Gov. Hogan announces third round of Child Care Stabilization Grants
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Governor Larry Hogan has announced that the Maryland State Department of Education has opened the application window for the Child Care Stabilization Grant Program.
Through this program, $50 million in state funding will be distributed to help address the financial burdens and operational challenges face by childcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier this year, Governor Hogan announced the allocation of an additional $50 million in grant funding in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget to support childcare providers. In accordance with House Bill 89, enacted by the governor on April 21, 2022, these grants will be disbursed in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 to providers that have faced a financial hardship or suffered an operation burden during the health emergency. These grant funds may be used to support the developmental and learning needs of children, promote equitable access to high-quality childcare, and support a professional workforce.
The law requires MSDE to give preference to childcare providers based on certain criteria, in order of priority:
- Providers that have a demonstrated financial hardship that poses a significant risk of the provider’s business closing within the next 12 months
- Providers that have not received a stabilization grant in a prior application cycle
- Providers that participate in the Child Care Scholarship Program
- Providers located in areas designated by the MSDE as lacking childcare slots
- Providers that serve primarily low-income populations in areas of high poverty
- Providers that serve children with special needs
- Providers that serve children 2 years old and under
From now through August 22nd, MSDE will review and process applications on a rolling basis. On August 9, 11, 12, 15, and 16, MSDE will host virtual customer support meetings to meet providers’ needs. The application window closes at 11:59 p.m. on August 29th.
For more information on the Child Care Stabilization Grants, click here.
