4 days ago
Somerset teacher shortage, leaders warn of worsening child care crisis
SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A growing shortage of child care teachers is shutting down classrooms and straining working families across Pennsylvania, prompting Somerset County leaders to call for urgent state investment.
At a press conference Thursday hosted at The Learning Lamp Center for Children, lawmakers, business advocates and child care experts detailed the economic fallout of the staffing crises, pointing to recent state and local surveys. According to a statewide survey of child care providers, 92% reported difficulty recruiting staff, while 85% cited ongoing shortages. In Somerset County alone, 17 positions remain unfilled, leaving more than 200 children without care.
Dr. Leah Spangler, CEO of The Learning Lamp, said the Somerset location is down seven teachers. If fully staffed, it could serve an additional 63 children. Across six locations in Somerset, Cambria, Fayette and Westmoreland counties, 48 open jobs translate into nearly 300 children unable to access care.
Business leaders also shared the results of a Pennsylvania Chamber Survey, which found that 81% of employers are struggling with recruitment and retention due to limited child care options. Another 69% said helping employees meet child care needs is 'extremely or very important.'
The economic toll is staggering. A ReadyNation and PA Early Learning Investment Commission report estimates the child care crisis is costing the state $6.65 billion annually in lost earnings, productivity and tax revenue.
State Senator Pat Stefano (R-32), who attended the press conference, emphasized the broader implications.
'For every teacher that we're missing, we're missing those students that could be filling those spots,' Stefano said. 'Which means there are mothers and fathers who can't go to work. Creating a workforce crisis.'
The event also pointed out the United Way's latest Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) report, which shows 45% of Somerset County households earn below the ALICE Threshold, meaning they struggle to afford basic needs despite being employed. The average child care teacher salary, $29,480, sites just $764 above the minimum survival budget for a single adult in Somerset County.
Poll results released by the Early Learning PA Coalition showed overwhelming public support for action. Among 700 likely voters surveyed, 98% agreed early childhood education is vital, and 83% supported more state funding for child care teacher recruitment and retention.
Advocates are now urging lawmakers to back Governor Josh Shapiro proposed $55 million budget item that would provide licensed child care centers an extra $1,000 per educator to fill vacancies and stabilize the workforce.
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