The initiative, managed by the MHA division Child Care Choices, provides aspiring providers with licensing guidance, professional training, and business coaching at no cost. By focusing on rural and high-growth areas alike, the program aims to close gaps in access that have long forced families in regions like Garrett and Allegany counties to travel significant distances for care. The model has proven highly effective, yielding participant completion rates between 90% and 92%.
Western Maryland Child Care Program Hits 100 Licensed Educators
One hundred licensed family child care educators have officially launched businesses through the Growing Opportunities for Family Child Care program, marking a regional record for the Mental Health Association of Frederick County. This expansion directly addresses critical child care shortages across five Western Maryland counties by empowering local entrepreneurs.
Sarah Martin, director of Child Care Choices, noted that the initiative does more than expand capacity—it creates sustainable local businesses and stable environments for children. Beyond the immediate increase in available spots, the program has driven a 20% rise in registered family child care homes in Garrett County alone. Lacey Eidman of the Maryland Family Network emphasized that this milestone highlights the necessity of investing in local entrepreneurs to stabilize the state's broader child care workforce.
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