Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced last week the 27 recipients of the Economic Development Authority’s $1 million Childcare Capital Grant, supporting new childcare centers, along with repairs and expansions that will increase childcare availability and opportunities in the county.
In January, County Executive Ball announced $1M in funding for grants to support new childcare centers and improvements to existing provider facilities. Grants ranging from $12,000 to $165,000 have been distributed to 27 childcare providers – both centers and home daycares – allowing family daycare providers the opportunity to improve the quality of their programs. There will be more than 100 new childcare placements available in the county with these center expansions.
In the Howard County press release, County Executive Calvin Ball said:
Finding quality and affordable childcare is an issue that affects an entire community – not just families. If working parents do not have available options, it creates a ripple effect for our entire workforce. That is why I am committed to expanding, empowering, and enlisting the help of our community partners to create more spaces for our youngest residents to grow and thrive. The investments we are making will ensure we are creating more opportunities for those who want to work with children, and for families who cannot afford the high cost of childcare.
As part of County Executive Ball’s overall childcare strategy, in addition to other programming and training to support childcare providers, the Howard County Office of Children and Families (OCF) piloted a new program to help seven entrepreneurs become brand-new family childcare providers in the community. Last year, the county also provided an additional $300,000 to expand the program, which has enabled 12 prospective and aspiring family-based childcare providers to enter the market. This opportunity opens up 96 spots.
Additionally, the plan extends to school-aged children, with a goal of increasing enrollment in before- and after-school programs. The County invested $3M in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds into their Department of Recreation & Parks before- and after-care programs, decreasing waitlists by more than 60%, from more than 1,000 people on the waitlist to about 400. Jennifer Jones, CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority, noted that “Our incredible childcare providers are the backbone of support for many families across the county,” said . “This initiative is more than just a financial investment, it’s a commitment to working families, to economic growth, and to the stability of the economy.”
Learn more about Howard County’s efforts to expand childcare opportunities.