Governor Announces Changes To Child Care Works Program

“It is critical that we improve access to child care for all Pennsylvanians,” said Governor Wolf. “My administration remains committed to protecting Pennsylvania’s children, and making it easier for working families to access care is an important step toward achieving this goal.”

The state and federally-funded program, which allows eligible families to receive financial assistance for child care while they work or attend job training, requires families to report financial changes every six months. Extending this six-month reporting period to twelve months makes it less likely that a family experiencing a temporary loss of employment will also mean a loss in childcare.

“This change means that Pennsylvania families that experience a temporary job loss, are seasonally employed, or fall victim to an extended illness can count on child care that will help them continue to provide for their children,” said Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Ted Dallas. “Quality child care is not only a vital early learning tool for children, it is also a critical component of making sure that working families can seek and obtain good family-sustaining jobs. “

It is Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Pedro Rivera’s hope that the changes will impact the overall quality of a child’s early education experience. “When young children experience a disruption in care, such as a new teacher or caregiver, it affects their development. Consistency of care promotes the healthy development of children,” he said.

To initially qualify for Child Care Works, families can earn up to 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, such as a family of four earning up to $48,500; families then pay a co-pay to the child care program or caregiver.

Families can learn more about the Child Care Works program by visiting here.