8.20.2020 Early Care and Education Initiative's Child Care Recovery Grant Program Awards $10 Million

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich announced today that 467 child care centers and family child care homes received a total of $10 million in awards through the County’s Child Care Recovery Program, which was approved by the County Council on June 16, 2020. The grants are critical to the County’s recovery so that families are able to go back to work and ensure that their children are in safe and caring environments. The funds support the reopening expenses and compensates providers for financial losses caused by COVID-19.   

“Providing safe child care, which is essential for so many of our residents - especially during this pandemic, is challenging and costly,” said County Executive Elrich. “I am pleased we are able to provide some relief for this vital requirement during these difficult times.” 

In March 2019, the County Executive and County Council unveiled the Early Care and Education Initiative (ECEI), a four-year action plan to expand child care options for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers; provide greater access to more families; and support schools and community providers. The effort is led by the County Executive, County Council, the County’s Department of Health and Human Services, Montgomery County Public Schools, and Montgomery College.  The ECEI Steering Committee serves as the lead in COVID-19 recovery issues for early care and education, including oversight of the Child Care Recovery Program. 

There are more than 1,300 licensed child care programs, including centers and home-based programs, in Montgomery County. Approximately 660 child care providers applied for these funds. A full list of those receiving grants can be found on the COVID-19 website.