PENNSYLVANIA — Today, we delve into our analysis of the 2024-25 state budget proposed by Governor Josh Shapiro, an issue that is currently the focus of numerous discussions amongst Pennsylvanians and the Early Learning Pennsylvania (ELPA) coalition.
Gov. Shapiro’s budget proposal puts the spotlight on the young minds of our state, focusing significantly on pre-kindergarten programs and aiming to tackle the pressing matter of a historic teacher staffing shortage. With nearly $33 million allocated towards state-funded pre-K programs, the Governor’s office aims to alleviate inflationary pressures that pre-K providers grapple with while navigating the seemingly unending 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.
While these initiatives are commendable, there’s a dire need for future investments to handle the teacher shortage and ensure the potential 87,000 eligible preschoolers in Pennsylvania receive the quality early education they need.
Another cornerstone of the proposed budget is increased rates for subsidized childcare, a move applauded by Start Strong PA. The hike in reimbursement rates aims primarily to support child care providers grappling with escalating costs and a worsening teacher shortage. States like Maine, Florida, Kentucky, and Nebraska have shown the way by investing in recruitment and retention programs to stabilize their child care systems, and Pennsylvania may need to follow suit.
The budget proposal also includes an increase in funding for Early Intervention programs, which work with children who have developmental delays. This funding is a crucial step in ensuring all children with developmental delays can receive the help they need, regardless of their family’s income.
However, the proposal has raised concerns among the Childhood Begins at Home campaign, which expressed worries about a potential cut in funding for home-visiting services due to the expected loss of one-time federal stimulus funds, and effects of federal sequestration on discretionary spending.
While Gov. Shapiro’s proposal outlines important advances in early childhood education and support, many advocacy campaigns believe further steps must be taken to fully address Pennsylvania’s child care and pre-K teacher shortage, and ensure the future generations of our state are afforded the quality early education they so rightly deserve.
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