On Friday, January 5, Governor Josh Shapiro joined legislative leaders and the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry to highlight the recent expansion of the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit for over 210,000 Pennsylvania families at the Upper Main Line YMCA in Chester County. 

In 2023, the average cost of childcare in Pennsylvania was between $9,000 – $13,000 per child. This equates to more than 15 percent of a median family’s annual income, for childcare alone.

A Leading Provider of Childcare

The backdrop of the YMCA makes sense. The YMCA is the largest provider of childcare services in the state with more than 65,000 enrolled in programming.

In Chester County, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine – an association of nine locations including the Upper Main Line YMCA – provides childcare services to more than 4,500 children and their families through early learning centers, summer camp, and before and after enrichment programming. 

Families need support more than ever. The YMCA awards upwards of $2MM each year in financial assistance for programs like childcare, summer camp, before and after school enrichment, and critical health and wellness programs.

In 2023 YGBW allocated 38 percent more financial aid for childcare programming as compared to 2022.

Hopeful for the Future

As a nonprofit organization serving a large percentage of the county, the YMCA is dedicated to strengthening the Chester County community. Partnerships with legislators, community leaders, business, and individuals help to ensure a brighter future for all. 

“As a working mother who relied on the YMCA’s early childhood education centers, I am grateful that the Child and Dependent Tax Credit bill, which Rep. Davis and I proposed, became part of the fiscal code,” said Representative Melissa Shusterman.

“This tax credit means real money for working parents and that can be a game-changer.” 

Read more about the tax credit expansion on YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s website.

More about the Expansion of the Childcare Tax Credit.