Bill > SB868

This bill establishes the Substitute Child Care Provider Pool Pilot Program within the State Department of Education to address short-term staffing challenges in child care facilities. The program will run from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2030, and aims to create pools of qualified substitute child care providers across different regions of the state (rural, suburban, and urban). A nonprofit organization will be selected to administer the program and receive an annual grant of $350,000, with the goal of recruiting and supporting substitute providers who can fill temporary staffing needs. The selected organization will be responsible for recruiting credentialed providers, helping them meet legal and training requirements (such as criminal background checks and safety training), and creating a digital platform to match substitute providers with child care facilities. The program will also focus on helping substitute providers complete early education apprenticeships and will be required to develop annual goals and provide a comprehensive report to the General Assembly by December 1, 2029, evaluating the program's effectiveness. The Governor is expected to include $375,000 in the annual budget to support the program, which is designed to help ensure the continuous operation of child care facilities by maintaining a pool of qualified substitute providers.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0868?ys=2025RS