Gov. Shapiro Advocates for Childcare Funding in Pottsville Visit

POTTSVILLE, Pa. — Gov. Josh Shapiro visited the Perception Training Center on February 25 to promote his initiative to increase state funding for childcare facilities across Pennsylvania. His proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year includes a $55 million investment aimed at workforce recruitment and retention grants within the childcare sector.

The visit follows a troubling trend at The Perception Training Center where owner Michelle Dallago faced staffing shortages after two teachers left before the school year began. In a meeting with parents, she expressed her concerns about the viability of the center, emphasizing the challenge of finding qualified early education teachers.

“I have seen the power of these early learning centers across Pennsylvania,” Shapiro said during a press conference. “They make a difference in children’s lives, and they make a difference in families’ lives.” The governor’s plan is crucial, especially since there are currently 3,000 vacancies for childcare workers statewide, largely due to low pay compared to the crucial nature of their roles.

Part of the budget proposal includes employer childcare contribution tax credits to assist businesses and help families offset the high costs of childcare. This initiative aims to ensure more facilities can remain operational and fully staffed.

Dallago pointed to the critical role her facility plays in the community, noting that while 70 children currently attend her center, another 300 are on a waiting list. “Education is not kindergarten to grade 12, it’s birth to grade 12,” she said. “This is real teaching. This is as real as education gets.”

Parents like Meredith Driscoll from Tamaqua rely on the center for quality care and education, citing her willingness to drive two hours daily for reliable childcare. “It’s hard to find quality care for your kids,” she said. “I wish that everybody could have that.”

The need for more early learning teachers is urgent. Bob Carl, President and CEO of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, described the situation as a “crisis,” noting that 20% of the state’s childcare centers have closed since 2019, leaving many parents enduring long waiting lists to secure placement for their children.

“It affects every business, and every nonprofit,” Carl said. Dallago affirmed the urgency, arguing, “We are the workforce behind the workforce.”

Shapiro, a Democrat, acknowledged the bipartisan support for his funding proposal, despite Pennsylvania’s divided legislature. He was joined by Sen. David Argall and Rep. Tim Twardzik, both from Schuylkill County, who underscored the importance of investing in childcare for the community.

“We all support the governor’s investment in our childcare centers,” Argall stated, reinforcing the notion that this initiative benefits families, parents, employers, and teachers alike. “It’s good for the entire community.”

Twardzik added, “Childcare is a very important piece of a successful workforce. We need stability for working families. We need people to care for our youngest Pennsylvanians.”