PA human services secretary visits child care center

The Dunham Children’s Learning Center at Pennsylvania College of Technology served as the perfect setting for a visit Wednesday by Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, as she announced important child care policy priorities.

“I can’t imagine a nicer place for a child to receive early learning than this one,” Arkoosh said, as she toured Penn College’s child care facility. “The enthusiasm is evident when you walk through the door.”

Arkoosh shared Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal, including investments to address child care costs and boost income for child care workers.

She was greeted on her visit by Penn College President Michael J. Reed, the Children’s Learning Center Director Linda A. Reichert and additional staff members.

The center’s oldest class, called “The Birds,” hosted the special guest on her tour that included interaction on the facility’s outdoor courtyard that features a water table. Built by Penn College General Services staff members, the table houses a water trough with a galvanized steel bucket that drains into a “mud kitchen” for more child play.

The CLC serves the children of Penn College students, faculty and staff while their parents work or attend classes. The center cares for children between the ages of 13 months and 5 years (or until the child is enrolled in kindergarten). Five classrooms for different age groups are part of the facility.