FREDERICK, Md. – Frederick County, through the Divisions of Family Services and Parks and Recreation, in partnership with Public Consulting Group (PCG), has begun a comprehensive new Child Care Study to fully assess the accessibility, affordability, and quality of child care in the County for families with children aged birth to 12. This study builds upon the findings of the 2024 Child Care Market Study which focused on families with young children. The new study will gather additional information on families with children from birth through age 12 and identify viable solutions for expanding child care services to better support underserved communities.
In addition, the study will assess the possibility of County-sponsored child care services and explore new approaches to addressing child care gaps. Specific focus areas include:
Analyzing geographic disparities in child care availability, particularly in underserved areas.Assessing the financial and operational feasibility of establishing new child care centers.Determining the most strategic locations for creating child care services.Engaging stakeholders, including parents, providers, and community organizations to ensure a wide range of perspectives inform policy recommendations.
“Frederick County families continue to struggle with limited child care options, high costs, and a shortage of available slots,” said Kelli Goetz, Director of the Frederick County Division of Family Services. Joe Hayden, Deputy Director for the County’s Division of Parks and Recreation added, “This feasibility study will provide data-driven solutions to expand child care access and support our local workforce.”
The study will be conducted through a series of surveys, focus groups, and interviews. Community members will have an opportunity to provide input around the initial findings through a series of community engagement sessions. Findings will be compiled into a final report, which will include actionable recommendations for the County’s consideration.
Public participation is critical to the study’s success and will help shape the future of the children in our community. It’s important that Frederick County residents with children aged birth to 12 years old complete the survey and participate in focus groups. Information on the survey, focus groups, and upcoming engagement opportunities will be available on the County’s website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ChildCare and social media channels.
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CONTACT: Kelli GoetzDirector, Division of Family Services301-600- 1410