Reference - Management Directive 205.21, Commonwealth Childcare Program
Management Directive 205.21 Revision No. 1, Commonwealth Childcare Program
Childcare Brochure
The Governor's Model Child Care Program establishes a workplace child care program which can be used as a model by other public and private employers, and provides quality childcare for children of Commonwealth employees in the Harrisburg area. Unlike private centers, parents, through parents associations, are responsible for the quality and financial management of the centers. They contract with a vendor who in turn employs the direct child care workers.
The centers provide convenient quality child day care for Commonwealth employees in the Harrisburg area at reasonable cost and offer significant involvement by parents into the management of these centers. Children between 6 weeks and 5 years of age and who are related to a Commonwealth employee are eligible (son, daughter, grandchild, nephew, niece, and by adoption, marriage, divorce, guardianship if child is living with employee).
During the initial start-up in 1990, the Commonwealth initially provided the host agencies grant monies for start-up costs for renovations, and major equipment/supplies. Today, the Commonwealth through the host agency and DGS continue to provide "landlord expenses" which involves, costs relating to the space, maintenance, utilities, appliances, and major equipment necessary for the safety and security of the children. Except for the landlord costs, the centers are to be self-sustaining and managed by parents associations.
Host agencies assign an agency liaison to provide advice and assistance to the parents associations on Commonwealth policies that impact on activities in the centers, as well as to advise agency management of budget and operational requirements. The liaisons also coordinate with the OA regarding policy issues.
