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From the Desk of
County Councilwoman Renee Knapp

(4/2025) In February, I, along with many others, were disappointed to learn that the Carl and Norma Miller Children’s Center, a childcare center operated by Frederick Community College, will be closing on May 16 due to financial challenges. Frederick County continues to face an enduring shortage of affordable childcare, and any loss of capacity will be felt, especially for those families who had children attending that facility. In addition to serving faculty and staff members in the FCC community, this center provides a crucial support system for student parents who are trying to further their education and career prospects. This center provides year-round services for infants 6 weeks or older to 5-year-old children. That kind of childcare is not easy to find or replace.

In 2024, the Division of Family Services commissioned a study on childcare demand and availability in Frederick County. Not surprisingly, the study found that the current number of available slots is not keeping up with growing demand. Parts of the County, particularly the more rural areas, are already experiencing a crisis level shortage. These areas rely more on home-based childcare arrangements. Closing child care centers in the more densely populated areas is not a trend that we want to see continue.

Last year, the County Council passed a Home-Based Daycare Property Tax Credit, which I sponsored. This tax credit applies to improvements made to a home to operate a home-based daycare business and is one way to help increase availability. Frederick County is continuing to look for ways to address the need for childcare. Building on the 2024 study, the Division of Family Services and the Division of Parks and Recreation have initiated a new Child Care Study to fully assess the availability and affordability of child care for infants through children 12 years old. This study will focus on identifying solutions for expanding access, especially for underserved communities. Additionally, this new study will explore the possibility of County-sponsored childcare services to increase childcare options. Study data will include geographic disparities, the best locations for childcare services, and financial feasibility. A high level of study participation will be key to gathering as much data as possible and the most accurate assessment. In addition to upcoming community engagement sessions, there will be surveys, focus groups, and interviews. More information can be found at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Childcare.

Frederick County is working on other ways to expand quality childcare. Recently, the Division of Family Services and Frederick County Workforce services announced a Childcare Initiative Program to support individuals wanting to enter the childcare profession. The program includes training and resources needed to start a licensed, family-owned childcare business. Childcare businesses are an essential component of our local economy and supporting them the same way we support tech start-ups, family farms, and other small businesses is the right thing to do. The program also offers pathways to childcare certification and professional development. It’s a great time to start a childcare business. The Childcare Initiative Program is free for eligible residents. Space is limited, and early application is encouraged. For more information, or to apply, visit the Frederick County Workforce Services webpage.

If you would like more information about these initiatives or any other issue, please feel free to email me at rknapp@frederickcountymd.gov.

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