Children’s Learning Center receives workforce support grant

Published 09.02.2022

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Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Dunham Children’s Learning Center recently received a $30,683 Work Force Support Grant.

The state Office of Child Development and Early Learning offered the grants to Department of Human Services-certified child care providers. It uses American Rescue Plan Act Stabilization and Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act funds to support the workforce of DHS-certified child care providers.



Children learn with Neva E. Simcox, a group leader in the Dunham Children’s Learning Center at Pennsylvania College of Technology. The center recently received a Work Force Support Grant.OCDEL continues to recognize the workforce crisis faced by many DHS-certified child care providers throughout the commonwealth. As the need for child care remains high, providers simply do not have the necessary staff to meet the demand, OCDEL cites. Many providers operate at reduced operational capacity as more staff leave the industry for higher-paying jobs and better benefits. The result of these staff shortages is a disruption to the availability of child care for families.

The Work Force Support Grants focus on supporting child care staff who have continued to provide services to children throughout the pandemic but also supports providers with expenses related to staff recruitment and retention costs.

The Children’s Learning Center serves Penn College students and employees whose children need high-quality, on-campus care and education while their parents work or attend classes. The center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and holds four-star status (the highest possible) through OCDEL’s Keystone Stars system.

For more information about grant-funding opportunities, faculty and staff may contact Grants & Sponsored Programs at ext. 7580 or through its web portal.

For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.