The Prekindergarten Education Implementation Committee had several recommendations for the Legislature in December 2024, including continuing to invest in a mixed delivery system with access to pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds. The details of implementation will be addressed within the scope of the broader education transformation process enacted by H.454. Budget negotiations during the session highlighted the need to continue to advocate to protect the increased funding levels and mechanisms Act 76 enacted, specifically payroll tax revenue. The Legislature adopted language in the budget to maintain funding levels for child care in future years and established a reserve fund in the event that payroll tax revenue continues to exceed current year CCFAP case load expenditures. The legislature also increased infant and toddler care reimbursement rates by 5%.
Other legislative decisions not directly related to Act 76 but impacting early childhood education included continued investment in the Early Childhood Youth Apprenticeship program and the Child and Adult Food Program. The Early Childhood Youth Apprenticeship Program establishes a pipeline for professional development from high school. The Child and Adult Food Program subsidizes meals in participating child care programs.
Elements of the original Act 76 legislation still pending implementation include reports from DCF and AOE on the reorganization of DCF to increase responsiveness and elevate the status of early childhood services within AHS by November 1, 2025. Limits to child care programs’ ability to increase their tuition rates were scheduled to go into effect July 1, 2025.
