If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of running a family child care #home, or you’re already in the thick of it, you might soon have a big reason to smile: the forthcoming Licensing Compliance Grant for Family Child Care Providers (LCGFCCP) is designed to help with quality improvements, start-up expenses, and long-term sustainability. It’s like a little sunshine after a rainy day — especially for those looking to build, grow, or upgrade their child care program in Maryland. Learn more here: https:// #earlychildhood. #marylandpublicschools.org/LCGFCCP
While we wait for the grant to go live, now is the perfect time to get prepared. Whether you’re brand-new or seasoned, having the right training and tools will help you make the most of this opportunity — and build a stronger, happier, and more sustainable child care program.
Thinking of opening a family child care home? The online course 24-Hour Family Child Care Pre-Service Training is a great place to start. It covers everything from licensing basics, #health-and- #safety, to daily care and #developmental support — all in bite-sized, online-friendly chunks. It’s like a friendly guidebook to help you build your child care foundation with confidence.
For those who've already dipped their toes into the childcare world, or for anyone who wants to refresh their knowledge, this course is a great way to ensure you're up to #speed. It’s important to feel ready — especially when you might be applying for new grants, or making improvements.
Running a child care home isn’t just about loving kids (though that helps a lot!). You need to know regulations, safety, program structure, record keeping — and how to set your home up so it’s a safe, nurturing environment. That’s why the article “How to Start a Daycare with the Right Qualifications” is a must-read for Maryland family child care providers.
It walks you through what it takes — from getting licensed, making sure your home meets safety and health standards, to understanding the paperwork. Think of it as a friendly checklist you can follow to make sure you’re starting off on the right foot.
If you pair that with the pre-service training, you’ll be covering all of the essentials: from compliance to qualification, and everything in between.
If you’re serious about child care as a long-term #career — not just a short-term project — you might want to check out the Maryland Family Child Care Provider Career Program Bundle. This resource is like a starter pack of everything you need: training, tools, documentation, and confidence.
It’s a smart way to invest in your future as a provider. With this bundle, you’re not just meeting minimum requirements — you’re building a foundation for sustainable, high-quality care that families in Maryland can trust.
So, what’s the deal with the upcoming LCGFCCP grant? While details are still being finalized, the offer is promising: financial support to help family child care providers and center-based programs with licensing compliance, quality improvements, and program sustainability.
That might mean help with: safety upgrades, training costs, materials, or even administrative support. For a small home-based provider, that kind of financial breathing room can make a big difference.
Here’s how you can get ready:
Get trained now — complete your pre-service or continued education so when the grant opens, you’re already in compliance.
Make a checklist — use the “How to Start a Daycare” article as a guide to inventory what you have and what you might need.
Plan for #growth — if you intend to expand or improve your space, draft a plan now so you’re ready once grant funding becomes available.
Consider investing in the career bundle — having professional documentation and training will strengthen your eligibility and set you up for success.
Family child care providers are the heart of #early-childhood care in Maryland. Small, home-based providers offer warmth, individualized attention, and flexibility that many families rely on. With the upcoming grant support, plus smart training and resources, providers will be better equipped to deliver high-quality care, stay compliant, and build sustainable businesses.
Whether you’re starting fresh or fine-tuning what you already have — with the right preparation and support — you can build a program that children love, families trust, and that stands the test of time.
Keep checking back with LCGFCCP updates here: https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/LCGFCCP and get your training lined up now.
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