State Funded Child Care Bonuses Available for Local Families and Businesses

Pennsylvania is offering $450 bonuses to child care workers through the new Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program to help centers keep their current staff and hire new teachers. The state has set aside $25 million in the newest budget to support about 55,000 workers and fill thousands of open jobs that currently leave many classrooms closed. Licensed child care providers must apply online through their Early Learning Resource Center before the January 29, 2026, deadline to receive these funds for their employees. These bonuses are designed to reward the hard work of early childhood educators while making it easier for families to find reliable care so they can participate in the workforce. Any funding left over after the initial bonuses are paid will be used to help centers recruit and hire additional staff through the summer of 2026.