Therapeutic Child Care Grant Program

Background
The Therapeutic Child Care Grant Program was authorized in 2022 under Md. Code Ann. Education §8-420. This program aims to provide funding for health/medical-based child care services in coordination with early education for children under the age of 6 who have developmental delays, physical disabilities, or social, emotional, or behavioral challenges.

The program incorporates services previously offered under the Medically Fragile grant and is designed to support children with chronic medical conditions and those at risk for mental health disorders.

Work Details
The grant provides funding for non-profit and for-profit child care providers specializing in early childhood education for children with special needs. Eligible programs must be licensed in Maryland and demonstrate alignment with National Standards for Systems of Care for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs.

Services include:
- Comprehensive child care that meets the needs of children with serious medical and developmental challenges.
- Collaboration with hospitals and medical facilities to ensure emergency care.
- Continuous communication with families regarding children's progress.
- Reporting on costs per child and sources of funding.
- Implementation of individualized goals to prepare children for school readiness.
- Provision of additional services such as nursing, speech therapy, and physical therapy as needed.

Period of Performance
The grant period is from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

Place of Performance
Services will be provided within licensed child care facilities across Maryland.

Bidder Requirements
Eligible applicants must be licensed child care providers in Maryland. Priority will be given to programs serving low-income families receiving subsidies through the MSDE Child Care Scholarship Program. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate alignment with statewide poverty reduction efforts, particularly those targeting designated ENOUGH communities.