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Child care providers licensed by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) are eligible for the funds, Gov. Tom Wolf said.
"A healthy, vibrant child care industry is a cornerstone of a healthy economy. As with many other sectors of our economy, Pennsylvania’s child care providers have been greatly challenged by this pandemic,” said Wolf. “
"For nearly a year, child care professionals have continued to work through a challenging environment, providing a safe and caring setting for our youngest Pennsylvanians as their parents go to work performing essential work through a tumultuous period. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment to our children and families and their resilience through this time.”
The providers will receive the new stimulus aid as long as they are open to allow the replacement of the funds given through the Keystone STARS Education and Retention Award (ERA) from the 2020-2021 fiscal year, officials said.
Officials estimate that approximately 33,000 child care employees across the state will be granted the one-time $600 award.
This expands the number of employees to receive aid, compared to the ERA, which provided payments to 9,000 child care employees, officials said.
“Child care workers shape and care for our youngest minds during some of their most formative years, and a safe, loving child care center can be an extension of family for parents and children who rely on their work,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller.
“I am incredibly grateful that we are able to reallocate this federal funding to support the child care workforce, and I urge all providers to apply for this opportunity on behalf of their staff.
Eligible employees include child care workers who: are employed by a licensed child care provider as of January 1, 2021; earn less than or equal to a gross salary of $70,000, annually; and, work a minimum of 20 hours per week at a licensed child care provider.
All eligible licensed child care providers are encouraged to send their applications to their provider’s Early Learning Resource Center to be received by Feb. 12, officials said.
States are expected to receive their share of a $10 billion child care stimulus passed by Congress on Dec. 27, in the coming weeks.
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