"Both business leaders and working parents agree addressing the child care teacher shortage and expanding access to affordable, high-quality child care must be a top priority as lawmakers in Harrisburg work to finalize the state budget.".

High quality ECE not only prepares children academically, socially & emotionally, it also protects our collective economic future. If policymakers truly seek long-term savings, they must prioritize proven investments that uplift entire communities.

Quality ECE teachers are moving on to other professions, finding jobs with less stress, and more pay. We must prioritize our ECE workforce in this year's #PABudget!

"If we care about our children, and if we want to create healthy families to build strong communities, then we must invest the resources to make that happen.".

Five Pennsylvania Governors can't be wrong. Let's do the right thing, PA!.

"ECE is not just play: It’s the foundation for all schooling that comes later. And, our degreed, certified, and trained professionals in this field deserve a wage equal to their K-12 teaching counterparts with similar credentials and expertise.".

“This isn’t just a family issue. This is an economic emergency for our communities and our state.”.

Local chamber of commerce leaders, child care teachers & working parents gathered to discuss how the ongoing child care teacher shortage, driven by unlivable wages, is forcing classrooms to close and leaving working families scrambling to find care.

“My teachers shouldn’t make half of what Philly K-12 teachers make,” said Kinder Academy executive director Leslie Spina, adding that the difference is even greater compared to suburban teachers. “They’re doing the hard work every day, year-round.”.

It’s NOW or NEVER. The PA Senate Holds future pre-k and child care funding in its hands! .Silence = Surrender We have ONLY a SHORT TIME to make a difference. Let's make sure our message is not ignored!.

The critical work of caring for and educating young children should be valued because it matters to children, families, businesses and Pennsylvania’s economic security. Thank you, @Governorshapiro for continuing to prioritize our early care and education workforce!

RT @GovernorShapiro: The child care worker shortage is a national problem — but in Pennsylvania, we know how to solve hard problems and get….

RT @GovernorShapiro: Child care workers, nurses, and student teachers strengthen our communities every day. But we’re facing a shortage of….

Thank you, @GovernorShapiro for continuing to prioritize Pennsylvania's early childhood programs for our children, their families, and our workforce! #iamprek #fixchildcare .@StartStrongPA

IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED - PA Budget May Leave Out Child Care and Cut Pre-K Again!.

According to a recent survey, about three-quarters of U.S. adults say the cost of child care is a “major problem.” That includes about 8 in 10 Democrats and women, as well as roughly 7 in 10 Republicans and men.

“This issue is personal for us. Having affordable and accessible child care is essential for working families, and it’s essential for the business community.” #PABudget #FixChildCare.

RT @GovernorShapiro: Pennsylvania is facing a critical child care workforce shortage — leaving families without access to safe, affordable….

Pocono Services for Families and Children recently took over the Ramsey Elementary building in Stroudsburg with a vision to 'Reimagine Ramsey' as a pre-k Head Start and childcare center. #iamprek .

“High-quality early learning is the cornerstone of lifelong success. When childcare classrooms close and families are unable to find the care they need, the ripple effects are devastating.”.