ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore today visited Wonders Early Learning Center at Leland to participate in a roundtable discussion with parents, educators, and policymakers about expanding child care accessibility and affordability. During his visit, the governor learned first-hand about the resources available to families since the Child Care Scholarship Program's expansion, which the governor prioritized every year since taking office.

"Expanding access to affordable, quality child care is one of the best ways we can support our children and grow our economy at the exact same time," said Gov. Moore. "In partnership with the General Assembly, we will continue to help more Marylanders enter the workforce and ensure that every Maryland child grows up with a strong foundation by preserving our commitment to investments in child care. It’s good for our economy and good for our future."

The roundtable also included Maryland State Department of Education Superintendent Dr. Carey Wright; State Board of Education President Josh Michael; Delegate Jared Solomon; and Governor’s Office of Children Special Secretary Carmel Martin, all of whom discussed opportunities to continue to collaborate with providers, parents, and educators to further strengthen child care services in Maryland. 

The Moore-Miller Administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget includes more than $400 million in state funding for the Child Care Scholarship Program. This historic investment in child care - increased from only $59 million as recently as Fiscal Year 2023 - underpins the Administration’s progress on multiple strategic priorities including ending child poverty, connecting Marylanders to jobs, and increasing Maryland’s economic competitiveness. 

Since the beginning of the Moore-Miller Administration, child care access has grown tremendously, with 16,000 additional children receiving affordable, high-quality care-a 66% increase in program participation. The Administration has also extended no-interest loans to more than 120 child care businesses, covering nearly $20 million in capital expenses to acquire, expand, renovate, or build facilities to serve Maryland’s children.

"Maryland's investment in early learning is an investment in our children's future and our state's economic strength," said Maryland State Department of Education Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright. "By expanding access to high-quality child care, we're not just supporting families, but creating pathways for educational opportunity and workforce development that will benefit our entire state."

During his visit, the governor also toured the early learning center’s classrooms and stopped by a Pre-K class to read to students. 

"Wonders Early Learning and Extended Day was pleased to host Governor Moore and child care leaders from across the state," said Wonders Early Learning and Extended Day Executive Director Joanne Hurt. "We appreciated that we had the opportunity to invite Wonders parents and educators to the table for a thoughtful discussion about the importance of the state’s investment in young children, their families, and the early care and education workforce."

On Thursday, Governor Moore joined Baltimore County Educators at Reisterstown Elementary School to highlight the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act?, which will strengthen Maryland’s public schools by investing in Maryland’s educators. The strategic investments in educators and child care providers, paired with a historic $550 million investment in K-12 schools, will make Maryland a national leader for high quality education.