Department of Human Services celebrates Month of the Young Child, stresses importance of plan to fund child care, other essential needs

Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary Meg Snead visited Children’s Playhouse in Philadelphia to celebrate Month of the Young Child and discuss the Wolf Administration’s proposal to provide direct funding to Pennsylvanians for child care and other essential needs.
Month of the Young Child recognizes what children need to have strong, healthy starts and how early childhood education programs can meet those needs and benefit children across their lives. Throughout the pandemic, child care centers and early childhood educators like the staff at Children’s Playhouse have worked and continue to work tirelessly through the difficulties to offer families of all backgrounds and means an opportunity for quality, equitable child care. The ability for centers, like Children’s Playhouse, to remain well staffed and open are crucial to the economy’s health and to child development for the current generation of young children.

“A thriving child care infrastructure is foundational to the rest of our economy, and this industry and the dedicated educators who show up every day to help our children grow are essential to a thriving workforce and our children’s futures,” said Snead. “Month of the Young Child celebrates the important role early childhood education programs place in growth and development of kids. Child care workers make this possible, and we must recognize the value of this work and continue to fortify this industry.”
Gov. Tom Wolf is seeking to use American Rescue Plan Act funds to provide $2,000 grants to help individuals and families meet essential needs. These grants can help pay for child care, health care, housing, utilities, broadband, education and vocational training programs.

---

Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.