Maryland State Wire

Gov. Larry Hogan has announced Maryland's Child Care Subsidy Program will now allow even more children to have access to programs provided by the state.

The annual income eligibility limits have been increased to allow a family of two a maximum annual income of $48,637, to a family of 10 with a maximum annual income of $102,996. The new limits were effective Aug. 1.

Bill Reinhard, the director of communications for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), said the requirements for the program are based on income and family size, and that parents can apply by visiting the department's website.

"Quality child care provides a wealth of learning opportunities for the youngest learners," Reinhard said in an interview with Maryland State Wire. "MSDE works with our child care providers to make certain age-appropriate learning activities take place, and our data shows that this works. We assess students as they enter kindergarten and have found those children who have had the opportunity to learn in quality environments are much more prepared for learning at that level."

Reinhard said the program receives both state and federal funding. This year, Hogan approved funding that was needed to lift the wait list the program had been on for nearly seven years. Hogan also provided funding to increase the provider reimbursement rate by 8 percent, according to the news release.

Hogan signed into law a bill this year that will increase the provider reimbursement rates for the next three years. It will be at no less than the 60th percentile of the cost of the child care market rate by 2022, according to the news release.

The Child Care Development Block Grant made it possible for the state to reach more eligible families with its improved funding.

"Economically disadvantaged families who might not otherwise have the opportunity to send their children to quality child care providers [will benefit the most from this program]," Reinhard said.

The revision of the program's income guidelines means more children can participate in education programs and school and training programs across the state, according to the news release.

“This program is critically important to expanding educational opportunities for Maryland’s low-income working families who depend on this assistance,” Hogan said in a news release. “Doubling this funding allows us to provide more families with much-needed relief and ensure that more of our kids have access to quality child care and educational programs, providing the foundation for success in the classroom.”

State Superintendent Karen Salmon said in the news release that they want to take advantage of an important expansion in the eligibility of more students.

"High-quality care and education programs at a young age translate to a better start in kindergarten," Salmon said in the news release. "We want families to take advantage of this important expansion in eligibility."