Baltimore City Head Start is a family development and early childhood services program for low-income children and families in Baltimore City. Funded by the federal government, these services are free for families who meet income requirements or qualify for public assistance. The Child Care Scholarship Program (CCS) is a great option for working families in Maryland who need financial assistance to cover child care costs. This program is administered by the Maryland Child Care Resource Network (MCCRN), a collective of member agencies that strive to provide high-quality service to child care programs and families in its jurisdiction and throughout Maryland.
Once the child begins caring for the child, the child care provider submits a payment bill and then the State reimburses the portion of the scholarship payment. The Early Intervention Project offers free on-site consultations and support for young children in day care or day care if parents are concerned about their young child's development, behavior, or interaction with peers, or if their child has struggled in a group setting. Families take the scholarship to a child care provider who participates in Maryland's EXCELS program. The City of Baltimore Child Care Resource Center is a member of MCCRN and has funding provided by the Maryland State Department of Education, through the Maryland Family Network (MFN).
MFN provides technical assistance, information, and expert advice to current and future child care providers in family-based and center-based programs. The PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION CENTER FOR ONLINE CHILD CARE PROFESSIONALS offers information on how to register and view all the high-quality e-learning options available. The Howard County Child Care Resource Center helps parents, child care professionals, and the community find licensed day care by providing expert information and advice, offering training for child care professionals, and more. As the state coordinating entity for MCCRN, MFN will investigate any complaint or concern related to services and take appropriate action.
Applicants for a family child care license must meet a number of training requirements determined by the MSDE Office of Child Care. The Training Department offers 2- to 6-hour workshops, serial training, and pre-service training that meet the regulatory requirements of the Office of Child Care as well as the basic knowledge for the Maryland child care credential. MFN can help parents find and choose their child care program by providing a complete list of training workshops that indicate approved Knowledge Core areas which identify specific topics of interest needed to achieve or maintain levels within the Maryland child care credentialing program. Government-funded child care programs in Baltimore, MD are an excellent resource for low-income families who need assistance with childcare costs. From free consultations to financial aid, there are many options available to help families find quality childcare that meets their needs.
With so many resources available, it can be difficult to know where to start. This guide provides an overview of government-funded childcare programs in Baltimore, MD so that families can make informed decisions about their childcare needs.
