Lycoming News

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania recently held a public hearing at the Schuylkill County Technology Center to discuss the critical need for child care access in rural Pennsylvania. State legislators, local leaders, and child care professionals gathered to address the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing affordable and accessible child care.

Senator Gene Yaw, Chairman of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of child care, stating, “Affordable and accessible child care is critical for rural communities in Pennsylvania. It is a continued priority to address the needs for child care and child care workers to support our youth and get family members back into the workforce.”

Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, Vice Chairman of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board of Directors, highlighted the essential role of child care workers, stating, “Let’s not overlook the vital role played by child care workers—they’re the unsung heroes serving families with young children across our Commonwealth. We need to ensure that they receive the compensation they truly deserve.”

Senator Judy Schwank, a member of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board, emphasized the bipartisan nature of the issue, stating, “Access to child care in rural areas isn’t a political issue—it’s a human one. Bipartisan support is necessary to take action to provide solutions.”

Representative Dan Moul, also a member of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board, called for government licensing reform to support child care providers, saying, “For child care centers to thrive, we need government licensing reform. It’s time for change to help child care providers accomplish their invaluable mission.”

Senator Dave Argall highlighted the importance of quality childcare, stating, “Quality childcare is a necessity not just for families in Schuylkill County, but across Pennsylvania. When we have quality pre-K education, we’re helping parents return to and remain in the workforce.”

Robert S. Carl Jr., President and CEO of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to present testimony on the child care industry crisis and pledged continued advocacy on behalf of child care providers and working families.

Key points from the hearing included suggestions to increase funding for child care centers, raise wages for child care workers, implement universal pre-K programs, and remove regulatory licensing barriers hindering the accessibility of child care services.

The public is invited to access the video recording and written testimony of the public hearing on the Center’s website at www.rural.pa.gov.