Pennsylvania Faces Urgent Childcare Teacher Shortage: Advocates Call for Increased Funding and Support
Lancaster, PA — As Pennsylvania grapples with a significant shortage of childcare teachers, local leaders and education advocates are urging the state government to prioritize funding and support programs aimed at recruitment and retention. The discussion, which took place on Monday in Lancaster County, underscored the deepening crisis affecting both educators and families across the state.
Heather Valudes, President and CEO of the Lancaster Chamber, emphasized the connection between the teacher shortfall and the broader childcare crisis is critical. “The piece we are advocating for is putting together dollars in the 2025-2026 state budget that would support funding into childcare centers in order for them to recruit and retain childcare staff,” Valudes stated. This plea comes amidst growing recognition that the quality of early childhood education hinges on a stable and qualified workforce.
Data presented by Steve Doster, representing the state initiative for early learning known as Start Strong PA, further highlights the gravity of the situation. A September survey conducted across 1,140 childcare providers disclosed alarming statistics: 85% reported experiencing staff shortages, while 92% encountered difficulties in recruiting new teachers. The survey also revealed over 3,000 unfilled positions statewide—an indication that the problem is both severe and widespread.
Doster further elaborated on the issue, noting, “There are financial pressures that are pulling childcare workers to more lucrative careers.” This migration is detrimental, leading to closed classrooms and entire centers, effectively restricting access to essential childcare services. The systemic gaps in the childcare framework are estimated to cost Pennsylvania upwards of billion annually, a financial toll that underscores the urgent need for reform.
In a bid to address these challenges, advocates are calling on Governor Josh Shapiro to allocate 4 million in recurring state funds to establish a childcare teacher recruitment program. While financial investment is crucial, Valudes insists that monetary support alone is insufficient to resolve the crisis. “How do you bring light to the value of these types of careers?” she queried, stressing the need for innovative incentives to attract individuals to pursue careers in early childhood education.
This sentiment was echoed in a recent survey conducted by the Lancaster Chamber, which revealed that two-thirds of employers in the region observed increased absenteeism or employee turnover linked to childcare challenges. This reflects a broader pattern as families navigate an increasingly strained childcare landscape.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the impending state budget deadline in June. Last year’s budget negotiations were notably contentious, as lawmakers wrestled with various childcare cost bills, highlighting the complexities of addressing this multifaceted issue. As stakeholders prepare for the upcoming discussions, the call for strategic investment in Pennsylvania’s childcare system has never been more pronounced.
