Maryland Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland Department of Labor have announced a new $1.5 million grant program aimed at expanding access to licensed home-based child care, particularly in underserved communities and for families needing care outside traditional working hours.
The Home-Based Child Care Expansion Program will provide competitive grants of up to $250,000 to organizations that help individuals establish or expand licensed child care businesses operating out of their homes.
The initiative is designed to address child care shortages that affect working parents, especially those employed in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing and warehousing, where early morning, evening and overnight shifts are common.
Grant funding can be used for staffing support, licensing assistance, business coaching, safety improvements, equipment, educational materials and employee recruitment. The program will also help prospective providers navigate licensing requirements and health and safety regulations.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, community groups, faith-based organizations, colleges and universities, child care networks, local government agencies and workforce development organizations.
Applications focused on communities participating in Maryland’s ENOUGH Initiative, which aims to reduce childhood poverty, will receive additional consideration.
The $1.5 million program is funded entirely through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
A pre-proposal conference for interested applicants is scheduled for Monday, November 30, at 10 a.m. Applications must be submitted by Friday, January 29, 2027, at 11:59 p.m.
Additional information, application guidelines and registration details are available through the Maryland Department of Labor:
https://labor.maryland.gov/employment/wd-home-based-child-care-expansion.shtml
