PA HB1653

Establishes a competitive grant program for nonprofit early childhood education organizations and public school districts to create or expand child care in rural Pennsylvania counties with population density under 291 people per square mile

Grant funds may be used for land purchase, facility construction, facility renovation, and two years of staff salary supplements to achieve salary parity with K-4 teachers

Requires certified prekindergarten teachers be paid at least the district's starting salary for PreK-4 certified teachers, and child development associates be paid at least the starting salary for K-4 teachers with no experience

Applicants must demonstrate at least one partnership with a local business (in the same or adjoining county) that agrees to pay a portion of child-care fees for employees' children attending the center

Takes effect 60 days after enactment; eligibility requires consultation with the Center for Rural Pennsylvania to confirm the county lacks adequate child care openings