College Park Council to Discuss Childcare Assistance for Families and Local Providers

Finding affordable, reliable childcare remains a challenge for many College Park families. On Tuesday, October 20, the Mayor and Council will discuss recommendations from the City’s Childcare Task Force, including two proposed pilot programs that could help families pay for care and help providers expand childcare availability.

The Task Force identified high costs and a shortage of available childcare spaces as major barriers. The Council packet also notes that Maryland’s Child Care Scholarship Program has frozen new enrollments because of high demand and limited funding, leaving additional gaps for families seeking assistance.

Proposed Childcare Assistance for Families

Staff recommends considering a $100,000 childcare assistance pilot, with awards of up to $2,500 per household. The program would help eligible College Park families cover approved childcare expenses, potentially including daycare, preschool, before- and after-school care, and summer care.

Proposed eligibility guidelines would require both the child and parent or guardian to live within City limits and use a licensed or otherwise legally authorized provider. Assistance would consider household income and other available benefits. Staff proposes an income limit of 100% of the applicable area median income benchmark, with assistance decreasing as income increases.

If Council supports moving forward, staff would develop detailed program rules, including benefit limits and a transparent process for prioritizing applicants if demand exceeds available funding.

Helping Childcare Providers Expand Access

A second proposal would establish a one-year, $100,000 Childcare Provider Capacity Grant Program, offering competitive grants of up to $25,000 per provider.

These grants could help providers create additional childcare spaces, retain staff, extend operating hours, improve facilities, purchase equipment, or reduce costs for qualifying College Park families. The proposal also contemplates reimbursement assistance for new providers who complete certification requirements.

Priority would go to projects demonstrating measurable benefits for City residents, particularly families facing financial barriers. Recipients would be required to document spending and report outcomes, such as additional spaces created, existing spaces preserved, or care made more affordable.

Better Information and a Child Tax Credit Study

The City is also working to make childcare information easier to find. A City webpage and resources on CollegePark.life are being developed to help families identify providers, understand assistance options, and navigate applications. The packet anticipates the CollegePark.life resources by the end of October and the City webpage by mid-November.

Separately, a $25,000 grant from Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign is supporting a study of a possible municipal child tax credit. Sage Policy Group will examine legal feasibility, potential program design, fiscal considerations, and possible benefits for families. This work does not establish a tax credit, and the grant cannot be used for direct subsidies to parents or businesses.

What Happens Next?

At the October 20 worksession, Council will discuss the recommendations and provide direction on whether to develop and fund the two pilots in FY2027 or FY2028. Together, the proposed pilots would require $200,000. Neither program has been approved or opened for applications.

I encourage residents, parents, caregivers, and childcare providers to share their perspectives as we consider practical ways to make childcare more accessible and affordable.

The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, in the second-floor Council Chambers at City Hall, 7401 Baltimore Avenue. Residents may also join through Zoom. Written comments may be sent to cpmc@collegeparkmd.gov by 5 p.m. on meeting day.