dallago said, “The initiative for staff recruitment and retention will have a tremendous impact - not only on The Perception Training Center but also on child care centers across the Commonwealth. Child care workers play a vital role in shaping young minds, yet they often face low wages and high turnover. With this funding, we can offer better wages, professional development, and the support our educators need to stay in the field and continue making a difference. By strengthening the workforce, we’re ensuring that families have access to quality care and that child care professionals receive the respect and resources they deserve.”

 Dallago noted at her center alone, she has 338 children on its waiting list. Pennsylvania has 3,000 unfilled jobs in child care.

The child care coalition of 60 local chambers and economic development organizations encourage the continued support of the PA State Legislature for Governor Shapiro’s proposed appropriation for the child care teacher recruitment and retention program. Support of an early childhood teacher retention and recruitment program opens economic opportunities for Pennsylvania families and employers.

Carl extended his sincerest appreciation to the members of the child care coalition for their leadership, commitment and growth over the past two years.