Bill > HB1653

This bill establishes a competitive grant program designed to support the creation and expansion of child care centers in rural Pennsylvania counties with low population density and limited child care options. The grant, administered by the state department, will be available to nonprofit early childhood education organizations and public school districts seeking to develop new child care facilities. Eligible recipients can use grant funds for land purchase, facility construction or renovation, and staff salary supplements for up to two years. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a partnership with a local business that agrees to help subsidize child care fees for its employees. The bill requires grant recipients to comply with state licensing requirements and includes specific provisions for salary parity, ensuring that child development associates and prekindergarten teachers are compensated comparably to other educators. The goal is to address child care shortages in rural areas by providing financial support and incentives for establishing new child care centers, with grants targeted at counties having fewer than 291 people per square mile and documented child care access challenges. The legislation will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1653