Yesterday, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams announced two new initiatives — Childcare Subsidies and Academic Support Centers.

Olszewski announced that the County has allocated up to $7 million to provide childcare subsidies. Qualifying families with children ages 5 to 12 will receive $250 per week per child to cover the cost of care at any childcare provider licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). The County is streamlining the process by sending letters to potentially eligible families, such as those that already receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The County also announced that the Department of Recreation and Parks, the Y of Central Maryland, and other local daycare providers will open academic support centers to provide full-day, in-person childcare for families of children in Kindergarten to Grade 5. The centers will offer support for virtual learning as well as recreational activities and meals for students while maintaining social distancing and safety procedures.

From the press release:

“We have an obligation to support the working families hit hard by this pandemic as they navigate the multi-faceted challenges presented by COVID-19, a struggling economy and remote learning,” Olszewski said. “These programs will provide support for working parents, and our subsidy will ensure that our lowest-income residents can access the care they need to allow them to continue working.”

For more information, view the full press release.