Maryland Family Network

10/22/2026

Think you know how much child care costs? Think again.

A new report from New America's Better Life Lab reveals a gap between what people think care costs and what families actually pay.

Understanding the true cost of care is key to building better policies for families and providers.

Learn more: https://www.newamerica.org/insights/the-care-disconnect/

10/21/2026

🔊 A new substitute pool for Maryland child care centers is in development—and we want your input! Maryland Family Network is designing a centralized substitute pool to help licensed child care centers find qualified temporary staff when they need coverage.

The goal: Make substitute staffing easier by reducing the time and administrative work involved in recruiting, onboarding, and paying substitutes individually.

The pilot is still in development, and we're looking for child care centers interested in helping shape the program.

Interested? Join the child care center interest list:

Maryland Family Network is developing a shared substitute pool for licensed child care programs. Join the interest list for pilot updates and early participation.

10/20/2026

🎉 A new Patty Center is officially open in Crisfield!

On October 15, Maryland Family Network celebrated the ribbon cutting of a new Patty Center – Family Support Program in Crisfield, operated by First Wave Families in partnership with Maple Shade Youth & Family Services.

The center expands access to free support for expectant parents and families with children ages four and younger in Somerset County, offering parenting education, developmental screenings, playgroups, parent support, and connections to health and community resources.

Thank you to our partners at the Maryland State Department of Education State Department of Education, First Wave Families, and Maple Shade Youth and Family Services for helping make this exciting milestone possible. 💙

10/20/2026

LOCATE: Child Care gives you options that actually fit your family. Start your search now and find child care that fits. https://bit.ly/4hjjaxJ

10/18/2026

¿Ya solicitó su cuenta GRATUITA de LOCATE: Child Care? Tener un perfil completo ayuda a las familias a encontrar su programa y le permite cubrir los cupos disponibles. Solo le tomará unos minutos. Ingrese en https://bit.ly/4qXP3QN

¿Tiene preguntas? Escríbanos a [email protected]

10/16/2026

Caring for your family shouldn't mean putting your livelihood at risk.

Maryland's Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program will provide eligible workers with paid, job-protected leave to welcome a new child, care for a loved one, or address their own serious health needs.

Maryland Family Network helped lead the effort to pass the Time to Care Act and continues advocating for effective implementation so Maryland workers and families can access the support they need.

Benefits are scheduled to begin January 3, 2028.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/ndRwikt

10/15/2026

A Child Care Substitute Pool is coming to Maryland! When a child care educator is unexpectedly absent, the impact extends beyond the classroom—disrupting programs, families, and workplaces.

Maryland Family Network, in coordination with the Maryland State Department of Education, is developing a statewide Substitute Pool to connect licensed child care centers with qualified, vetted educators for temporary coverage.

We’re inviting child care centers and prospective substitutes to help shape this new initiative. Learn more and join the interest list: https://buff.ly/zKo24Zi

We coordinate Maryland’s early childhood network — connecting families to support, early childhood professionals to resources, and policy to practice — so every child’s first years are strong.

10/15/2026

Mark your calendars and join Family Tree on Saturday, November 7th! Did you know BCCCRC has a resource room just for you? Stop by between 8:30am and 11:30am. See the flyer below for details. Register by clicking the link ➡️ https://buff.ly/DFRU8fD

10/13/2026

Enter your location. Choose your preferences. Get matched with options near you. Get started with LOCATE: Child Care today. https://bit.ly/4hjjaxJ

10/11/2026

Ingrese su ubicación. Indique sus preferencias. Encuentre servicios de cuidado cercanos que se adapten a sus necesidades. Comience a usar LOCATE: Child Care hoy mismo. https://bit.ly/3TjZnWH