The bill amends the Human Services Code of Pennsylvania to establish a Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program. This program aims to provide annual lump-sum retention and recruitment payments to qualified child care providers, contingent on available funding. The bill introduces a new article, ARTICLE XIII-B, which includes definitions for terms such as "qualified child care provider," "qualified staff member," and "newly hired qualified staff member." It outlines the application process for child care providers to apply for funding, the department's responsibilities in approving applications, and the allocation of funds for retention and recruitment bonuses.

Additionally, the bill specifies conditions for the use of payments received by child care providers, ensuring that these funds do not replace existing wages or benefits. It prohibits a qualified staff member from receiving both a retention and recruitment bonus in the same fiscal year. The department is granted authority to monitor and audit providers receiving payments and to recover funds if compliance is not met. Furthermore, the department is required to report annually on the program's activities, including the number of payments made and applications received. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 949 (Jun 18, 2025): P.L.31, No.21