Davidson introduces legislation to protect families and educators from abrupt childcare closures
Rep. Nate Davidson May 7, 2026 | 11:14 AM
HARRISBURG, May 7 – State Rep. Nate Davidson, D-Cumberland/Dauphin, today announced the introduction of legislation (H.B. 2492) designed to provide stability for Pennsylvania families and childcare workers by requiring licensed childcare providers to provide a 30-day notice prior to closing their doors.
The legislation stems from the closure of a childcare facility in Davidson’s district that abruptly left parents without care and educators without employment.
"I was reminded by Miss Jodie, one of my children’s childcare teachers, that 'children are our most important community members,'" Davidson added. “Families rely on stable childcare, and they deserve predictability when it comes to the care and education of their children.
“Childcare is an essential component of every community and the backbone of our economy, impacting every generation in a family, regional employers, and the educational foundation of our children.
"When a facility closes abruptly, it creates a crisis for everyone involved. Parents are forced to scramble for new arrangements in an already strained market, and dedicated teachers are left without a paycheck. This bill is about basic fairness and providing the time necessary to navigate these difficult transitions.”
Given the current shortage of childcare providers in Pennsylvania, parents may be unable to find another provider with the capacity to care for their children in an already crowded market. Those who depend on these facilities need time to respond to closures and make new plans. Sudden closures put dedicated teachers out of work without a paycheck, place children into instability, and impact the employment of parents who rely on these essential services every day.
Under H.B. 2492, any licensed childcare provider in Pennsylvania would be required to notify both families and employees no later than 30 days before a permanent closure. This standard, which is already in place in several other states, would ensure that families have a meaningful opportunity to secure alternative care and give administrators and teachers a bridge to find new employment.
House Bill 2492 is currently awaiting consideration in the House Children and Youth Committee.