Penn College News

Children’s Learning Center receives stabilization grant

Monday, March 28, 2022

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Dunham Children’s Learning Center received an American Rescue Plan Act Child Care Stabilization Grant of $171,572.

The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Education through STEP Inc. It is part of $655 million released in Pennsylvania to stabilize the state’s child care industry.



The Dunham Children’s Learning Center at Pennsylvania College of Technology is among recipients of an American Rescue Plan Act Child Care Stabilization Grant.Eligible expenses include:

  • Personnel costs, including for both recruitment and retention efforts, such as sign-on bonuses and pay increases.

  • Operational costs, such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, maintenance and insurance.

  • Health and safety costs, such as personal protective equipment, cleaning and sanitation supplies, and staff professional development related to health and safety practices.

  • Equipment and supplies.

  • Goods and services necessary to maintain or resume child care services.

  • Mental health services for children and staff.

  • Reimbursement for past COVID-19-related expenses incurred after Jan. 31, 2020.


The Children’s Learning Center used the grant to show appreciation to the center’s staff with a front-line essential worker bonus; to purchase hands-free soap dispensers and faucets, as well as a deep freezer, dishwasher and refrigerator; to recoup revenue lost when families who were asked to quarantine did not have to pay tuition to the center; and to hire a mental health consultant for staff and a yoga teacher for children. Funding was also used toward salaries and benefits for current staff members.

The Children’s Learning Center at Penn College is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. It holds the highest rating – four stars – from the Pennsylvania Keystone Stars program. To learn more, call 570-320-8026.

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.