Pennsylvania opens $30M application round for child‑care worker retention and recruitment bonuses

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) announced on 2026-10-15 that eligible child‑care providers may submit applications to their local Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) beginning that day for the second round of Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program bonuses; DHS set an application deadline of 2026-11-30 and requires applications to be completed online through the ELRC. (Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/newsroom/applications-for--30-million-to-support-child-care-workers-)

DHS said the 2026‑27 budget includes a $5 million increase for the program, bringing total funding to $30 million; the program was created in the 2025‑26 budget with $25 million and initial $450 retention bonuses. The agency stated retention payments will be distributed at a minimum of $540 per qualified employee at certified Child Care Works (CCW) providers, that more than 4,300 providers applied in the program’s first year and nearly 39,000 workers received bonuses, and that after retention bonuses are paid any remaining funds will be provided to providers to administer as recruitment payments for staff hired after the application period closes. (Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/newsroom/applications-for--30-million-to-support-child-care-workers-)

Report a correction · Editorial standards · Our source directory

ErieBizToday examines this development and its implications for Erie businesses and communities using the linked sources.