TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski this week announced the availability of $2.5 million in grant funding for licensed childcare providers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants, made possible through the County’s allocation of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds, will assist with stabilizing Baltimore County childcare providers in the latter stages of their COVID recovery and support those affected by under enrollment.

“High-quality healthcare keeps children safe, engaged and healthy — and it is absolutely essential for our working parents in Baltimore County,” said County Executive Olszewski. “These grants will help providers stay in business, rebuild from the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to nurture our youngest of learners.”

The pandemic had wide-ranging effects on childcare providers; a lack of attendance due to children staying at home coupled with increased safety and healthcare costs caused significant financial losses for these small businesses.

Eligible childcare providers should have 14 or fewer registered childcare slots and must have been licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education on or before March 11, 2021. Towson-based Abilities Network will administer the grant program, distribute grant payments and verify childcare licenses.

“Early learning is essential for our children’s future success, but COVID imposed huge hardships on childcare providers across our state. Through the American Rescue Plan, we provided local leaders with resources to meet critical community needs and I’m glad to see the County Executive investing these funds to strengthen access to quality child care for Baltimore County’s families and children,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

“We can’t talk about strengthening our economy without talking about how families care for their children while they are working,” said Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger. “The ARPA was and is a lifeline for small childcare businesses in Maryland – 67 percent of which reported a financial loss due to closures and reduced attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am proud to have supported this federal funding to help keep childcare workers on payroll while providing a vital community need.”

Grantees will receive $5,000 to support their childcare operation in its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, which must be used by December 31, 2024. Allowable expenditures include:

• Personnel costs
• Rent/Mortgage, utilities, facilities, maintenance, and insurance
• Personal protective equipment, cleaning, and other health and safety practices
• Equipment and Supplies
• Goods and services necessary for the operation of a child care program
• Mental Health Services

If the number of qualifying and complete applications received exceeds the amount of grant monies available, funding will be awarded in the order applications were received.

The application and full information about the grants are available on Baltimore County’s ARPA webpage. Application submissions will be accepted via email from Monday, May 22 at 9 am through Friday, June 2 at 5 pm.

Those interested in applying for the grants are encouraged to attend the Baltimore County ARPA Childcare Support Grant webinar on Monday May 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Interested organizations can register online here.