Commonsense Proposal Would Elevate Representation of Parents, Providers, Say Leadbeter, Klunk

June 3, 2026

HARRISBURG - In order to put families in the driver's seat to make critical decisions, Reps. Robert Leadbeter (R-Columbia) and Kate Klunk (R-York) are teaming up to introduce legislation that would give parents and providers more power in improving the state of childcare in the Commonwealth.

This robust initiative, which is part of the House Republican Caucus' Childcare Affordability Legislative Package, would create a public board for the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This group would be made up of providers and parents from each Early Learning Resource Center region across the state to ensure transparency within OCDEL, provide oversight, review licensing procedures and policies, and help shape agency policy within OCDEL.

"As a father, I recognize the importance of utilizing expertise from those with boots on the ground to make sound judgments on policy impacting our young people," said Leadbeter. "By giving parents and providers more of a say, they can offer insight into real-world application of these regulations and create informed decisions. Leveraging their knowledge to improve the status quo will result in more effective policies, stronger compliance, and better outcomes for children and families."

"Ensuring parents and providers have a meaningful role in shaping childcare oversight is essential to building a system that truly works for families," said Klunk. "Strengthening transparency and inviting those closest to the challenges into the decision making process will lead to smarter policies and better outcomes for children across Pennsylvania. I am hopeful our colleagues will see the value of this proposal, so we can create transformative change within this essential industry, which supports our children and families."

According to a 2026 Archbridge Institute study, Pennsylvania is the third-most regulated state in the nation for childcare. OCDEL, which is overseen by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Department of Education (PDE), is tasked with implementing most of the Commonwealth's state and federally funded early learning plans. This includes licensing, capacity-building, and quality improvement for childcare; eligibility determination for subsidized childcare services; support for families of young children through home visiting; and more.

Representative Robert Leadbeter
109th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nate Temple
717-260-6396
[email protected]
RepLeadbeter.com

Representative Kate A. Klunk
169th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Katelin Morrison
717.260.6502
[email protected]
RepKlunk.com / Facebook.com/RepKlunk / Instagram.com/RepKateKlunk