State Human Services Secretary Tours Child Care Center

Dunham Children’s Learning Center Hosts Pennsylvania DHS Secretary to Highlight Child Care Policy Initiatives

The Dunham Children’s Learning Center at Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn College) recently welcomed Secretary Val Arkoosh from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. This visit was timed to coincide with her announcement of new policy priorities in child care, a sector that significantly impacts working families and child development across the state.

During her tour of the facility, Secretary Arkoosh expressed high praise for the center, stating, “I can’t imagine a nicer place for a child to receive early learning than this one.” The Secretary noted the palpable enthusiasm among staff and children alike, emphasizing the importance of creating nurturing environments for early education. Her visit was brief but impactful, featuring interactions within “The Birds” classroom, the center’s oldest, and an exploration of the center’s outdoor courtyard.

The Dunham Children’s Learning Center provides essential services to the children of Penn College students, faculty, and staff, catering to children aged 13 months to 5 years. The facility is designed with five classrooms, each tailored to different developmental stages, ensuring that children receive age-appropriate educational experiences. The center is equipped with a variety of play areas, including a notable water table constructed by Penn College General Services staff, which is designed to promote creative play through its innovative “mud kitchen.”

During her visit, Secretary Arkoosh shared insights from Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which contains significant provisions aimed at alleviating child care costs while simultaneously enhancing salaries for child care workers. This fiscal initiative underlines the administration’s commitment to supporting families and improving the overall quality of child care in Pennsylvania. Rising child care costs have been a point of concern for many families, and the proposed investments are expected to provide much-needed relief.

Penn College’s administration, including President Michael J. Reed and Children’s Learning Center Director Linda A. Reichert, were present during the visit, highlighting the collaborative effort to foster early childhood education in a supportive environment. The Dunham Children’s Learning Center not only serves as a vital resource for Penn College’s community but also exemplifies the larger movement towards enhancing child care solutions statewide.

This visit from Secretary Arkoosh and the announcements made underscore the ongoing dialogue surrounding child care policy in Pennsylvania, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing educational opportunities and support systems for children and their families. As policies continue to evolve, facilities like the Dunham Children’s Learning Center will remain critical in shaping the future of early childhood education.