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SB 503

Growing Family Child Care Opportunities Program - Funding

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nancy King

Maryland bill creates Growing Family Child Care Opportunities Program with funding to expand home-based child care services for working families and providers.

Third Reading Passed (121-12)
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Bill Summary · SB 503

Legislative bill overview

SB 503 establishes the Growing Family Child Care Opportunities Program in Maryland, which provides funding to expand family child care services. The bill allocates financial resources to support child care providers operating in home-based settings, aiming to increase availability of affordable child care options for working families.

Why is this important

Family child care serves as a critical alternative to center-based facilities, particularly in rural and underserved areas where traditional child care centers may be unavailable. Increased funding could help address Maryland's child care shortage while supporting small business owners and enabling more parents—especially lower-income workers—to maintain employment.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and fiscal impact: The bill went to Budget and Taxation committees, suggesting questions about where money comes from and whether funding levels are adequate for meaningful expansion
  • Program structure and oversight: Unclear whether providers receive direct subsidies, grants, training funds, or other assistance, and what regulatory requirements they must meet
  • Equity and access: No specified details on how funding targets underserved communities or ensures equitable distribution across urban and rural areas

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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