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SB 868

Relating to special education for children with a low incidence disability.

2025 Regular Session

Establishes a Maryland Substitute Child Care Provider Pool Pilot to recruit, credential, and place substitute staff in facilities from 2026–2030 with mandated funding.

Effective date, January 1, 2026.
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Bill Summary · SB 868

SB 868 — Substitute Child Care Provider Pool Pilot Program (Maryland)

Status: Introduced Jan. 28, 2025 (Sen. Henson). If enacted, program begins July 1, 2026 and ends June 30, 2030. Bill includes annual mandated funding for FY2027–FY2030.

Purpose

Establish a pilot program in the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to create regional pools of vetted, credentialed substitute child care providers so child care facilities can fill short‑term staffing gaps and continue operating without interruption.

Key provisions

  • Establishes the “Substitute Child Care Provider Pool Pilot Program” (Program) in MSDE.
  • Program period: begins July 1, 2026 and terminates June 30, 2030.
  • MSDE must select a single nonprofit to administer the Program and publish annual Program goals.
  • Annual grant to administering nonprofit: $350,000 for each fiscal year 2027–2030.
  • Governor must include an appropriation of $375,000 in each annual budget bill for the Program for FY2027–FY2030 (mandated funding).
  • Nonprofit eligibility requirements: public benefit corporation exempt from taxation; operate statewide; experience with all types of child care facilities; experience assisting individuals to meet legal requirements to work as child care providers.
  • Required uses of the grant by the nonprofit:
    • Organize substitute pools in at least three regions, including rural, suburban, and urban areas.
    • Recruit credentialed substitute providers to serve multiple participating facilities.
    • Assist substitutes in meeting employment requirements (criminal history checks per Family Law §5‑551), experiential/educational prerequisites, and required trainings (health/safety, first aid).
    • Where practicable, help substitutes complete registered early education apprenticeships.
    • Identify/organize participating child care facilities regionally and maintain required records.
  • Permitted uses: develop a statewide digital matching platform (including third‑party vendors) and provide incentives to encourage participation.
  • Reporting: MSDE must report to the General Assembly by Dec. 1, 2029 evaluating Program status and whether Program goals were met.

Who is affected

  • Child care facilities regulated in Maryland (licensed child care centers, registered family child care homes, registered large family child care homes).
  • Substitute child care providers (benefit from recruitment, training assistance, and potential apprenticeship support).
  • The nonprofit selected to operate the Program.
  • MSDE (administration, oversight, reporting).
  • State budget (mandated appropriations) and potentially small businesses in the child care sector (may gain access to reliable substitute staff).

Fiscal impact (from Department of Legislative Services)

  • Mandated appropriations: $375,000 annually for FY2027–FY2030.
  • Grant awards: $350,000 annually to the selected nonprofit (FY2027–FY2030).
  • Estimated state expenditures (including one contractual/grant manager) — FY2027: ~$446,000; FY2028: ~$434,500; FY2029: ~$438,200; FY2030: ~$442,100.
  • No state revenue impact reported. Small businesses (child care providers) may see meaningful benefits from improved staffing continuity.

Timeline / Procedural notes

  • Program start date (operations): July 1, 2026. Program end/termination: June 30, 2030.
  • Annual goals to be published by MSDE.
  • MSDE report due to General Assembly by Dec. 1, 2029 evaluating Program outcomes and goal attainment.

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

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