A new Spotlight PA report found that 260 licensed child care centers across Pennsylvania closed between March and the beginning of September, largely a result of the pressures brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

And as federal relief funding dries up and the pandemic lingers, advocates warn that the worst could be yet to come, and more of the 6,500 child-care programs that remain operational could close, too. 

The Context: Interviews with eight child-care providers offer a glimpse into the wide variety in reasons for centers closing up. Some had difficulty recruiting workers, while other experienced challenges in finding and paying for cleaning supplies and making up for revenue they lost during the business shutdown.

For months, the state continued making payments to providers based on how many children they had enrolled before the pandemic, even at centers that saw enrollment plunge or that were temporarily closed. Those payments equaled about $370 million.

The state switched back to its old formula at the beginning of September, over the objections of the Pennsylvania Child Care Association and other advocates. Now, going forward, providers will receive payments only for the number of students they are actually, currently serving.

Advocates estimate some programs could lose up to 30% of their revenue.

“Twenty-three thousand landlords have applied for this money. My goal is to still get this bill through with some changes and make it a lot easier for landlords and lenders to get the money.”

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COSTUME SHOP: Feeling antsy about what you'll wear for Halloween? Millersville University's costume shop might just be the place for you. But beware: You'll need an appointment.

FEEL GOOD STORY: While the pandemic has caused unthinkable financial damage and tightened people's budgets, it's also inspired a surge in local giving in the Lehigh Valley.

A SEAT AT THE TABLE: A group of Bangladeshi immigrants are making inroads in the "club" of Philadelphia politics.

OUTSIDE THE BOX: Need some inspiration to get creative while we're still stuck at home? Take a page out of these actresses' books, who are starting a new venture with their talents.