Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, Secretary of Administration (OA) Neil Weaver, Department of General Services (DGS) Secretary Reggie McNeil, and Public Utility Commission (PUC) Vice Chair Kimberly Barrow joined child care staff, teachers, and parents at the Keystone Early Learning Center (KELC) to celebrate the opening and ribbon-cutting of an expanded new facility that increases access to on-site child care for Commonwealth employees working in the Capitol Complex. The expansion will significantly increase capacity, adding space for 68 additional kids and bringing the total that can be served at the KELC to 162.
“We understand that the high cost of child care and the low wages in the field hurt working families and child care providers — and it hurts our economy,” said Lt. Governor Davis. “Through this whole-of-government approach to supporting child care, we are making our values known and telling the private sector that we want you to do more, but we will be there right alongside you. There is still more we should do to support the child care space, and our administration will continue to identify ways to bolster the field.”
“Increasing child care capacity in the Capitol Complex is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to making the Commonwealth a top employer that understands supporting employees also means supporting their families,” said OA Secretary Weaver.
“As we continue to right-size the Commonwealth’s real estate footprint, our focus is on ensuring every space serves a purpose for Pennsylvanians,” said Secretary McNeil. “The Keystone Early Learning Center expansion demonstrates how smart facility investments can support working families, enhance early learning, and create environments where people feel supported all at once. Space matters, and when it’s designed well, it can positively impact those who work and learn inside it.”
The KELC, operated by TodayCare Children’s Centers, is located in the Keystone Building in Harrisburg. High demand means the facility is frequently at its maximum capacity and must put new children on an enrollment waiting list. The Public Utility Commission, headquartered in the Keystone Building, serves as the sponsoring agency for the daycare. The daycare is open to eligible children of Commonwealth employees in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Previously, 6,700 square feet, the new space adds 6,200 square feet to the KELC to accommodate approximately 68 additional children for a new maximum capacity of 162. Construction of the new addition includes various classrooms, a full kitchen to serve both daycare areas, and an indoor play area. The total cost of the project was approximately $4.1 million.
