Governor Moore and Maryland Department of Labor Announce $1.5M Home-Based Child Care Expansion Program

ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland Department of Labor today announced the launch of the Home-Based Child Care Expansion Program, a $1.5 million competitive grant initiative designed to tackle the biggest barriers working parents encounter while looking for child care by increasing the number of licensed, home-based providers operating in underserved neighborhoods and at unconventional hours.

"Every child deserves the care they need to grow and every family deserves the opportunity to provide that care," said Gov. Moore. "By investing in child care programs with proven results, we're building communities that foster Maryland children's success and support hardworking families no matter their situation."

"Child care is essential for working families," said Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu. "The Maryland Home-Based Child Care Expansion Program will be a game-changer: expanding the number of family child care providers and the number of child care spaces available across our state. Critically, this program will focus on expanding child care during nontraditional hours to support workers in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and warehousing."

The Maryland Department of Labor will award grants of up to $250,000 to organizations with demonstrated expertise in guiding prospective child care providers through the process of establishing or expanding family child care facilities.

This support will help current and prospective child care providers that run care centers out of their own homes more quickly overcome financial and operational barriers, like navigating the administrative requirements to confirm a facility meets health and safety regulations and that new staff meet training standards. Grants will fund expenses such as staffing support and licensure, business coaching, safety modifications or equipment, child development or instructional materials, and staff recruitment costs.

The program is funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which enables governors to designate funds to support their states' highest workforce development priorities.

"Costs are skyrocketing for Americans-from groceries to gas to child care," said U.S Senator Angela Alsobrooks. "States like Maryland are taking it into their own hands to fight back. I am thrilled that with the launch of this program, more children in the state will have the affordable, accessible child care and support they need, and that parents here in Maryland will have some much needed relief. We know the greatest divide in our country at this moment is between the American people and the American dream. Grants like this one help us close the gap and bring Maryland families closer to achieving the American dream. I'm grateful that Governor Moore is expanding investments in the home care workforce and finding innovative solutions for families."

Accessible, reliable, and affordable child care is a critical economic driver for Maryland families and businesses. Every year, thousands of Maryland parents must change jobs, decline new opportunities, or leave the workforce because they cannot find child care that meets their needs, especially parents who work early mornings, evenings, or overnight shifts.

Eligible applicants include non-profits, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, child care networks, local government or county agencies (including local workforce development boards), registered apprenticeship sponsors, and other organizations as approved by the Maryland Department of Labor.

The agency will give scoring preference to applications focused on communities designated under Maryland's ENOUGH Initiative, administered by the Governor's Office for Children to combat childhood poverty.

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a pre-proposal conference on Monday, November 30 at 10 a.m. Applications are due Friday, January 29, 2027 by 11:59 p.m. EST.

For complete grant guidelines, policy documentation, and to register for the pre-proposal conference, visit the Maryland Department of Labor website.

Federal Funding Disclosure: The Maryland Home-Based Child Care Program is 100 percent funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through awards totaling $1,500,000.

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The Maryland Department of Labor strives to create an equitable and inclusive Maryland where all residents have the opportunities and resources to attain financial stability, reach their career potential, and contribute to their communities; where businesses have access to capital and the skilled workforce they need to succeed; where workplaces are safe and well-regulated; and where the economy is resilient and growing. For updates and information, follow MD Labor on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and visit our website.