MEDIA REPORTS

A historic staffing crisis is causing classrooms and entire programs across the state to decrease their capacity or close, leaving working families without access to critical early learning programs. Less than half of eligible children in Pennsylvania attend a high-quality preschool program.

The state’s Early Childhood Education Caucus hosted a rally with child care and pre-K students, teachers and parents as well as other advocates to underscore the worsening impacts of the commonwealth’s early learning teacher shortage.

However, the ELPA coalition paints a concerning picture with pre-K classrooms closing throughout the commonwealth due to inadequate wages. These circumstances are forcing pre-k teachers to vacate their chosen field for higher-paying roles in other sectors. The fresh investment planned by the government is undoubtedly a critical initial step towards overcoming this issue.

State Senator David Argall (R-District 29) and State Representative Doyle Heffley (R-District 122) presented certificates to staff at Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers Inc. recognizing two of their child care centers in Carbon County for achieving the highest quality designation in the state, a Keystone STAR 4. Keystone STARS is Pennsylvania’s Quality Rating and Improvement System helping early care and education centers reach and sustain high-quality education programs.

It was a fun day on Tuesday at the Governor’s Mansion as Governor and First Lady Shapiro hosted students, teachers, and advocates for the annual Easter egg hunt and education events.

Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro hosted several pre-k students, teachers, and advocates at for an annual Easter egg hunt Tuesday.

Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro hosted an Easter egg hunt to highlight the need for high-quality early childhood programs across the Commonwealth.