Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams today announced two new initiatives – Childcare Subsidies and Academic Support Centers – designed to help support families of young children during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic.

Up to $7 million has been allocated to provide childcare subsidies for working families with children ages 5 to 12. The program aims to support low-income working parents who are not able to stay home to manage their children’s remote learning. Eligible families will receive a subsidy of up to $250 per week per child to cover the cost of care at any childcare provider licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits where all parents or guardians in the household are employed will be eligible.

Potentially eligible families will receive a letter by September 28 with instructions on how to access the online application portal. Families that believe they may be eligible but are not receiving SNAP can apply for SNAP and other assistance at the state’s Department of Human Resources website or call 311 to be connected to the Maryland CASH campaign for a benefits eligibility screening. 

In addition, the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks, the Y of Central Maryland, and other local daycare providers will open academic support centers to provide full-day, in-person childcare for families of children in Kindergarten to Grade 5. The centers will offer support for virtual learning as well as recreational activities. Students will be grouped in cohorts of up to 14 students. Social distancing and mitigation strategies will be followed, and meals will be provided. SNAP recipients who receive County Childcare Subsidies may use them at the academic support centers.

A full list of support centers can be found here: https://www.bcps.org/news/articles/article12840.html