Substitute Child Care Provider Pool Pilot Program - Established

SB 868 establishes a 5-year pilot program (2026-2030) within Maryland's State Department of Education to create regional pools of substitute child care providers. The program directly helps child care facilities facing temporary staffing shortages and supports providers seeking to meet licensing requirements. A nonprofit organization will receive annual $350,000 grants to recruit qualified substitutes, assist them with background checks and training, organize regional pools (including rural, suburban, and urban areas), and develop a matching platform connecting providers with facilities. The program requires facilities to participate and aims to ensure continuous operation of child care services during short-term staffing gaps.