Policy Implications of COVID-19 for Maryland Child Care Systems

• In Event: Rapid, Responsive, Relevant Research for Childcare: The Ecology of COVID-19

Abstract

A Maryland statewide nonprofit working in the field of early care and education, conducted a survey of all child care programs (family child care and center based child care) from May 5 to May 15, 2020 asking child care programs what the impact of Coronavirus/COVID-19 is having on their program including financial losses and closure decisions, as well as what supports were needed to help programs respond to the public health crisis.
The non-profit began as an advocacy organization and the survey continued that tradition of advocacy and collaboration. We paired with state agencies and partner child care associations in generating the survey. The survey was available online and there was significant outreach to make sure programs knew of the opportunity to participate. We had a response rate of 41.6% of all programs, including programs that were open as well as closed. All 24 jurisdictions of the state were represented as well all types of early care and education programs.
Key takeaways from the survey include:
· Over two-thirds of programs indicated significant financial losses;
· The average monthly loss to programs was: $56,400 for center based programs and $4,800 for family child care programs;
· Over one-half of programs indicated possible permanent closure;
· Over 70% of respondents indicated they would need grants to reopen;

The findings have significant impact on parents needing care. During the height of the pandemic, Maryland paid specially opened programs to care for children of essential personnel for over 8 weeks; there currently appear to be no additional funds for long term sustainability.
As the pandemic continues, we stand by the original findings of the survey and the implications for the field of early care and education. Though 70% of programs are reopened, they are doing so on required reduced capacity, and many programs (particularly center based programs) indicate that they are still on the verge of permanent closure.
The report generated substantive public interest, including media interviews, and public radio. Researchers also presented to a subcommittee of Maryland’s General Assembly which had in turn met with state agencies to address the problem; legislation is being considered. The information also has been used locally to develop county specific initiatives to help programs in the long term.

Author

• Steve Rohde, Maryland Family Network
  Presenting Author