Montgomery County has partnered with 10 community-based, licensed child care programs to add 75 Early Head Start seats for infants and toddlers, expanding access to early childhood education and support services for families across the county.
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is overseeing the expansion, which is supported by $677,656 in Fiscal Year 2027 County funding through the Early Childhood Education Initiative. The funding will help cover the cost of care for participating families.
Early Head Start serves infants and toddlers during the first three years of life, with a focus on early learning, healthy development and family support.
Families participating in the program will have access to high-quality infant and toddler care based on evidence-based practices, regular health and developmental screenings, health, mental health and nutrition support, and family engagement services designed to promote stability and resilience.
“Early childhood education gives children a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success,” County Executive Marc Elrich said. “Adding 75 Early Head Start seats helps more families access the early learning opportunities and support needed during a critical stage of their children’s development.”
According to DHHS Director Dr. James Bridgers, partnering with existing community-based child care programs allows the County to provide Early Head Start services in settings where families are already receiving care.
“By partnering with community-based child care programs, we’re ensuring that infants and toddlers have access to high-quality early learning environments where families already are,” Bridgers said. DHHS will also continue its partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools, which provides the preschool classroom component of the program.
