Early Care and Education Initiative (ECEI) Recovery Fund

The Montgomery County Council appropriated $10 million to provide reopening expenses for licensed childcare center programs, registered family childcare homes and letter of compliance programs.

Of the amount appropriated:

• $6.5 million is targeted to licensed child care centers and letter of compliance programs
• $3.5 million is targeted to registered family child care homes

Eligible child care providers may receive a grant equal to one month of expenses to support early care and education operations until tuition payments are collected as well as compensation for significant financial losses caused directly or indirectly by COVID-19 restrictions.

Child Care providers must be in good standing with the State of Maryland. ( check "Good Standing" status )

Eligibility Requirements

Child Care Provider Must

• have a licensed child care center, a registered family child care or large family child care home or a letter of compliance program located in the County;
• provide child care to children from birth to the age of five;
• be in good standing with the State of Maryland*; and
• be able to reopen by August 31, 2020 (exemption for child care programs located in public school buildings only)
• have 60% of children served at site(s) be Montgomery County residents

Priority Consideration

Priority for Child Care Programs that

• serve children receiving federal, state, or local subsidy;
• serving children with special needs;
• are located in targeted zip codes (20877, 20886, 20902, 20866, and 20906);
• participate in the Maryland EXCELS

Maximum Grant Amounts

• $75,000 for one site
• $150,000 for two sites
• $200,000 for three sites
• $250,000 for four or more sites

Steps to determine if you are in “good standing” with the State of Maryland (not required for sole proprietors):

• Go to Maryland Business Express
• In the "Business Quick Links" section, select "Business Entity Search".
• Enter your business name and select "Search".
• Your business will be listed if you are registered.
• Select your business and check under the General Information tab to verify that your business is in Good Standing. It is not necessary to order a copy of your certificate of good standing.