Lt. Gov. Davis Hosts Roundtable on PA Child Care Staffing Crisis

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and Second Lady Blayre Holmes Davis recently hosted a roundtable involving the state’s child care staffing crisis, discussing how it is affecting families, businesses, and the state economy.

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The roundtable took place at Grandma’s House in Apollo and was attended by Trying Together, the Early Learning Investment Commission, the Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs and Advisory Commission on Women, members of the local business community, early childhood educators, and parents.

“This issue is personal for us - and it’s personal for families across the commonwealth, in cities like Pittsburgh and in more rural communities as well,” said Davis, who is co-chair of the Early Learning Investment Commission, a public-private partnership that brings together leaders to make recommendations and policy for early learning. “Having affordable and accessible child care is essential for working families, and it’s essential for the business community.”

Holmes Davis said she feels fortunate that her daughter, Harper, has access to affordable, high-quality child care, but that many in the state do not have the same opportunity.

“We know that’s not the case in every community and for every family, and that’s why we’re pushing for more state investments to help recruit and retain more child care workers,” she said.

Lynda Pozzuto, president of the Alle Kiski Strong Chamber, said the shortage of affordable child care in Pennsylvania affects both families and workplaces.

“Without reliable, low-cost options, parents are being forced to leave jobs or turn down employment altogether,” she said. “We can’t solve our labor shortage without first supporting the working families who power our communities.”

The 2025-26 state budget proposal includes a $55 million investment in retention and recruitment bonuses of up to $1,000 to increase child care availability, the first new line item for early childhood education in nearly 20 years and the first investment directly for child care teachers.

“If my child is going to be with someone for eight hours a day while I’m at work, I want to know that they are safe and cared for and loved - and that it’s someone who understands their needs and their brain development,” said Lindsay Garrison, a parent and director at Thistle Nook Nature Playschool. “In order to do this, we have to pay more. If we are only paying $12 an hour, we are going to get people who don’t have that education because they can go elsewhere.”

For more information on the roundtable, visit the PAcast website.