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To support the work of early childhood and caregivers of young children, Trying Together participates in multiple campaigns, including Pre-K for PA, Start Strong PA, and Childhood Begins at Home. Powered through the work of organizations across the state, these campaigns combat modern challenges that families and professionals face in supporting the success of their young children.

To advocate for increased investments, Trying Together depends in part on its partnership with supporters like you. Will you join us? Take action below and sign-on to advocate for conditions that help Pennsylvania’s children and families thrive.

Tell Congress to Fund and #SolveChildCare

It has never been more clear that child care is crucial to many parents’ ability to work. However, child care providers are struggling to recruit and retain staff, leaving families across Pennsylvania unable to find and afford the care options they need.

A new survey conducted by partners of the Start Strong PA Campaign quantifies Pennsylvania’s current child care crisis, which threatens parents’ ability to work and the overall economy. The survey— conducted between August 30, 2021 and September 8, 2021—  details the current child care staffing crisis in 1,163 Pennsylvania child care programs across 63 counties and its effects on working families’ ability to access care.

According to the survey:

  • Nearly 26,000 children currently sit on waiting lists.

  • More than 34,000 additional children could be served at respondents’ sites if they were fully staffed.

  • 92% of respondents reported staffing shortages.

  • 51% of respondents have closed at least one classroom.

These survey results depict a deepening crisis in the child care sector. Child care providers continue to incur additional pandemic-related costs while operating significantly under capacity. Between March 2020 and August 2021, over 850 Pennsylvania providers have closed permanently and another 350 have temporarily closed.

We need Congress to consider a  budget reconciliation process that would include $450 billion outlined in the American Families and Jobs Plans for child care and pre-k.