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Council introduces multi-part childcare package: navigator, grants, scholarships and contract protections
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Summary
Councilmembers introduced and reported favorable committee action on multiple bills to expand childcare access in Prince George's County: CB 14 (navigator and strategic plan), CB 15 (facilities grant/loan program as amended), CB 16 (Early Start scholarships), and CB 18 (consumer contract protections). Committees voted favorably and sponsors said the measures address a shrinking supply and rising cost of childcare.
Prince George's County Council introduced a suite of childcare measures on March 31 aimed at expanding capacity, improving access and protecting families in childcare contracts.
CB 14-2026 would establish a county childcare navigator, require a strategic plan and annual reporting, and streamline the use of public facilities for before- and after-school care. Committee staff said the bill responds to a "significant decrease in childcare availability and a large increase in childcare costs in the county." (Committee staff)
CB 15-2026 (the Childcare Building Blocks Act) was presented as a childcare facilities grant and loan program to preserve and expand small and home-based childcare providers. Committee amendments converted the program to a grant program, removed nonprofits as eligible organizations, and limited administration to the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), FSC or an agency designated by the county executive; the Committee of the Whole voted in favor as amended.
CB 16-2026 (Early Start Childcare Scholarship Program) would create scholarships for modest-income families for children 0–3 years old, with eligibility limited to households below 30% of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan median family income; the Committee of the Whole reported a favorable 9-0 vote on the draft.
CB 18-2026 would require clearer consumer protections in childcare contracts, including hardship withdrawal provisions, disclosures and potential civil fines (staff noted fines not to exceed $1,000 per violation). The Office of Human Rights said enactment could increase complaints and require additional staffing. The Committee of the Whole voted favorably on CB 18 as amended.
Why it matters: council and committee staff emphasized the shrinking supply and rising costs of childcare in Prince George's County, and the package aims to build capacity, provide targeted scholarship support and protect families from unfair contract terms.
Next steps: the bills stand introduced and were reported favorably in committee; sponsors and staff expect follow-up work to specify administration, funding sources and program details.
