MACo to General Assembly: Provider Hubs Are Additional Tool in Expanding Pre-K Services

Brianna January

March 7

On March 6, 2024, Associate Policy Director Brianna January submitted written testimony to the House Ways and Means Committee in support of HB 1455 - Public Prekindergarten and Child Care Providers - Waiver Action Plan and Assistance Hubs. This bill requires the Maryland State Department of Education and the Blueprint Accountability and Implementation Board to create a network of child care provider hubs across the state.

Counties have worked creatively with local school systems to support and grow early childhood education programs and workforces, but they need greater support from the State and legislature to successfully implement the Blueprint's vision for pre-K in Maryland. While the capacity and situation vary between counties, these are near-universal issues facing every corner of the state.

From MACo Testimony:

HB 1455's creation of a network of assistance hubs located in diverse parts of the state will not only support local providers but will also create a statewide infrastructure for peer support, business development, and resource sharing. In doing so, HB 1455 helps address the Maryland's current challenges of not having enough early childhood education private providers and workers to expand pre-K services as envisioned under the Blueprint.